What sport will teenage sensation Patrick Weckert pick – football or cricket?

D-Day looms for teenage sports sensation Patrick Weckert, considered one of the SANFL’s top 2023 AFL draft prospects and one of cricket’s most exciting young fast bowlers.

Dual sports star Patrick Weckert at Prince Alfred College. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

He is the teenage sports sensation who could become one of South Australia’s next big things.

But will it be with the Sherrin or a cricket ball?

Patrick Weckert – a powerfully-built 17-year-old with talent to burn – is not only considered one of the SANFL’s top 2023 AFL draft prospects but one of cricket’s most exciting young fast bowlers, with comparisons made to Australian Test captain Pat Cummins.

“That’s a good question,’’ Weckert said when quizzed on what sport he will pursue professionally.

“It’s definitely been on my mind but I haven’t made any major decisions yet.

“In football terms I’m in the last five minutes of the final quarter of Year 12 (at Prince Alfred College), so I have to commit to school for the moment, dedicate my time and effort to my studies.

“When that’s wrapped up I suppose I’ll have to make a decision. At the moment I'm not completely sure which way I’ll go because I have a strong passion for both sports.

“Either way, it will be tough to drop one.’’

Rising dual sports star Patrick Weckert, 17, at Prince Alfred College. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Country farm boy Weckert, who stands at an imposing 191cm and 90kg, hit the headlines in July when he kicked eight goals and displayed great aerial ability in his first senior SANFL game for Woodville-West Torrens – a reserves clash against North Adelaide.

After juggling SANFL with school football commitments, he joined the “first kick, first goal club’’ when he made his league debut against South Adelaide in the final minor round series before breaking his right thumb two weeks later in the reserves first semi-final against West Adelaide.

The injury, which required two surgeries, has sidelined him from sport since but he hopes to return to the cricket field, for SACA Premier Cricket club Woodville, early next month.

Both sports are clamouring for his services.

Weckert, who grew up on a pig, sheep and crop farm near the mid-north town of Koolunga, has been in elite football programs since making the state under-12s team.

He was chosen in this year’s SANFL under-17s Futures squad and, playing as a key forward, didn’t look out of place in his only league game.

Weckert models his game on Carlton John Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow and Collingwood forward Brody Mihocek, who he described as “strong marks who are versatile enough to move around the ground’’.

Dual Woodville-West Torrens premiership coach Jade Sheedy said Weckert was “obviously very talented’’ and played with toughness beyond his years.

Eagles coach Jade Sheedy during the SANFL game. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“He already has traits that a lot of younger kids take a few years to develop,’’ Sheedy said.

“He’s super tough and plays with no fear which, as a key forward, makes for a pretty exciting prospect.

“He has very good hands, is a very strong, one-touch player who doesn’t fumble and we think he can do some really good things at league level next year.’’

Weckert made his first state cricket side at under-15s level and represented SA at this year’s under-19 national championships.

He has been timed at 132km/hr on the speed gun and been likened to Cummins because of his pace and action.

“Ever since I was little I’ve idolised Pat Cummins, so I’ve tried to model my game on him,’’ Weckert said.

SACA officials say Weckert is one of the most promising young quicks in the state.

“He’s a big boy, a really strong kid who runs in and hits the wicket hard,’’ Woodville teammate and former Redbacks swing king Chadd Sayers said.

“He’s already sharp and will only get quicker as he gets more exposure to elite level training.’’

Weckert performed well in second grade last season and had a taste of first grade when he played a Twenty20 match against Glenelg.

He has already started canvassing expert opinions about his football versus cricket decision.

“Obviously I’m not the first person faced with this decision, so I’ve talked to a lot of people, including current and past players, about why they chose one sport over another,’’ Weckert said.

“It will be tough and could come down to my performances and team selections but I know I’ll have to make a decision pretty soon, so we’ll see what happens.’’