AFL Draft 2021: SA v WA under 19 challenge standouts and South Australia’s top 30 prospects
South Australia is set to take centre stage again in the 2021 AFL Draft, with plenty of talent in Adelaide’s backyard. All the standouts and ranking points from the SA v WA clash.
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Talented South Australian Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera looms as this year’s AFL Draft bolter.
After another skilful display against WA, where his kicking was a class above, the smooth-moving wingman appears a likely top-10 selection in November’s draft.
A number of clubs with a prized early pick could pounce on the teenager, who has played senior footy for Glenelg and starred for his state, with Wanganeen-Milera tallying another 15 disposals and delivering with precision in Saturday’s grand final curtain-raiser.
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Western Australia made it two in a row against the Croweaters, thanks to a last-minute goal from first-round chance Jacob Van Rooyen, running out winners 8.11 to 8.6.
But the exciting encounter was marred slightly by injuries to highly-rated prospects Jye Amiss and Arlo Draper.
East Perth’s goalkicking machine Amiss, who booted 49 goals in 12 WAFL Colts matches this season, hurt his knee in the opening term and was put on ice before halftime, while South Australian Draper left the ground with his right arm in a sling.
Jordan Pinto and Dan Batten look at the standouts from both teams.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
- Jordan Pinto
Blayne O’Loughlin (North Adelaide)
The Crows NGA prospect was South Australia’s best, setting up his side from the back-half to finish with 22 disposals and a game-high 137 Champion Data ranking points. O’Loughlin’s kicking was outstanding – short and long – and he continually cut through WA’s defence, rolling quickly onto his damaging left-foot. He ran hard from defence and his hands were clean in tight, often setting his fellow defenders free. And, like he has been challenged to be for most of the year, the 171cm O’Loughlin was sound defensively.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (Glenelg)
He had 15 disposals – like he did in game one – but Wanganeen-Milera again showed he doesn’t need to find much of the footy to have a big impact. The 188cm, who glides across the ground, is incredibly well-balanced, dancing around the opposition to find a teammate on both feet. Some now view Wanganeen-Milera as SA’s second-best prospect behind Jason Horne-Francis.
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Isaiah Dudley (Central District)
After a quiet opening game, Dudley, another member of Adelaide’s Academy, reminded recruiters of his undeniable talent on Saturday. He booted three crucial second-half goals, two of them after finding space inside-50 and one a brilliant finish on the run after two bounces. Dudley was involved in eight of SA’s 14 scoring chains and impressed with his ability to weave out of trouble at ground level and find a teammate.
Adam D’Aloia (Eagles)
It’s been a big fortnight for the bottom-age midfielder, who isn’t eligible to be drafted this year. Fresh off a best-on-ground performance for the Eagles in the under-18 grand final, the 184cm D’Aloia won the first possession of the day and finished 21 disposals, 12 contested possessions, eight groundball-gets and 135 ranking points. The 17-year-old’s hands at the contest were a treat to watch.
Shay Linke (Central District)
The tall midfielder was an emergency for the first under-19 challenge game, but Linke showed why he’s garnered plenty of interest this year on Saturday. As he’s done for Central District, Linke spilt his time between the forward line and midfield, finding plenty of footy in space and making terrific decisions by hand in tight. On two occasions, Linke turned the ball over but showed his toughness to win the ball back immediately.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
- Dan Batten
Matthew Johnson (Subiaco)
Continued his strong second half of the season with a best on ground display, spending more time on the inside and tallying 21 disposals, seven tackles and five clearances. The well-rounded 191cm midfielder could have added a couple of goals to his name, missing a few gettable shots, but redeemed himself with a deft handball to set up the winning goal.
Jacob van Rooyen (Claremont)
After standing tall in defence with three contested marks, van Rooyen was swung forward at the death and won the game for his side by coolly slotting the go-ahead goal in the final minute. His versatility, overhead prowess and ability to stand up in big moments has boosted his standing in the past month.
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Arthur Jones (Claremont)
Jones announced himself with two cracking finishes: the goal of the day on the run from 50m featuring a blistering run up the middle, and a clever soccer off the ground in congestion to give him two majors to halftime. The speedy small forward finished with 15 touches in an eye-catching display, also impressing with his foot skills.
Jackson Broadbent (Peel Thunder)
At just 16 years of age, the 202cm talent was thrown in the deep as WA’s number one ruckman and shone brightly, covering the ground well and showcasing his pinpoint kicking – a rare trait for a prospect his size. Broadbent finished with 16 disposals (83 per cent kicking efficiency), 12 hitouts and 93 ranking points and is one to watch next year, having already featured at WAFL level for Peel Thunder in three matches this season.
EVERY PLAYER’S CHAMPION DATA RANKING POINTS
B.O’Loughlin (SA) 137
A.D’Aloia (SA) 135
I.Dudley (SA) 130
M.Johnson (WA) 123
E.Benning (WA) 100
J.van Rooyen (WA) 98
C.Kennedy (SA) 96
L.Rayson (SA) 96
J.Broadbent (WA) 94
L.Paton (WA) 93
S.Linke (SA) 93
F.Gorringe (WA) 87
K.Bevan (WA) 87
H.Lemmey (SA) 83
B.Hough (WA) 82
L.Polson (WA) 82
J.Tunstill (WA) 82
O.Armstrong (WA) 80
M.Liddy (SA) 80
A.Jones (WA) 79
K.Dittmar (WA) 76
J.Busslinger (WA) 76
R.Farmer (WA) 73
N.Wanganeen-Milera (SA) 71
J.Owens (SA) 71
H.Jackson (SA) 68
M.Michalanney (SA) 68
W.Spain (SA) 68
Z.Becker (SA) 66
K.Harbour (WA) 62
J.Lukac (SA) 56
M.Litster (SA) 56
J.Avery (WAFC) 54
L.Grubb (SAFC) 53
A.Draper (SAFC) 53
S.Gilbey (WAFC) 52
O.Steene (SAFC) 52
J.Parish (SAFC) 46
L.Michael (WAFC) 46
H.Harrison (SAFC) 44
J.Stretch (WAFC) 36
O.Adams (SAFC) 36
C.Bourne (WAFC) 25
L.Cooke (SAFC) 25
J.Amiss (WAFC) 17
Z.Fleiner (WAFC) 15
Power rankings: SA’s Top 30 prospects - September edition
- Jordan Pinto and Andrew Capel
With the SANFL under-18 season complete, and the senior finals in full swing, South Australia’s best AFL Draft chances are becoming clearer - and there are a few names rising quickly.
Jordan Pinto and Andrew Capel have been following all the action and checking in with recruiters and the SANFL clubs to deliver September’s version of the SA top 30 power rankings.
1. JASON HORNE (August ranking: 1)
(South Adelaide)
18, midfielder/forward, 184cm, 77kg
2021 Champion Data ranking points average: 85 (League)
Models his game on dual Fremantle Brownlow Medallist Nat Fyfe and plays like a smaller version of him. The stepson of former Port Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane wingman Fabian Francis, the South Adelaide midfielder is a serious competitor who is tough and aggressive, illustrated by his bonecrunching tackle on powerful Crow Darcy Fogarty in a SANFL clash. Horne-Francis has it all, which is why he is in the mix to be the first player picked in this year’s draft. Horne is strong on the inside, but also electrifying away from the contest, boasting a mix of speed, evasiveness and terrific hands overhead. “He’s a ready-made AFL player who is worthy of the number one selection,’’ State under-19 coach Tony Bamford said. “He’s going to be an awesome AFL footballer.’’
THE LATEST: No change at the top.SA’s captain was quiet in the opening game of the under-19 national carnival in August but responded with an influential 24-disposal, seven-tackle performance at SANFL League level and a strong start to the finals series. A month earlier, Horne was the best player on the ground, finishing with 22 disposals and three goals against Central.
2. MATTHEW ROBERTS (2)
(South Adelaide)
18, midfielder/forward, 184cm, 80kg
RP: 201 (Under-18)
A natural, smart footballer who wins contested ball and cleverly feeds it out to teammates with quick, clean hands. Roberts enhanced his first-round credentials further in 2021, breaking into South Adelaide’s senior side after finishing with ranking-point tallies of 175, 188 and 240 in three under-18 matches. Roberts booted a goal, and had three score assists, from 14 disposals in his SANFL League debut. “Matty is the best player in SA for footy IQ in his age group,’’ Bamford said. “He sees the game quicker than most in real time. He’s a one-grab player who is more of a footballer than an athlete but his athletic traits have improved significantly. He can look like a lumbering, slow player on the field but his numbers suggest otherwise. He will be a very good AFL footballer, the perfect midfielder.’’
THE LATEST: After returning from injury, and dominating in the reserves, Roberts booted two goals in an impressive performance in South’s final minor round game. A week earlier, he was the highest-ranked player on the ground in SA’s national carnival opener, tallying 20 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven intercepts and 108 ranking points. There are a few others putting together an impressive highlight reel but Roberts continues to deliver.
3. ARLO DRAPER (4)
(South Adelaide)
18, midfielder/utility, 186cm, 75kg
RP: 142 (Under-18)
Classy, agile onballer who weaves through traffic with ease and can go forward and hit the scoreboard - booting 10 goals and averaging 24 disposals in nine under-18 matches - with his strong overhead marking and allround class. A nice size at 186cm, which adds versatility to his game, and appears to have plenty of time with ball in hand, never seeming to panic under pressure. “Arlo’s a unique player in that he can play anywhere - as an inside or outside midfielder, various roles in defence or anywhere in attack,’’ Bamford said. “His versatility is very rare and makes him so valuable. Some players can play multiple positions but they don't do it all that well, whereas this guy does it at an above average level in all three parts of the ground, which is his point of difference.’’
THE LATEST: Draper capped off an impressive season with 11 disposals, five tackles and a goal in his senior SANFL senior debut before underlining his key traits in SA’s loss to WA. Draper weaved his way out of traffic in the midfield and booted 1.1 and handed off another when stationed as a marking forward inside-50.
SA V WA: RANKING POINTS FOR EVERY PLAYER IN U19 OPENER
4. NASIAH WANGANEEN-MILERA (5)
(Glenelg)
18, wingman/forward, 188cm, 70kg
RP: 80 (Reserves)
Tall, gifted wingman is a rare talent, who possesses great skill and can take a high-flying mark. He was a standout in last year’s SA All Stars game and played four League games for Glenelg this season. There have been some questions over his hardness but Bamford is a big fan of his game. “He's never going to be a bash-and-crash player but neither was Nick Dal Santo (former St Kilda and North Melbourne star),’’ he said. “There is no point trying to turn an apple into an orange, you’ve just got to appreciate what they are and Nasiah is an unbelievably good ball user whose running patterns, at the moment, are as good as anyone’s for a winger. He’s athletically gifted, quick and, as a wingman, has a great ability to get up and down the ground.’’
THE LATEST: Wanganeen-Milera’s draft stocks are rising - and fast. After impressing at senior level for Glenelg - where he won 48 per cent of his possession in a contest - the athletically gifted 18-year-old was the state’s best against WA. In one of the game’s most eye-catching performances, he had more time than most with the ball in hand, dancing around opponents on multiple occasions before finding a teammate with precision.
5. JASE BURGOYNE (3)
(Woodville-West Torrens)
18, wingman/half-back, 186cm, 65kg
RP: 124 (Under-18)
Port Adelaide father-son prospect.
The son of former Port Adelaide star Peter Burgoyne, Jase is more highly-rated than his older brother Trent, who was a father-son selection last year. Very lightly built, he is a tall wingman/half-back who is highly-skilled and a smart footballer like his dad, who was a key member of the Power's 2004 premiership team. Can also play in the centre square and burst away from stoppages. Still raw but has enormous upside. “He’s an elite talent, with speed, acceleration, terrific agility and clean hands,’’ Bamford said. “He can play at the source, behind the source and in front as a half-forward. I think his best football is at half-back and in the midfield and once he gets another 10kg heavier, boy oh boy, he’s that talented he could turn into the next Shaun Burgoyne.’’
THE LATEST: Burgoyne hasn’t been as dominant this year, after playing some League footy for Port Adelaide and in the reserves for the Eagles. But he was back to his prolific best in Round 16, tallying a season-high 40 disposals and 188 ranking points in the under-18s and was the second-ranked player on the ground v WA, finishing with 21 disposals. Despite missing the under-18 grand final, Burgoyne hasn’t gone backwards, Draper and Wanganeen-Milera have just solidified their spots in the top four.
6. HUGH JACKSON (6)
(North Adelaide)
18, midfielder, 181cm, 70kg
RP: 126 (Under-18)
Classy and prolific, left-footed ball magnet who averaged 29 disposals for the Roosters’ under-18s this season, the most of any player to have played more than three games. Can win the ball inside - he averages five clearances - and outside and breaks from congestion with apparent ease. And, after spending his bottom-age season as purely an outside wingman, it’s Jackson’s rapidly-developing all-round game that has really caught the attention of recruiters this year. “Hugh’s always been a good outside ball user but this year he has really built an inside game too,’’ Bamford said. “He has really good composure and is an excellent decision maker. Like Roberts, he sees the game early, makes good decisions and has elite ball use.’’
THE LATEST: The left-footer’s rapid rise has been halted slightly. After averaging 34 disposals in the opening 11 rounds, Jackson failed to win more than 22 in his final five matches at under-18 level, after copping some heavy opposition attention. After a slow start, Jackson had 18 disposals after quarter-time against WA, but, like a number of SA teammates, his performance lacked a little polish.
7. LEEK ALLEER (19)
(Central District)
19, key defender, 195cm, 84kg
RP: 58 (league)
Raw key defender has had a breakout season with Central, impressing with his off-the-charts athleticism and high marking that has excited the Bulldogs’ faithful. Has played seven league games and coach Paul Thomas believes he has a big future. “He’s very athletic, very coachable, very intelligent, very humble and a very quiet professional whose upside is tremendous,’’ Thomas said.
THE LATEST: Recruiters are just as excited about the talented 19-year-old, who has rocketed into draft calculation after switching to defence over summer. Alleer, who played a variety of roles throughout his junior career, took 28 intercept marks in 11 senior games this season.
8. LEWIS RAYSON (10)
(Glenelg)
18, half-back, 183cm, 69kg
RP: 118 (Under-18)
Highly-rated, rebounding defender who is super-consistent and a clever ball user. His is cool under pressure, can break from stoppages and create good overlap run. Possesses a penetrating kick and has great vision, enabling him to turn defence into attack very quickly. The left-footer has also shown his ability as an onballer who can break away from stoppages but is still very light and needs some time in the gym to enable him to compete better in one-on-one contests. “He’s a very offensive defender who has speed and acceleration on the outside and is a beautiful left-foot kick,’’ Bamford said. “Needs to get stronger to be able to compete one-on-one but he has the ability to find holes in traffic and get outside and create damage with his elite kick.’’
THE LATEST: It’s been a big end to 2021 for the state vice-captain who tallied 21 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency in just his second reserves game in Round 17. He was then one of the Croweaters’ better players in the first game of the national carnival, hitting the target with 21 of his 25 disposals in a composed display. Rayson had another 27 touches in Glenelg’s losing under-18 grand final side, but he, like a number of his teammates, was pushed around at times by the Eagles’ bigger bodies.
9. COOPER MURLEY (8)
(Norwood)
18, midfielder/forward, 178cm, 69kg
RP: 105 (Under-18)
An excitement machine who can explode from stoppages with blistering speed and kick long inside 50. Has a bit of Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters about the way he plays, although he doesn’t yet possess Butters’ fearless attack on the ball. Murley may be slightly built but he is clean, well-balanced, wins the ball on the move and uses it well with both feet and is one of four South Australians in the NAB AFL Academy. But injuries, which have seen him sidelined since July, have stalled the development of the speedy midfielder, who dominated his bottom-age season to win Norwood’s under-18 best-and-fairest in a premiership side. “He’s an excitement machine who has a bit of Butters and Connor Rozee in him with the way he goes about it but he just hasn’t had any luck with injury,’’ Bamford said. “Clubs might have to look at his under-16 and under-17 years to get a better feel for him. He’s an outside player best suited to a wing or high half-forward and he takes the opposition on and breaks the lines.’’
THE LATEST: Unfortunately, Murley, like many prospects interstate, will be relying on his body of work over the previous two seasons after an injury-ravaged year. Clubs are hoping Murley will be able to complete the physical part of the combine ahead of November’s draft.
10. BLAYNE O’LOUGHLIN (7)
(North Adelaide)
18, half-back/midfielder, 171cm, 74kg
RP: 116 (Under-18)
Adelaide NGA prospect.
Exciting, talented left-footer, who is an elite kick, hasn’t had the same impact for the Roosters’ under-18’s as he did last year as he has been used more as a backline playmaker. But blistering early-season form - averaging 35 disposals, eight intercepts and 136 ranking points in the opening three matches - still earnt the nephew of Swans great Michael a late call-up to the AFL Academy side in April and Bamford is sold on him, rating him very highly. “I’ve told him that at national level I want him to play back pocket and take responsibility for the opposition’s most dangerous small forward, beat them one-on-one and get involved in offence off that,’’ Bamford said. “He played that role in an internal trial (SA under-19s) last month and did it superbly. He’s tough and strong and you can trust him deep. His best games come from having a really good defensive game and getting his share of the ball off that.’’
THE LATEST: In the second half of the year, O’Laughlin has proven he can play on the opposition’s best small-forward while also remaining an attacking threat. He had 35 disposals - at 80 per cent efficiency - 14 contested possessions, 11 groundball-gets, nine rebound-50s and eight intercepts against South Adelaide in Round 16 before a solid showing against WA.
11. COOPER BEECKEN (11)
(Glenelg)
18, defender, 190cm, 73kg
RP: 90 (Under-18)
Versatile, key utility who can play as an intercept defender and use his long arms to great effect and then roll off with his strong, left-foot kick. Has been effective on the wing in recent games for Glenelg’s reserves, kicking two goals and recording two score assists in his first appearance at the level. The Andrew Mackie or Will Day-like prospect can also play as a high half-forward where he can showcase his marking ability.
THE LATEST: Beecken was forced to play more defensively at times to start the season, slightly restricting his ability to impact offensively. But the 190cm prospect booted two goals from a wing in his reserves debut in Round 12 and starred in a similar role in his return to under-18 level, recording a combined 43 disposals, 14 marks, 11 score involvements and four goals in Rounds 15 and 16.
12. ISAIAH DUDLEY (9)
(Central District)
18, small-forward/midfielder, 166cm, 69kg
RP: 129 (Under-18)
Adelaide NGA prospect.
The raw excitement machine is quick, elusive and boasts terrific vision and clean hands at the contest. While there’s concern over his work ethic, Dudley - only small in stature - is as talented as any in this year’s pool. Has shone through the midfield for Central - and South Australia - at junior level and impressed in the reserves, including taking a spectacular mark against Sturt at Unley. Performed well as a rebounding defender during his time at PAC. Bamford said he is the most skilful SA player in this year's draft pool. “He’s a rare talent, more talented than Horne and Roberts,’’ he said. “In order of talent, he’s number one, but he’s still a bit immature and learning about the game and what it takes to get the best out of yourself, including fitness. But his talent, hands, smarts, kicking and football intelligence is unbelievable.’’
THE LATEST: After a strong start to the under-18 season, averaging 21 disposals, 129 ranking points, and booting 12 goals in 10 matches, Dudley spent the second half of 2021 in Central’s reserves side. He booted eight goals, and recorded nine score assists, in his nine games at the next level, which featured more eye-catching moments. But he failed to have an impact in the opening state clash.
13. JAMES WILLIS (18)
(North Adelaide)
18, midfielder, 180cm, 75kg
RP: 120 (Under-18)
Hard-as-nails onballer who has grown rapidly as the season has gone on. A powerful, contested ball magnet who loves throwing his body around, whether it be laying tackles or applying blocks for teammates. His kicking needs some work but the strong defensive attributes, combined with breakaway speed, power and a strong ability forward of centre, make Willis an intriguing prospect.
THE LATEST: The 18-year-old has really caught the eye of a number of AFL clubs in the back half of the season, finishing with 34 disposals, 17 contested possessions, three goals and 204 ranking points in his last under-18 game for North Adelaide. An ankle injury has sidelined him since, keeping him out of the under-19 national championships so far.
14. SHAY LINKE (12)
(Central District)
18, midfielder, 190cm, 79kg
RP: 67 (League)
The tall midfielder has enjoyed a standout year, dominating the under-18 competition - as he did for parts of his bottom-age season - before having an impact at senior level for Central. He finds the ball in space with ease but is also terrific at the contest and clever in traffic. His defensive attributes and toughness, despite his slight frame, have also stood out at League level with Linke recording 36 tackles in his six matches.
THE LATEST: Linke went back to the reserves in Round 18 and has been a key part of the Bulldogs’ charge to a preliminary final. He’s been important in the midfield but it’s been Linke’s work in the air which has stood out. Proving his ability to play as a marking target inside-50, the 190cm Linke took five contested marks in his first four matches after being dropped. He was overlooked for the first state game but Linke might get his chance against WA on Saturday.
15. MORGAN FERRES (13)
(Sturt)
18, forward, 190cm, 80kg
RP: 169 (Under-18)
A medium forward who has performed well in the reserves for Sturt this season, after dominating the junior competition over the past 12 months. Ferres booted 25 goals in his bottom-age season and kicked 13 in his two under-18 matches this year. Bamford rates him as SA’s best under-19 forward. Ferres, who has battled a shoulder this year, is often a step ahead of opposition defenders with his running patterns, marks well on the lead and can hold his own in contested situations.
THE LATEST: Ferres’ goalkicking ways have continued for St Peter’s in the second-half of the year, with the gun forward booting multiple bags of seven before impressing for his state on a tough day against WA, taking six marks and consistently providing an option.
16. ZAC BECKER (14)
(Sturt)
17, defender, 190cm, 92kg
RP: 100 (Under-18)
An undersized key defender who gets the job done, despite battling bigger, stronger opponents at both under-18 and reserves level. Can also go forward and kick goals, which he has done regularly for Scotch College. Not overly quick but possesses a penetrating left-foot kick, which has prompted Bamford to make comparisons to Port Adelaide superboot Trent McKenzie. And the strongly-built teenager is just as good at ground level as he is in the air.
THE LATEST: Only falls slightly in the rankings due the others climbing because it’s been a solid finish to the season for the Sturt young gun. A week after an impressive showing for SA - 16 disposals and 10 rebound-50s - Becker produced his best performance of the year at reserves level, finishing with 22 disposals, 13 intercepts, 13 rebound-50s, seven spoils, two contested marks and 132 ranking points against North Adelaide.
17. HUGH STAGG (15)
(Glenelg)
18, midfielder, 180cm, 79kg
RP: 123 (Under-18)
Strong, powerful midfielder who loves winning the hard ball and making his presence felt in traffic. He is a high-energy player who can tuck the ball under his arm and burst from stoppages with great intent. Can push forward and hit the scoreboard, as evident by his 23 goals at junior level this year, but needs to improve his field kicking.
THE LATEST: Stagg hit the ground running on his return to Glenelg’s under-18 side after an impressive stint in the reserves. In Round 16 against Central, he tallied 36 disposals and eight clearances before booting 4.3 from 19 disposals a week later - a two-week period which underlined his match-winning traits.
18. ALASTAIR LORD (-)
(Norwood)
18, defender/midfielder, 180cm, 76kg
RP: 95
Lord starred in the opening month of the under-18s before injury ruined a large chunk of his season. But the dashing defender, who was part of the initial under-19 state squad, reminded recruiters of his talent in the back half of the year for Rostrevor and Norwood. In his first appearance at under-18 level since Round 4, Lord broke the game open with his run-and-carry against Glenelg, kicking a long-range running goal after splitting the Tigers apart with three bounces through the middle. Lord, who has rejoined Bamford’s under-19 squad, has been added to South Australia’s draft combine invite list and is one who could rise further.
19. ISAAC BIRT (16)
(South Adelaide)
18, midfielder, 181cm, 70kg
RP: 115 (Under-18)
Birt is another young Panther to catch the eye of recruiters, putting together a consistent season on a wing in the under-18s, named in his side’s best in eight of his 13 matches. The left-footer has great skills, delivers with precision inside-50 and wins the ball in the air and on the ground. Birt produced one of the SANFL under-18 competition’s best performances of the year, tallying 31 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 12 score involvements, 11 intercepts, two goals and 226 ranking points against Norwood in Round 10.
THE LATEST: Birt’s impressive under-18 form continued and was he rewarded with a reserves debut in Round 18. He ran hard and provided and option, as he often does, against WA, finishing with 16 disposals and eight marks, but he failed to enhance his standing further.
20. JORDAN LUKAC (25)
(Woodville-West Torrens)
19, forward/ruckman, 196cm, 89kg
RP: 77 (Under-18)
Athletic tall who is a difficult match-up inside-50 given his marking strength and ability to follow-up at ground level. Lukac booted 35 goals in 15 under-18 matches, while also having an influence in the ruck, and has featured in the reserves for the Eagles.
THE LATEST: Lukac stood up on the big stage to deliver the performance recruiters were waiting to see, booting 5.4 in the Eagles’ preliminary final victory. He followed it up a week later with 2.3 from 16 disposals and four contested marks, with his two final-quarter goals sealing the deal in the Grand Final win over Glenelg.
21. WILL SPAIN (17)
(Sturt)
18, midfielder, 178cm, 69kg
RP: 97 (Reserves)
The midfielder averaged 21 disposals in the shadow of Tom Powell in Sturt’s under-18 side last season but he’s making his own name in 2021. Spain boasts a number of similar traits to Powell, too. He’s a strong ball-winner with a high footy IQ and terrific hands in close. The 18-year-old has impressed against bigger bodies this year, averaging 103 ranking points in his first 10 reserves games and averaging 103 ranking points and recording an enormous 46 tackles in a three-week block between Rounds 12 and 14.
THE LATEST: He wasn’t selected in SA’s final team for the opening national carnival game but clubs are watching, with Spain, who has been one of Sturt’s best players in the reserves this year, receiving a late invite to the draft combine
22. HARVEY HARRISON (23)
(North Adelaide)
18, midfielder, 181cm, 71kg
RP: 106 (Under-18)
The prolific teenager was one of the standout midfielders of the under-18 competition in the first half of the season, impressing with his run-and-carry and ability to burst from congestion. Harrison kicks goals and works hard to create going forward but has been slightly inconsistent with his ball-use.
THE LATEST: The hard-running midfielder was named first emergency for South Australia in the first game against WA but is in line to get his chance on Grand Final day after a terrific finish to the season at under-18 level. Harrison tallied 34 disposals - at 82 per cent efficiency - 16 contested possessions, 14 score involvements, 10 clearances and 163 ranking points in the final minor round.
23. SAM SKINNER (-)
(South Adelaide)
24, key defender/forward, 198cm, 100kg
RP: 86
The former Brisbane Lion joined South Adelaide this season after playing three AFL games in five injury-ravaged seasons in Queensland. The 24-year-old started his SANFL career forward, booting 16 goals in the opening 15 rounds but a move back into defence could result in another chance at the top level. In a similar way to how St Kilda’s Tom Highmore patrolled the air for the Panthers last year, Skinner has taken 41 intercept marks in his past six matches. And he produced his best performance of the season in South’s semi-final win over Norwood, finishing with an incredible 16 intercept possessions and 11 intercept marks, nine of them contested. Despite the concern over his body after three ACL injuries, recruiters view him as one the SANFL’s top mature-age prospects.
24. MANI LIDDY (21)
(Sturt)
19, midfielder, 183cm, 80kg
RP: 83 (League)
Liddy was overlooked in last year’s draft, despite a consistent year at under-18 level. There was - and still is - some concern over his speed and capacity to hurt the opposition but he’s further underline his strengths at senior level this season. After a blistering start in the reserves, Liddy made a quick transition to League footy, tallying 21 disposals, 11 contested possessions, six clearances and five tackles on debut. His outstanding ability to win the ball at the contest and put a teammate in space was also on show all year.
THE LATEST: The state vice-captain continues to do what he does best, tallying 21 disposals and six clearances in SA’s first clash against WA and winning 28 clearances in his final four matches at reserves level for Sturt.
25. LUKAS COOKE (30)
(Woodville-West Torrens)
17, key forward, 195cm, 80kg
RP: 106 (Under-18)
Athletic, strong-marking key-forward who booted 20 goals in eight under-18 matches this season. He doesn’t crash packs, but Cooke is outstanding on the lead and uses his body well in one-on-one contests.
THE LATEST: Cooke booted 14 goals in the first four rounds of the season to lead the under-18 competition and, while there’s been no more big bags for the Eagles - there has been for Westminster - Cooke has continued to show his talent as a forward in the second half of the season.
26. EAMON WILKINSON (-)
(South Adelaide)
20, forward, 179cm, 75kg
RP: 74 (SANFL)
The 20-year-old is quick, has terrific goal sense and makes life difficult for opposition defenders, ranking fourth in the SANFL for forward-50 tackles. Similar traits led to Collingwood choosing former teammate Beau McCreery in last year’s rookie draft. And Wilkinson, too, was in the mix to be picked in this year’s mid-season draft before a fractured shinbone at the wrong time put clubs off. But the small forward and youngest member of this year’s SANFL state team is still on the radar after 44 goals over the past two seasons.
27. OSCAR ADAMS (27)
(Glenelg)
18, ruckman/key-defender, 198cm, 85kg
RP: 78 (Under-18)
The 198cm Adams, who boasts a terrific vertical leap and good skills, has transitioned into strong-marking defender to mobile ruckman, and back again, in the under-18s this season. His potential as roaming big man is highlighted in the Round 3 performance against Central when the 18-year-old finished with 24 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 11 hitouts-to-advantage, 11 score involvements and 159 ranking points in a dominant display.
THE LATEST: Adams was back in defence on a more regular basis towards the end of the season, taking three contested intercept marks in the grand final loss to the Eagles and recording seven total intercept possessions in the first state game.
28. CADE KENNEDY (20)
(West Adelaide)
18, wingman, 178cm, 75kg
RP: 126 (Under-18)
West Adelaide’s under-18 captain is one of the standout leaders of South Australia’s under-19 squad and is a tough, consistent ball-winner. The workhorse is clean in tight and drives forward with intent but Kennedy’s lack of elite foot skills or speed is a slight concern given his size.
THE LATEST: The midfielder produced another 200-ranking point performance in Round 16, on the back of 35 disposals, 18 contested possessions and 10 clearances against Norwood. Kennedy was solid against WA but has he done enough to convince recruiters to overlook those concerns?
29. LUCA WHITELUM (-)
(Central District)
18, forward/midfielder, 188cm, 77kg
RP: 77 (U18)
The Sacred Heart College captain was another emergency for South Australia’s first national carnival game and will attend the draft combine later this year after an impressive season for Central. The athletic teenager, who has great hands - in the air and below his knees - and covers the ground well, had 21 disposals in his reserves debut. He’s creative in the forward half but it’s his potential as a 188cm midfielder which has some clubs interested.
30. TRISTAN BINDER (24)
(Norwood)
21, forward, 190cm, 91kg
RP: 84 (league)
Strong-marking, straight-kicking forward who has emerged as a find for Norwood at league level this year. Woodville-West Torrens premiership coach Jade Sheedy, who coached Binder at Athelstone in the Adelaide Footy League, was full of praise for him after he kicked three of the Redlegs’ seven goals against the Eagles at The Parade before the SANFL was shut down for two weeks. “He has all the attributes that AFL clubs would like,’’ Sheedy said.
THE LATEST: Binder struggled to have an impact in the finals series but showcased his leap in the ruck against South Adelaide last week.
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Originally published as AFL Draft 2021: SA v WA under 19 challenge standouts and South Australia’s top 30 prospects
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