The top 60 local SA footy young guns to watch in 2024 revealed
There is no shortage of up-and-coming talent in local SA footy and we’ve picked the 60 fast-starting young guns who could be set for big 2024 seasons. See who made the cut.
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From budding stars to players looking to put their name on the map, local SA footy is packed with talented young stars.
With the 2024 season now over a month old, we’ve taken a look at the players aged 21 and under in the state’s country and suburban competitions who have had a fast start and could be set for a big campaign.
Here is our top 60 in alphabetical order.
KYNEN ADAMS
(Mallee Districts)
Strong in the contest with reliable skills to boot, Adams has continued to develop his game for Mallee Districts.
A workhorse through the middle who can also move up front and hit the scoreboard.
Has four best player mentions and four goals in five games so far.
CALEB BARTON
(Athelstone, Adelaide Footy League)
A skilled and crafty forward who can create goals for himself and others, Barton has been one of Athelstone’s standouts so far this year.
The emerging teenager has 15 goals and two best player nods in six games for the Raggies in division two, including a goal of the year contender against Flinders Park.
ARCHER BAWDEN
(Mt Lofty, Hills Football League)
One of Mt Lofty’s top players last season, Bawden has continued his high level of play in 2024.
With the ability to read the play as well as anyone and cut off a number of attacks with strong intercept marking skills, Bawden has proved integral to the Devils’ success.
Has two best player nods in four games so far.
HARLEE CHANDLER
(Cummins Rambler)
One of the most promising young players in local SA footy, Chandler is versatile enough to play in any line and boasts brilliant aerial ability.
A strong player who can play inside and out as well as up front, Chandler has dominated for the Magpies this year to tally three best player performances and three goals in four games.
Was also a standout in the SA Country Championships last season and made the state country side which took on WA.
PATRICK CHAY
(Hatherleigh, Mid South Eastern Football League)
A 20-year-old forward who possesses a strong mark and impressive athleticism, Chay has broken out as a young gun up front in the Mid South Eastern FL.
Chay was consistent for Hatherleigh throughout the 2023 MSEFL season, and has started his 2024 campaign on fire with 26 goals from six games.
PRESTON COCKATOO-COLLINS
(Port District, Adelaide Footy League)
Son of Che Cockatoo-Collins, Preston Cockatoo-Collins has continued his solid play for Port District this season.
The 20-year-old can play both wing and forward and should be a strong and explosive option for the remainder of 2024.
Has one best player nod and seven goals in three games.
JAYDEN DAVIS
(Prince Alfred OC, Adelaide Footy League)
Davis has emerged as one of the top forwards in division one of the Adelaide Footy League in recent seasons.
A talented key target who can burn defenders with smart leads and finish well in front of goal, Davis booted 60 goals in 22 games to lead the competition during PAOC’s premiership season in 2023 and has five foals so far this year.
Also plays for Adelaide’s SANFL side.
HUGH DE SIRA
(Glenunga, Adelaide Footy League)
De Sira has been a consistent option for Glenunga this season and will be one to watch for the remainder of 2024.
A former West Adelaide player who can fill a number of roles, De Sira is clean with the ball and makes good decisions.
Has one best player performance and three goals in six games.
JAMES ELLIS
(Fitzroy, Adelaide Footy League)
Supporting key forward Josh Rosenthal this season, James Ellis has been a dangerous goal sneak for Fitzroy.
A smart player who always finds space up front and finishes in a number of ways.
Has a whopping 41 goals already this season.
SAM ERBSLAND
(Macclesfield, Hills Country Division)
An impressive player for Langhorne Creek’s senior colts side last year, Erbsland made the move to Macclesfield for 2024 and has started the season well.
The rising star teenager wins plenty of his own ball in the contest and is able to take strong marks and deal to teammates at a high efficiency.
Has two best player nods in five games.
SAXON EVANS
(Willaston, Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association)
21 this year, Evans’ ability to win plenty of the footy in the contest and set up his team for opportunities at goal has been key for Willaston so far this season.
A strong and skilled player, Evans has two best player nods and three goals in five games.
ETHAN FIELD
(Mt Barker, Hills Football League)
A talented 20-year-old midfielder, Field has emerged as a key player for Mt Barker.
Provides great run and carry and wins a number of contested possessions for the Roos.
Has three best player nods and a goal in his six games so far.
JACK FLETT
(Happy Valley, Southern Football League)
Flett has burst onto the scene in the Southern Football League for home club Happy Valley this season after a number of years in the South Adelaide system.
A talented midfielder with clean skills and the ability to impact the game at either end of the ground, Flett has been named among his side’s best in all six of his appearances and has two goals.
BAILEY GASKIN
(Yankalilla, Great Southern Football League)
Joining Yankalilla from Kangaroo Island, Gaskin has been the standout player for the Tigers so far this season.
A hardworking midfielder who is strong in the contest and has a safe pair of hands, Gaskin has been named among his side’s best in all five of his GSFL appearances and also has four goals.
CODY GILCHRIST
(South Gawler, Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association)
An exciting tall forward utility for South Gawler, Gilchrist will be one to watch in the BLGFA for years to come.
Standing at six feet and six inches tall, he returned to the Lions after playing a couple years of underage footy at Central District in the SANFL.
A major marking threat and a reliable kick for goal, Gilchrist had a fantastic 2023 and has five goals and two best player nods in five games this year.
TOM GILES
(Nuriootpa, Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association)
An up and coming young gun midfielder who can also play around the ground, Giles has been a solid contributor for Nuriootpa after returning from Central District.
Skilled on the ball and with a good footy IQ, Giles has a best player performance in his first six A Grade games this season.
HEATH GROWDEN
(Willaston, Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association)
Growden is playing his first full BLG A Grade season in 2024 after a year with the Central District U18s and has impressed so far as a tireless utility.
Smart in possession and a constant threat in space or in front of goal, Growden can damage opposition in a number of ways.
The 18-year-old has three best player mentions and four goals in six games for the Donnybrooks.
BILLY HAEBICH
(Tasman, Port Lincoln Football League)
One of the most promising young players in local SA footy, Haebich won both the PLFL U19 award and Mail Medal in 2022, produced another brilliant campaign in 2023 and is off to a strong start this year.
Haebich has been brilliant through the middle – his run and carry as well as composed ball use makes him one of the most dangerous players in the competition.
Has two best player nods and two goals in four games this year.
BLAKE HIGGINS
(Brighton, Adelaide Footy League)
A former prospect for Sturt and Blackwood, Higgins has continued to improve since joining Brighton in 2021.
Higgins provides consistent run and carry on the outside and can set up teammates with damaging disposal or create for himself.
Has a goal and a best player performance in six division one games this year.
JACK HODGES
(Payneham Norwood Union, Adelaide Footy League)
A promising young utility out of North Adelaide, Hodges has provided a boost for PNU in division one of the AdFL.
Hodges is a tall and strong player who can pinch hit in the contest and also play up front as a damaging forward who boots goals and creates for others.
Has a best player performance and 12 goals in six games for the Falcons, including a five-goal haul against Brighton.
MALAKAI KARTINYERI
(Ramblers, River Murray Football League)
The son of local SA footy legend Mervyn ‘The Wiz’ Kartinyeri, Malakai has been putting his own name on the map in the River Murray FL.
A young star with slick skills who is clean in the contest and can play a number of roles, Kartinyeri often runs rings around his opponents.
Has four best player mentions and six goals in five games.
SHAY LINKE
(Tanunda, Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association)
A 20-year-old star who has returned to Tanunda after time with Central District, Linke has been dominant in the BLG this year as a damaging forward.
Linke is a tall target with safe hands and brilliant finishing abilities in front of goal.
He has 19 majors and four best player mentions in five games so far.
COOPER LLEWELYN
(Ports, Eastern Eyre Football League)
The 2022 EEFL Mail Medallist, Llewelyn has been at his best again for Ports so far this season.
The 21-year-old midfielder is a machine in the contest, attacking the footy relentlessly to win key possessions and deal to his teammates with ease.
Has three beat player performances in three games so far this year.
CHARLIE MCARTHUR
(Goodwood, Adelaide Footy League)
A versatile asset who can play up front or along the wing.
McArthur is a tireless worker who always provides a strong option with reliable marking ability, distribution and finishing in front of goal.
Has five goals and a best player appearance in five div two games this year.
HENRY MCAULIFFE
(Sacred Heart OC, Adelaide Footy League)
A talented small forward and mid in his early 20s, McAuliffe had an impact for Hearts in division one last season and has already shown improvement this year.
Skilled with the ball in hand and a great finisher in front of goal, the youngster has 10 majors and two best player nods in six games so far.
AUSTIN MCDONALD
(Barossa District, Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association)
Another prospect returning to the BLG from Central District, 20-year-old McDonald has hit the ground running for Barossa District.
A talented forward who has great hand and foot skills and a reliable shot for goal, McDonald has seven majors and two best player nods in three games so far.
Is also listed with Adelaide’s SANFL side for 2024.
DARCY MCDONALD
(Old Ignatians, Adelaide Footy League)
Joining the Wolves as an old scholar this season, McDonald’s play through the middle and on the flanks has made him a standout in division two so far this season.
A skilled player with accurate disposal, McDonald has four best player nods and two goals in six games.
TERRELLE MCKENZIE
(West Augusta, Spencer Gulf Football League)
A star utility who can also perform up front as a goal threat, 19-year-old McKenzie will be one to watch as he continues to perform at a high level in the SGFL.
McKenzie is a tall and strong player who takes big marks and is efficient by foot.
Has three best player nods and seven goals in his six games so far.
JAIDYN MEAD
(Modbury, Adelaide Footy League)
A star young gun for Norwood last season, Mead joined Modbury after a couple of reserves appearances for Hectorville in 2023 and has emerged as a bright talent.
Mead is a running defender who can also slot in through the midfield or on the wing, often racking up a number of disposals and marks and damaging opposition with his accurate kicking.
Has four best player nods and two goals in six AdFL division two games.
AIDAN MUDGE
(Kapunda, Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association)
A versatile asset who can dominate a game across the backline or through the middle.
Mudge is only 20 years old but has the ability to impact a game in a number of ways and has become one of Kapunda’s top prospects.
Has two best player performances and a goal in four games.
LUKE MITTON
(McLaren, Great Southern Football League)
Returning to McLaren after gaining SANFL League experience with South Adelaide last season, 20-year-old Mitton has been one of the top players in the GSFL so far this year.
A brilliant user of the footy who can slot in through the middle and also have an impact up front.
Has four best player nods and seven goals in five games for the Eagles.
BLAKE NEWSHAM
(South Whyalla, Whyalla Football League)
The 20-year-old onballer was a standout in the WFL last season and is off to a strong start in 2024.
Newsham has the ability to hit the contest hard and win his own contested footy and also displays consistent distribution around the ground.
Has one best player performance in four games so far this year.
COOPER O’LEARY
(Broadview, Adelaide Footy League)
A rising young star for Broadview in division one, O’Leary’s ability to impact the game on the ball or along the wing has been important for the Tigers.
The younger brother of club captain Jay O’Leary, 20-year-old Cooper is a great user of the ball and can also burn opponents with pace.
Has three best player mentions and three goals in six games.
CORMACK O’REILLY
(Athelstone)
A skilled mid out of Woodville-West Torrens, 20-year-old O’Reilly has been one of Athelstone’s best performers this season.
O’Reilly is courageous in the contest and uses the ball as well as anyone in division two.
Has four best player nods in five games to go along with three goals.
ARCHER PERTZEL
(Marble Range, Port Lincoln Football League)
The winner of the Port Lincoln FL U17.5 medal in 2022, midfielder Archer Pertzel has developed into a promising young player with Marble Range.
A skilled player with high potential through the middle, Pertzel played association footy last season and also for Norwood’s U18s.
Has one best player performance and two goals in four A Grade games this year.
BYRON PICKETT
(Koonibba, Western Eyre Football League)
ickett is an up and coming star in local SA footy.
A strong and athletic player for Koonibba in the Western Eyre FL, Pickett has produced a number of standout displays so far this year including a 13-goal performance against West Coast Hawks.
Has 27 goals so far this season.
AUSTIN POULTON
(Freeling, Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association)
A standout young gun midfielder for Freeling, Poulton has continued to impress in the BLG through the start of season 2024.
Poulton is a ball magnet who wins plenty of contested possessions for his side and uses the footy efficiently.
Has two best player performances and a goal in five games so far.
CHARLIE PRIDHAM
(Glenunga, Adelaide Footy League)
A star youngster signed by Glenunga from Goodwood for season 2024, Pridham has emerged as one of division one’s most promising players.
Pridham is a smart halfback who uses the ball as well as anyone for the Rams and has excelled under Nathan Grima so far.
Has four best player nods and two goals in six games.
COOPER PROMNITZ
(Prop/Risdon, Spencer Gulf Football League)
One of the most promising young stars in the Spencer Gulf, Promnitz was a major part of Proprietary/Risdon’s premiership last year.
A great distributor of the footy, Promnitz is an agile player who brings a reliable field kick to the side, makes quick decisions and can also boot goals.
The 21-year-old has two best player nods and seven majors in four games so far this year.
LACHLAN SCHULTZ
(Uraidla Districts, Hills Football League)
20-year-old Schultz has been a standout for the Demons so far this season and will be one to keep an eye on in the HFL.
Skilled on the ball and a reliable user, Schultz has produced strong displays against some of the competition’s top sides this year in Hahndorf, Onkaparinga Valley and Mt Lofty.
Has three best player nods and a goal in five games.
JAYDEN SCOTT
(Aldinga, Southern Football League)
Joining Aldinga after a strong season with Myponga-Sellicks in the GSFL, Scott has emerged as one of the top young forwards in the SFL.
A supreme athlete with a big leap and the ability to take huge marks, the 20-year-old is adept at playing as a key target or moving up the ground to create for teammates.
Has 18 goals and three best player mentions in six games.
KANE SHERLOCK
(Henley, Adelaide Footy League)
One of West Adelaide’s most promising players in 2023, Sherlock was a major pick-up for Henley ahead of its 2024 division three season.
The 21-year-old can play a number of roles around the ground and is one of the division’s cleanest players in the contest.
Has three best player nods in six games so far.
WILL SHERMAN
(Mt Lofty, Hills Football League)
One of the top performers for the Devils so far this season, Sherman has continued his development in to one of the HFL’s top prospects.
A composed and smart player in possession, Sherman provides security for his side and damages opponents with his ability to win the ball in the air and at ground level.
Has four best player appearances in five games.
MITCHELL SIMS
(South Gambier, Limestone Coast Football League)
A tough and tireless player who can also rotate through the middle and up front, Sims has been one of the best young players in the LCFL.
The 20-year-old has been among South Gambier’s best players in two of his five games and has also kicked four goals.
Produced his best display of the season so far against reigning premier Millicent.
HENRY STEWART-RATTRAY
(St Peter’s OC, Adelaide Footy League)
Also a consistent performer for SPOC through the middle last year, 20-year-old Stewart-Rattray has been a standout for the club again in 2024 as it aims to stay alive in div one.
A reliable user of the footy who damages opposition with his disposal by foot.
Has four best player nods and two goals in six games.
CODY TAPE
(Tea Tree Gully, Adelaide Footy League)
A 20-year-old emerging talent out of Norwood’s youth program, Tape has featured regularly for the Gullies senior side this year.
The damaging forward who can also play along the wing has impressed so far this season for TTG, tallying two best player nods and seven goals in his six games.
AIDAN THATCHER
(Golden Grove, Adelaide Footy League)
Thatcher has improved through recent seasons for Golden Grove and the 21-year-old has had his best start to a campaign for the Kookaburras this year.
A versatile player who can play behind or on the ball, Thatcher possesses reliable skills in the air and at ground level.
Has three best player performances in six games.
LACHIE THOMAS
(Jervois, River Murray Football League)
A versatile player who can play all over the ground, Thomas typically plays his best in midfielder/wing and half-forward roles, dominating with his elite distribution and accurate finishing for goal.
The youngster was one of the standouts for Jervois throughout the 2023 season as the club claimed another River Murray FL premiership.
Has two best player nods and four goals in five games this year.
BROCK THOMSON
(Paskeville, Yorke Peninsula Football League)
Named as the YPFL’s best player under 21 last season, Thomson’s work through the middle for Paskeville makes him a standout.
A strong and athletic player, Thomson is a ball magnet who distributes as well as anyone.
Has two best player appearances and two goals in six games.
BAILEY THORP
(South Gawler, Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association)
Still in his teens, Thorp has progressed into one of the top players for South Gawler so far this BLG season.
A courageous player in the contest who completes a number of intercepts each outing for the Lions and finds teammates with efficient disposal, Thorp has four best player nods in five games.
ADAM TOWK
(Langhorne Creek, Great Southern Football League)
A promising junior with the Hawks through a number of years, Towk has become an A Grade regular for his club in 2024.
Towk is a tireless worker on the ball and wins a number of contested possessions for Langhorne Creek each week.
Has three best player mentions and a goal in six games.
HARRY TUNKIN
(Millicent, Limestone Coast Football League)
A former young star with Prince Alfred College and Glenelg’s U18s side, Tunkin has been a standout since returning to his hometown club of Millicent.
A strong-bodied midfielder who loves doing the dirty work for his side, Tunkin can break a game open with his ability to win the contested footy and distribute to teammates.
Was best on ground for the Saints in last year’s grand final and has three best player mentions and two goals in four games this year.
KADE VARCOE
(Millicent, Limestone Coast Football League)
A rising young gun for Millicent, 20-year-old Varcoe will again be one to watch this year.
A member of last season’s SA Country team, Varcoe covers ground as well as anyone and has the ability to finish with composure in front of goal.
Has a best player performance and a goal in four games so far.
RILEY VERRALL
(Tea Tree Gully, Adelaide Footy League)
A talented defender who has come through Norwood’s reserves and U18s system, Verrall has been solid for TTG in division one.
The 19-year-old was dominant for the Redlegs U18s and continued his momentum to be picked regularly in the Gullies’ A Grade side.
A strong and athletic player, Verrall has stood up against some of the competition’s best players, with two best player performances in six games so far this year.
FINN WAKELIN
(Rostrevor OC, Adelaide Footy League)
A former star at college level for Rostrevor, Wakelin has impressed for Rostrevor Old Collegians in division two so far this AdFL season.
A fast-developing ruck and key forward utility, Wakelin is strong overhead and can hit the scoreboard efficiently.
Has 12 goals and three best player nods in six games.
JADEN WARD
(Tailem Bend, River Murray Football League)
Ward currently leads the RMFL in goalkicking for season 2024 at just 19 years of age.
A strong target with safe hands and a reliable kick, Ward has proved tough for any opposition to handle as he continues to develop into a star.
Has 20 goals and four best player nods in six games.
CAMPBELL WATTS
(Kingston, Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League)
A prime mover for Kingston, Watts is one of the most promising players in the KNTFL.
Watts is a workhorse who finds plenty of the ball and either deals to teammates efficiently under pressure or hits the scoreboard while up front.
Has four best player appearances and three goals in five games.
JAMES WHITE
(Tea Tree Gully, Adelaide Footy League)
A talented youngster who has played a number of roles since joining TTG from North Adelaide, White has been a standout in div one so far this season.
White covers ground as well as anyone in the competition and is skilled and reliable in possession.
Has three best player mentions and a goal in six games.
OLLIE WILKIN
(Prince Alfred OC, Adelaide Footy League)
A member of Sturt’s U18 side last year, Wilkin has impressed since joining the Old Reds for season 2024 in div one.
Playing in a number of roles so far this season, Wilkin has displayed his ability to make the right decisions under pressure and find his teammates with efficient disposal.
Has two best player nods in six games.
FLETCHER WISMAN
(Glenunga, Adelaide Footy League)
In his early 20s, the Glenunga forward can also play through the middle and was a consistent member of the club’s A Grade team during its grand final run last year.
Adept above his head and a reliable set shot for goal, Wisman has seven majors and two best player nods in his three games this year and could be set for a big campaign.
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