AFL Draft 2025: 20 SANFL juniors who are on the recruiting radar
At just 16, a Central District gun has been stamped the state’s top future AFL draft prospect. Andrew Capel counts down the 19 SA players biting at his heels.
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It is not surprising that Dyson Sharp models his game on Carlton Brownlow Medallist Patrick Cripps and Western Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli.
The standout South Australian 16-year-old plays just like one, and has started to add some strings to his bow of the other.
“They are my role models, the two AFL players I really look up to and aspire to be like,’’ said Sharp, who has claims to being the best 16-year-old footballer in Australia after winning the prized Kevin Sheehan Medal at this year’s AFL under-16 national championships.
“Being a bit bigger than a lot of other boys I play against, I try to use my size to my advantage like Cripps does. I just love the way he attacks the footy so hard and tries to break through packs.
“And the ‘Bont’ is not only good in the contest but gets to the outside to use his penetrating left-foot with great effect.
“That’s something I’m trying to add to my game so that I can become a more complete player.’’
Sharp is on the right track.
The Central District Barossa Valley product, SA’s captain, put his name in lights as one of Australia’s top future AFL prospects by winning the Sheehan medal following a superb Division One under-16 national championships campaign.
The powerful, 188cm, 85kg midfielder averaged 27 disposals, including 15 contested, seven clearances, seven score involvements, six tackles and 158 SuperCoach points in SA’s three games to join an exclusive group of Croweaters to claim the under-16 competition’s highest individual honour.
They include Port Adelaide AFL star Connor Rozee (with North Adelaide in 2016), ex-Power gun Hamish Hartlett (West Adelaide in 2006) and Fremantle’s James Aish (Norwood in 2011).
The last South Australian to get the gong was another Central player, small forward Corey Durdin, who is now at Carlton, in 2018.
“It’s pretty surreal to be in the same conversation as those players,’’ said Sharp, who was also an All-Australian and SA’s MVP.
“I never thought that would happen so I am very grateful for the opportunities I have been given and it’s nice to be able to put my name out there.’’
A Year 10 student at Gawler’s Xavier College, Sharp is a ball magnet.
He had a whopping 52 disposals in a SANFL under-16s game against West Adelaide in Round 7, tallying 27 kicks, 25 handballs, nine marks and 12 clearances, and is averaging 39 disposals, 10 marks and seven clearances in 10 games at the level this season.
Sharp made his under-18s debut against South Adelaide after the national championships in Round 15 and immediately adapted to the level, having 21 disposals and laying eight tackles.
In the same competition a week later, Sharp was best afield against Norwood, tallying a game-high 32 disposals, 12 clearances, nine tackles and a goal in a standout performance that had recruiters drooling.
A contested ball beast, he should be in league contention next year.
While AFL recruiters say Sharp is “a gun”, their biggest question is how he will perform against bigger bodies as he progresses through the grades, given he is more physically developed than many of his rivals at under-16 level, which has helped him dominate at stoppages.
But he had no problems stepping up to under-18 competition.
Sharp, born at Williamstown and a product of the Barossa District Football Club where his dad, Darren, was a star key position player and four-time premiership player, believes he is still growing and can add plenty of muscle to his already strong frame.
“A lot of people say that I am big and mature for my age but I know that I have so much improvement left in me,’’ he said.
“I’ve still got some growing to do and so many areas of my game to improve, including becoming more explosive with my ability to break away from the contest.
“That’s a key focus for me, along with continuing to work on my outside game.’’
Sharp has won back-to-back All-Australian under-16 honours after also starring at last year’s championships, which SA won, as a bottom-age player.
The Croweaters had a 1-2 win-loss record this year but went within a whisker of claiming consecutive crowns, having thrashed Vic Country by 73 points and lost by only five points to Western Australia, when it booted a woeful 7.18, and Vic Metro.
SA coach Julian Farkas described Sharp as “a great leader and teammate who is so impactful on a contest and game’’.
“He wins his own ball, sees the game well and distributes the ball creatively,’’ he said.
Sharp is eligible for the 2025 AFL draft and said it’s his dream to play at the highest level. He was one of many Croweaters who caught the eye at the under-16 national championships.
While Sharp is SA’s undisputed gem, The Advertiser has listed 20 of the SANFL’s top under-16 prospects.
TERRIFIC 20
20 SANFL UNDER-16 PLAYERS TO WATCH
1. DYSON SHARP
(Central District)
Midfielder, 16, 188cm, 85kg
The Kevin Sheehan Medallist, All-Australian under-16 and SA MVP strengthened his case to be one of the top picks at the 2025 AFL national draft with a standout under-16 championships campaign. A contested beast who is physically strong, tall, tough at the contest and a terrific leader.
2. JOSH REICHELT
(Central District)
Half-back/midfielder, 16, 180cm, 69kg
Was SA’s only other All-Australian under-16 player this year (picked on the interchange bench) after starting the carnival on the Croweaters’ emergency list following an AC joint injury. Hard-running player is polished and a neat kick and followed his strong carnival with a superb 32-disposal, 12 rebound 50s performance against South Adelaide’s under-16s in Round 15.
3. BLAKE OUDSHOORN-BENNIER
(North Adelaide)
Midfielder, 16, 182cm, 81kg
Described as a “jet’’ by AFL recruiters two years out from his draft eligible year. Like Sharp, the star SA under-16 midfielder and vice-captain looms as a possible top-10 selection in 2025. He’s classy, tough in the contest, a clearance beast, has great hands, a natural footy brain and hits the scoreboard. Had a monster day out with 37 disposals and seven clearances for North’s under-16s against the Eagles in Round 17.
4. AIDAN SCHUBERT
(Central District)
Ruckman/key position player, 15, 194cm, 80kg
Versatile, tall utility can do it all – as illustrated by his strong display in the championships game against Vic Metro when he kicked two goals and had 14 disposals, 10 hit-outs, three marks and three inside 50s. Also booted three majors against Vic Country. From a basketball background, he’s athletic and was unlucky not to make the All-Australian side. Showcased his prodigious talent by kicking nine of Central’s 12 goals in an under-16s game against Sturt in Round 17.
5. LACHIE SANDS
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Half-forward/wingman, 16, 179cm, 72kg
Electrifying athlete who has elite speed. Has an athletics background and loves covering plenty of territory, taking his opponents up and down the ground. Is described as a “footy head’’ and was adjudged SA’s third-best player against WA.
6. HARLEY BARKER
(Sturt)
Wingman, 16, 186cm, 72kg
Like Sands, possesses great athletic qualities. Is an AFL athlete in the making. Is a natural wingman who has great speed and had a standout game against Vic Metro, where he was voted SA’s third-best player. Plays with dash and dare.
7. DOUGIE COCHRANE
(Central District)
Key forward, 15, 192cm, 72kg
The bottom-age prospect is the son of former Port and Kangaroos’ AFL midfielder Stuart Cochrane. He is a key forward who is already taller than his dad and has star potential. He’s a laid-back, natural footballer who has excellent hands and knows where the goals are. Just needs to grow a few centimetres to be an AFL key position player.
8. LUKE CANDY
(Glenelg)
Half-back/half-forward, 16, 183cm, 70kg
Captured the eye of AFL recruiters at the championships with his elite speed and class across half-back. Can play across half-back, half-forward or on the wing but seems best suited to playing as a rebounding defender who orchestrates attacking thrusts. Was SA’s best against WA and one of the team’s top performers.
9. JEVAN PHILLIPOU
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Forward, 16, 180cm, 71kg
Younger brother of 2022 St Kilda top-10 draft pick Mattaes Phillipou and son of former Western Bulldog Sam Phillipou, Jevan has been a slow developer but has made giant strides in recent weeks, kicking 10 goals against Norwood (six) and Sturt (four) in rounds 14 and 15 and having 31 disposals and booting three majors against North in Round 17. Made SA’s 30-player squad but didn’t play a championship game. Has X-factor qualities.
10. SAM CUMMING
(North Adelaide)
Midfielder/forward, 16, 186cm, 79kg
The Mildura product overcame a bad foot injury to play in SA’s last two carnival games, where his class was on display despite playing mainly as a forward as he regained full fitness. A state leadership member, he is a prolific ball winner who was back to his best in the SANFL under-16s in Round 15, having 31 disposals and taking five contested marks against Norwood.
11. JACK COOK
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Midfielder/half-back, 16, 179cm, 69kg
Son of former Crows, Central and North rover Tim Cook, Jack was in SA’s leadership group and is a natural footballer who uses the ball with precision. A natural midfielder, he was used as a half-back distributor during the national championships. Had 27 disposals and laid six tackles against Sturt in Round 16.
12. LOUIS KELLAWAY
(Sturt)
Midfielder/forward, 16, 182cm, 66kg
Son of former Richmond star and Crows physio Duncan Kellaway, Louis isn’t particularly quick but he’s a smart footballer who sees the game well and makes very good decisions with ball in hand. Plays with composure and is a fine link player. Showed he could hit the scoreboard with two goals from his 26 disposals in a standout performance against the Eagles in Round 16, where he also had six clearances and laid six tackles, illustrating his strong all-round game.
13. WILL PRESCOTT
(Norwood)
Small forward, 16, 180cm, 72kg
Small goalsneak has elite speed and is very clever around goal. Loves to swoop on the loose ball at ground level but can also take a big mark. Has small forward traits that AFL clubs covet.
14. JIM KELLY
(Norwood)
Rover/wingman, 16, 178cm, 69kg
Son of former Norwood and Glenelg midfielder Richard Kelly, Jim was named SA’s second best player in its big win against Vic Country and fourth best against WA. A really smart footballer who uses the ball well. He’s just very accomplished.
15. BLAKE THREDGOLD
(Sturt)
Ruckman/key forward, 15, 193cm, 76kg
A terrific athlete who is very raw but has a massive upside. Is awkward but has excited AFL scouts with his pack-marking ability. There’s a bit of former North Melbourne and Carlton star Corey McKernan about the way he plays.
16. LOGAN HUGHES
(Woodville-West Torrens)
Key forward-defender, 16, 192cm, 86kg
Key position player is equally adept in attack and defence. Represented SA in the backline and used his big, strong body to great effect. Plays with physicality, which enables him to impact games. A good ball user.
17. NOAH ROBERTS-THOMSON
(Sturt)
Midfielder, 16, 180cm, 70kg
Classy left-footer was voted into SA’s leadership group by his peers. He’s a tough, inside midfielder who is a competitive beast. Has an eye for goal, so he can also make an impact as a forward. Dominated against the Eagles in Round 16 of the SANFL under-16s, compiling a game-high 38 disposals, having eight clearances and kicking a goal.
18. GUS DOWNS
(West Adelaide)
Defender, 16, 179cm, 67kg
Smart backman who reads the play well and is really clean below his knees. Uses the ball with great precision. Has a touch of class. Had 19 disposals and took six marks against Glenelg in Round 15.
19. JEFF ROZENBILDS
(Norwood)
Half-back/wingman, 16, 177cm, 60kg
Made an impact in the Croweaters’ final two games down back and on the wing. He is a nice link player with an attacking mindset who can run and carry the ball and accumulate inside 50s.
20. GILL WAKELIN
(Sturt)
Half-forward/half-back, 16, 187cm, 72kg.
Son of 2004 Port premiership defender and ex-Saint Darryl Wakelin, Gill can pick either the Power or St Kilda as a father-son prospect after his dad played more than 100 games for both clubs. Didn’t represent the SA under-16s but is a fine mark who is already a nice size.
Originally published as AFL Draft 2025: 20 SANFL juniors who are on the recruiting radar
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