WITH much of the Under-18 talent back in the swing of things in SANFL and school competitions, the South Australian state draft combine list was released with a number of exciting prospects earning the chance to impress on a big stage.

SA Draft Combine List

It has been a busy week with the announcement of SA players invited to the SA Draft Combine who missed out on a chance at the National Combine. A mix of Under-18 talent, plus some over age players are on the list, and no doubt these players will be eyeing off a Rookie or late round draft spot come November.

The full list can be found here.

Under 15 Talent – Adelaide and Port Adelaide Next Generation Academies

To further showcase young talent, and on the back of the Under-15 championships, local AFL clubs Adelaide and Port Adelaide this weekend will be hosting a game between their NGA younger players to see them perform at the next level. There are some father/son names to watch and no doubt in future years will attract some more attention, including Tex Wanganeen (son of Gavin) and Kane Viska (son of Mark), along with Jase Burgoyne (son of Peter). The full list can be found here.

SANFL League

Only two games were played as part of a split round last weekend, and West Adelaide ran out winners over Port. Former Crow Jono Beech finished with seven goals, and young Bloods speedster Izak Rankine found plenty of ball and was classy with 19 disposals, despite not hitting the scoreboard. Port Adelaide’s Sam Gray and Will Snelling were best for the losing side.

Meanwhile, North narrowly lost to Glenelg by three points, and Under-18 talent Connor Rozee again increased his draft stocks with a 13-disposal, two-goal, two-score assist all-round classy game. Glenelg talent Jonty Scharenberg was best for the Tigers.

SANFL Reserves

Norwood continue to dominate at Reserves level and finished 31 point winners over South. Lachlan Pascoe slotted back into Reserves footy with a 27-disposal game from the back half. Former Sacred Heart College student Tate Lovering made his Reserve debut for South, and Tate Coleman‘s good form continued, finishing with a goal.

West Adelaide won easily over Port Magpies with a 64 point victory.

Sturt accounted for the Eagles in a sold win by 10 goals. The two young midfielders Tom Lewis and Casey Voss continue to build and find the footy. They combined for 10 tackles, eight clearances and two goals in another hard and effective display. The Eagles struggled all day and the familiar names of James Rowe (son of Stephen) and Jake Weideman (son of Wayne) were their side’s best.

North defeated Glenelg by 32 points. Jordan Sweet dominated in the ruck for North with 42 hitouts and a goal, whilst Under-18 South Australian player Finn Betterman was amongst the best for Glenelg finishing with 14 contested out of 19 disposals.

SANFL Under 18:

Centrals’ win over West Adelaide was a monster 142 points and Under-18 talent Aaron Nietschke basically did what he liked all day finishing with 39 disposals and three goals. Centrals had 12 different goal kickers and shared the footy in a dominant display. The only shining light for West was under-ager Jye Sinderberry again impressing at this level with 11 marks (four contested) and two goals in the losing side.

The Eagles continue to sit on top of the ladder in the Under-18 competition and showed again strong depth with a comfortable 78-point victory over Sturt. Talented Kai Pudney was everywhere in a whole of ground effort including 33 disposals and five clearances, while forward Jarrod Miller continued to kick goals finishing with another two. Jackson Mead (son of Darren) had another quality game at this level with an even spread of contested and uncontested ball.

Norwood gained an impressive win over South despite missing some talent, but stand out and Under 18s Powerade Weekly Most Valuable Player Jacob Collins was a class above. His 28 disposals and one goal were a standout, and along with fellow midfielder Jed Spence, lead the way. South’s Jake Tarca finished with three goals in best for the Panthers.

North defeated Glenelg in convincing fashion and this time forward James Langley finished with two goals and 10 marks. Harrison Magor has had a good end to the season after an 11-tackle, seven-clearance effort in the midfield.

College Footy

Sacred Heart College (SHC) looked like they would keep their championship hopes alive, but fell just one-point short against arch-rival Rostrevor in their annual Intercol match. Scores were 10.9 (69) to 10.8 (68). It was a tough hit-out and young talent was on full display.

Rostrevor now face off against fellow undefeated side Prince Alfred College (PAC) which will determine who looks to take both the Messenger Shield and also progress to the State Knockout finals.

PAC defeated Scotch College by 20 goals and Westminster secured a tight victory over St Peters by nine points.

In the Public Schools draw, Henley High were victorious and will await the winner of the College system in the Knockout finals in the coming weeks.