The college footballers to watch during the 2022 First XVIII season, including Kane McAuliffe, Anthony Munkara, Ashton Moir
First bounce of the SAAS First XVIII college football season is upon us with the state’s best schools ready to do battle. Here are the top 14 players to watch in 2022.
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The 2022 SAAS First XVIII college season is finally upon us, with round one set to begin this Saturday.
The state’s best footy schools will clash in division one with a new finals and grand final format being added to the competition.
With multiple talented Year 12s leaving after last season, some up and coming youngsters and solidified hot prospects are ready to make a name for themselves.
In no particular order, these are the top players to watch during the First XVIII season.
KANE MCAULIFFE
Prince Alfred
Winner of last season’s James Gosse Medal, 17-year-old midfielder/half-back Kane McAuliffe is set for a big year with the Reds.
While he could miss the first two weeks through injury, the skilful and imposing teenager will slot back into the side seamlessly.
“Everyone’s expecting a fair bit from Kane,” coach Matt Slade said.
“He had a great season last year with us and he’s continued to improve for North Adelaide.”
HUGHEN WISSMAN
Prince Alfred
Another improving young star at North Adelaide, Hughen Wissman’s ability to win the ball in the contest will be important for Princes this year.
The midfielder consistently led by example in last season’s competition and coach Matt Slade had been impressed by his development throughout early 2022.
“He’s growing at a great rate and has been playing well out at North so we’re excited to see what he can do,” Slade said.
JACK HODGES
Rostrevor
Rostrevor coach James Allan had high praise for emerging star ruckman and defender Jack Hodges heading into the 2022 season.
The versatile teenager continued to impress during the offseason, showing the ability to dominate in the ruck and give his teammates first use, while also becoming a strong contesting defender.
“He’s got great size and he’s a very good athlete,” Allan said.
“I’ve been speaking about him a fair bit – he’s going to be important for us in the ruck and down back.”
HARVEY PEDLER
Rostrevor
Mainly specialising as a key forward, Harvey Pedler has also been working as an inside midfielder under Allan as of late.
He possesses a penetrating left foot and has developed his body to be able to deal with inside pressure and do work in congestion.
“He’s a strong forward but he’s also becoming really adept at getting himself out of traffic by using the power he possesses physically and with his kick,” Allan said.
With the added versatility to his game, Pedler could be one of the big improvers across First XVIII football.
ANTHONY MUNKARA
Westminster
Anthony Munkara burst onto the scene for Westminster late last season when he booted nine goals in a game against Trinity after arriving as a boarder from the Tiwi Islands.
With height and supreme athleticism, Munkara has the ability to play through the ruck and also up front as a key target.
Munkara – who is tied to Essendon through its Next Generation Academy – is extremely skilful and adept on both sides of his body, making him a player opposition would want to nullify.
“He can play, ruck, on ball, up forward, he’s going to be a real danger for us,” coach Tim Weatherald said.
“He showed a lot last year and now with another preseason under his belt we’re really excited to watch him.”
CLAY SHADFORTH
Westminster
An exciting prospect out of the NT, Clay Shadforth is an explosive and skilful forward and will play for Westminster as a Year 10 boarder.
He played alongside Eddie Betts for Palmerston in Darwin last year and has already shown coach Weatherald glimpses of magic.
“He’s going to be really exciting, he’s very dangerous with ball in hand,” Weatherald said.
JACKSON BISHOP
Scotch
Jackson Bishop has developed well during his time at Sturt and has Scotch coach Ben Nelson excited to see what he can provide his college side this season.
With great size and a strong mark, Bishop will play through the ruck for Scotch and will also spend time as a big target up front.
“His development has been great,” Nelson said.
“He’s got a bit of a basketball background so he possesses great skills and reflexes and his hands are very good.
“We’re interested to see how he develops.”
KYAN EAGLETON
Scotch
Kyan Eagleton was a mainstay in Scotch’s midfield last season and 2022 will be no different.
A strong prospect on West Adelaide’s list, he has a high work rate and the ability to hit every area on the park by foot.
“Kyan’s a really hard working midfielder,” Nelson said.
“He can push hard forward, he’s explosive and is very good by foot.”
ISAIAH WILKSCH
Immanuel
Immanuel’s captain for 2022, Isaiah Wilksch has proved to be a dangerous winger and midfielder for both Immanuel and Norwood.
He is a fast and damaging player with the ball who can cut teams up with his efficient disposal and quick decisions.
“He played really well for us last year and he’ll be important for us again this year,” coach Mark Bickley said.
“He’s been a great leader too.”
PHOENIX FOSTER
Immanuel
Immanuel’s number one ruck Phoenix Foster has had a strong preseason according to coach Bickley.
The rising young star has also shown he can go forward and be a strong target in front of goal to have an impact on the scoreboard.
He’ll be of significant importance to Immanuel’s campaign this year.
“His tap work is superb, he’s our number one ruck for a reason,” Bickley said.
“He’s looked really solid heading into the season.”
JAKOB RYAN
Sacred Heart
A standout across half-back for Sacred Heart last year, Jakob Ryan looks set for another strong season according to coach Jon Symonds.
A wise decision-maker out of defence, Ryan is an explosive and damaging player who was a key part of the college’s successful 2021.
“He comes into his senior year as a leader of our side and a key part of the defence,” Symonds said.
“He’s very fit and provides us with a lot of run and rebound.”
ASHTON MOIR
Sacred Heart
Talented utility Ashton Moir could be set to emerge as one of the college competition’s star players in 2022.
The Glenelg prospect showed promise for Sacred Heart last year, and coach Jon Symonds believed he could now take his game to the next level.
“He’s very talented and athletic, and a really strong mark of the footy,” Symonds said.
“He’s adept on both sides of his body and both sides of the ball as well.
“He has some more experience under his belt now so we’re definitely eager to see him out there.”
FRASER BONE
St Peter’s
A versatile player who can also take over the game playing in the ruck, Fraser Bone will captain St Peter’s in 2022 alongside Billy Dowling.
Bone possesses safe hands around the footy and is able to provide a target up front when he isn’t giving his teammates first look at it in the middle.
If he can continue to develop under new coach Josh Francou, St Peter’s could be a force in 2022.
BILLY DOWLING
St Peter’s
St Peter’s College co-captain, Billy Dowling has the potential to be a dominant on-ball player in 2022.
A strong prospect for North Adelaide in the SANFL, the midfielder has managed to develop his game over the last year.
He provides a strong body and a cool head in the contest and is a natural leader on the ground.
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