ROUND 11 of the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) brings along with it another edition of our scouting notes, focusing on the top draft-relevant performers from around the competition this weekend. In this instalment, we again turn our attention to the prospects running around in the Under 18 competition, with a focus on State Academy based talent, National Combine invitees, and others who may push for selection along the line. A bunch of top-end juniors plied their trade in senior grades over the weekend, so they also get a look-in.

Please consider that each set of notes showcases the opinions of our scouts individually, and there are only so many players we can keep an eye on each week.

>> Power Rankings: September Edition

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Glenelg vs. West Adelaide

By: Tom Wyman

Glenelg:

#8 Hagan Wright

The consistent Wright was once again among Glenelg’s best players in the Tigers’ victory. Wright was typically prolific around the ground and in the contest, showing some great polish by foot for most of the day. The midfielder weaved through traffic nicely on a number of occasions and continues to compile a strong season in a number of roles for the yellow and black. He formed a strong partnership with fellow on-baller Kye Dean, with the pair helping the Bays finish plus-20 in clearances. Wright’s tireless work rate and two-way running was represented by his four inside 50s and five rebounds. He finished the contest with 31 disposals, three marks, two tackles and eight clearances.

#9 Kye Dean

The strong-bodied inside midfielder was terrific for Glenelg in pristine conditions at ACH Group Stadium. He worked hard for all four quarters and set the tone from the get-go with his fearless attack on the football, contested ball winning, and stoppage nous. Dean was active at stoppages, constantly on the move and battling to get to the front position. Although his work in the coal-face was most recognisable, he was also able to have an impact going forward, providing the Glenelg forwards with six inside 50s in a strong outing from the 18-year-old. Dean finished with an equal game-high 31 disposals, five marks, four tackles, eight clearances and six inside 50s.

#19 Jayden Davis

The bottom-aged Davis continued his impressive season at Tigerland with another encouraging performance on Saturday. A versatile prospect, his work rate around the ground enabled him to collect an equal game-high nine marks and have an impact across all zones of the field. Davis has demonstrated his abilities in front of goal on numerous occasions this year, and added another two to his season tally. A natural ball-winner, Davis worked himself into excellent positions around the ground to gather 28 disposals and five inside 50s. Having established himself at Under 18s level this season, expect Davis to continue to grow into one of South Australia’s most promising talents.

#23 Callum Park (League) 

In his distinct long-sleeves, Park showcased his neat skillset and athleticism from his role in defence. The teenager accumulated eight rebounds in the Tigers’ big win, setting up several scoring opportunities with his vision and skill execution from the defensive half. Although slight in build, Park is a nice size and is one of a handful of mature-aged South Australians to cement their spots at League level in 2020.

#27 Luke Parks (League)

The talented Sydney Swans Academy graduate spent a considerable amount of time down in the rooms with what appeared to be a finger dislocation or hand injury. However, he returned to the field and was still able to have an impact on the game from defence, taking six grabs. One of the SANFL’s best markers, Parks has attracted some attention after making an eye-catching start to his senior football career in South Australia.

Others:

Under 18s bigman Sam Potter was clearly the dominant ruckman on the ground, accumulating 12 possessions and 31 hit-outs. Up forward, Calvin Perks certainly made the most of his touches, booting six goals and one behind from just seven disposals. He also provided a chop-out in the ruck for the aforementioned Potter, winning eleven hit-outs. William Watts was another Tiger to find plenty of the ball, concluding the successful outing with 27 disposals, six marks, four tackles and three clearances. In the Reserves, Luke Edwards kicked the first goal of the match and looked comfortable upon his return from concussion.

>> MORE GLENELG CONTENT

West Adelaide:

#4 Cade Kennedy

The West Adelaide bottom-ager produced another promising showing through the midfield. Despite his side being comprehensively beaten in the contest, Kennedy refused to back down and also showed some nice skills away from the congestion. His high work rate between the arcs was again impressive, as was his kicking on both sides of his body. Kennedy has strung a couple of nice games together for the Bloods over the past month and will look to carry this late-season momentum into his draft-eligible campaign in 2021. Kennedy finished with 18 disposals, four marks, five tackles and seven inside 50s and was one of few Bloods to generate some offensive spark through the centre of the ground.

#10 Eduard Van den berg

The reliable Van den berg refused to back down even when his side was struggling to keep up with the accurate Bays. West Adelaide’s leading ball winner, Van den berg spent time down back and also pushed up into the midfield at various stages, and was able to have an impact in both roles. He provided some valuable rebound from defence (five rebound 50s) and finished the game with 20 disposals, six marks and five tackles.

#20 Luke Young

The strongly-built key forward tried his best to will his side over the line, booting three goals straight in the first half to keep the Bloods in the contest. The West Adelaide midfielders looked for him up forward whenever possible and he provided a strong presence in attack. He took seven marks for the contest and appeared threatening whenever the ball was in his vicinity. Despite the Bloods slumping to their tenth loss of the campaign, the bottom-aged centre half-forward will certainly have taken plenty of confidence from his performance at the Bay. He finished with 17 disposals and five inside 50s.

#24 Jye Sinderberry

It was a difficult day for the West Adelaide defenders, but key defender Sinderberry was one of the Bloods’ best performers. One of twenty South Australians invited to the draft combine, Sinderberry’s overhead marking strength was once again on display as he hauled in five grabs, including a strong contested pack clunk. He distributed the ball well by foot for the majority of the contest and demonstrated why recruiters see plenty of upside in the number 24, despite being a few centimetres short of the traditional key position height. Sinderberry finished with 19 disposals and three rebound 50s.

>> MORE WEST ADELAIDE CONTENT

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Norwood vs. Central District

By: Eli Duxson

Norwood:

#1 Cooper Murley

It was a monster game from Murley as he ended up with 40 disposals, three goals, five clearances, and 11 inside 50s. His acceleration and agility with ball in hand was impressive and he looked so elusive to his opposition, but it was his groundwork that was equally impressive. A one-touch player, Murley so often reeled in innate one-handed gathers pulling away from his body which he made look so easy under pressure. His first goal came in the second quarter with a left foot snap, looking very comfortable on either side of his body.

His second half highlighted his lethal outside ability as his speed and efficient ball use allowed him to be very damaging in his forward half, as he was often doing as he liked. Rotating through the forward line in the final quarter snagged him another two goals; one snapped on his right boot after repeat efforts, and the other a set shot from just inside 50 on a slight angle. If he was not hurting you enough on the inside, his spread and speed on the outside definitely was. Murley’s inside to outside blend was very well done, and his stats show he was dominant all game.

#5 Henry Nelligan

Not to be outdone was the compact Nelligan and his whopping 47 disposals, three goals, 10 marks, seven tackles, and eight clearances. He imposed himself on the game with a mammoth first term which saw him have three shots on goal and cover almost every inch of the ground. His big tank allowed him to be at almost every stoppage where he used his strength and acceleration to be lively and often the most damaging. When he was not plugging holes in his defensive 50 and being a part of every Redlegs midfield play, he was resting forward and looking just as dangerous. Whether it was slotting a set shot from 45 metres or being front and centre at a contest, you could not help but feel like he was going to do something.

The second half saw him maintain his play, allowing him to show off his ability on either side of his body and just how strong he is through his core and hips – looking difficult to tackle. He kicked another long set shot in the third quarter and crumbed a contest in the fourth to kick his third goal from the goalsquare to truly round out his incredible day out. In what looked like a direct rotation with Murley, he loomed just as dangerously up forward as he did in the guts and basked in what was a dominant day for both him and Norwood.

#9 Riley Verrall

With just 11 scoring shots coming from 26 Glenelg inside 50s in a big win for Norwood, the numbers would suggest that Verrall had a decent day out in the defensive half. His 21 disposals and seven marks only confirm that as he looked clean with his gathers below the knees and disposal with either hand or foot. He also showed a strong ability to intercept mark, using his body well in several marking contests.

His athleticism and physicality were good and was very reliable in one-on-one contests. His teammates appeared to trust him around the ball as they often backed him in to win the contest and be there for the handball receive. A solid defender who gathered plenty of his own ball but did appear on his own on a couple of occasions in his defensive 50. It did not hurt Norwood on the scoreboard though, so ended as a very solid performance from Verrall.

#38 Cole Gerloff (League)

Gerloff was a bit quiet in the first half and did not start the game as he would have liked, giving away a downfield free kick which led to a Bulldogs goal. Rotating between the midfield and half-forward, he showed a strong tackling ability and physical presence, but barring the one clearance, he was not overly damaging with ball in hand.

His second half turned that around as he managed two shots on goal in the third quarter. The first one saw him do well to manufacture a snap out of a forward 50 throw-in, which he could not quite work back to score. The second one saw him take a gutsy mark falling back into the contest and after being well held for much of the game, he hit the scoreboard after drilling the set shot from just inside 50. Proving this was no fluke, he continued to take another two contested marks, showing strength and resilience after copping a swipe to the head. He was busy in the final quarter and looked good at stoppages when on the move and though he does not have blistering pace, he works hard and gets in and under.

Others:

There were many contributions in the big Under 18s win for the Redlegs, but Nathan Hearing’s game was outstanding. The ruckman looked to be athletic for his size, immovable at the contest, a serial one-percenter enthusiast, and very good at following up his work in the ruck. He found his way to 21 hit outs, 23 disposals, seven inside 50s, and five clearances. Billy Haebich also found plenty of it with 24 disposals while Tom McDonald and Nathan Maunder each kicked three goals.

>> MORE NORWOOD CONTENT

Central District:

#31 Corey Durdin (League)

It was not a good day for Durdin as he appears to have re-injured his hamstring early in the game having just returned from a stint on the sidelines. After earning an invite to the draft combine during the week, he managed just one disposal before the injury and is expected to miss three weeks of action – putting him in a race against time to play again this season.

Others:

There were not many standouts for the Bulldogs in the heavy defeat in the Under 18s. Matthew Borlace managed 25 disposals in the busy backline, being entrusted with the kick-out duties, while Brodie Tuck was equally as busy with 21 disposals and 11 rebound 50s. Luigi Mondello looked lively and threatening with his speed and zip, but looked to lack effort in the contest at times. He finished with 15 disposals and two behinds. Michael De Jonge was also serviceable with 15 disposals and 12 tackles. NT prospect Brodie Lake made his Reserves debut, booting a goal in the Bulldogs’ big win.

>> MORE CENTRAL DISTRICT CONTENT

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South Adelaide vs. Sturt

By: Peter Williams

South Adelaide:

#10 Brayden Cook

Cook almost proved a match-winner for the Panthers when he went forward to boot two final term goals early in the period, contributing to his side kicking five consecutive goals and hitting the front. He also missed a couple of chances, but his work one-on-one work was great and his leading quite proficient as well. Had he truly converted the couple of behinds in that final term – finishing with 2.3 for the entire game – he could have had an even bigger day out. Nonetheless, he still finished with the 20 touches and nine marks, looking unstoppable on the lead. His vision is superb, taking the chance to hit up a teammate on the 45-degree kick 30-metres out rather than blazing away from a long-range goal in the opening term. He has high level footy smarts, and while there are still areas to work on, he has some serious quality traits.

#33 Arlo Draper

Pencil in the name to remember for next year because Draper was best on ground as a bottom-ager. He finished with an impressive 29 disposals, five marks, eight tackles, 10 clearances and eight inside 50s, but every time he went near it he managed to gain ground and looked like bringing a teammate into the game. He kicked the easiest of goals from the goalsquare late in the first term, and while he had been solid in the first three quarters, he almost hauled the Panthers across the line in the final term. He had five consecutive clearances from stoppages he attended through the final period, of which a couple led to goals and another couple led to scoring opportunities. He exits the stoppage around the back to get onto his right and has a long kick that can penetrate defensive zones. Hard not to notice him when he stands up in the biggest moments of the game.

#33 Jason Horne (League)

The bottom-ager looked classy at the level and while he did not win a heap of the footy, he did enough to show why he is already in contention for the number one pick next year. Kicking a goal midway through the final term to put his side back in front, he took a great mark close to the boundary line in the second term and kicked right to the danger spot with a booming kick. He then only narrowly missed a shot not long after as it hit the post from 50-metres out. He made good decisions with ball-in-hand and whilst a quick snap early in the third drifted way wide, he showed his toughness in the opening 10 seconds of the final term where he copped front-on contact and was down for a while but got back up and played out the match to finish with 10 disposals, three marks, three tackles and a goal.

#45 Daly Andrews (League)

Was able to show his trademark speed along the outside and use his raking boot to advantage to break down the opposition defensive zone. He played predominantly off a wing to try and break the lines, and he did so in the third term when he ran from the defensive side of the wing to half-forward and kick inside 50. He might have occasionally had a few loopy high kicks that were rushed, but he did his job through his run-and-carry, and was not afraid to take the game on.

Others:

Sam Hinders and Jayden Little both had the 24 touches, whilst combining for 20 marks and 14 rebound 50s holding up the fort in defence. Max Clifton buzzed around the ground working hard for 22 disposals, four marks, three tackles and three clearances, while Dylan Brown racked up seven clearances from his 17 disposals, three marks and three tackles.

>> MORE SOUTH ADELAIDE CONTENT

Sturt:

#17 Mani Liddy

Did not have the same influence as the week before with just one clearance – after 10 against West Adelaide – but still worked hard across the four quarters. He won the ball in each third, and more importantly was able to get free and impact the scoreboard as well. He finished with a couple of goals, including one after an intercept mark where his kick from 50-metres sailed home in the opening term. He showed quick hands around the stoppage and was able to give it off to Tom Powell who kicked a great goal on the run in the third term, with Liddy having a chance at a third goal with a dribble shot but it missed in the opening minute of the final quarter.

#18 Tom Powell

Much like Liddy, did not have the same impact as the week before, but still racked up the pill 27 times and had 10 clearances. His third term goal was a ripper on the run, and his strength around the stoppages was still evident. What Powell does so well is his clean hands at ground level, showing an elite pick-up off the deck to bounce off an opponent and handball to a free teammate on the wing. In that instant, he assessed what he needed to do and made a great decision by hand and used his vision well. His pressure in the second term allowed a teammate to kick a goal, keeping the ball in play deep in attack. His work rate never wavered and he was able to hit up a teammate leading out from goal in the third term.

#27 Ned Grieve

Really impressed me playing in defence after a quieter outing last week. The intercept defender had 23 disposals, 10 marks and a couple of rebounds, often being a rock on the last line. He took a number of crucial one-on-one marks in the second term, and was responsible for switching play out of the back half, showing great composure and being a key player for the Double Blues in the win.

#2 Tom Lewis (League)

Put in a tireless effort around the ground and was often found firing out quick handballs to teammates and standing up in tackles. Lewis has a neat sidestep that can wrong foot opponents, which he did on a number of occasions whilst under pressure to kick long inside 50. After helping set up teammates, Lewis fittingly got on the end of the sealer, kicking a great goal in the 17th minute of the final term out of nothing to ice the game.

#17 Jed McEntee (League)

Not as prolific as past weeks, but just so strong around the stoppages. He made a few mistakes – such as being pinged for holding the ball or dropping a mark – but his effort was there throughout four quarters. His strength when being tackled sees him often getting his hands free, and his tackling pressure itself is a feature of his game. In a tight match, his equal game-high 10 tackles were superb. A low bullet pass to half-forward in the third term was also eye-catching.

#29 James Borlase (League)

Much like McEntee was not as prolific as the week before when he shone on debut. What stood out was his ability to pick himself up after an early mistake – he dropped an uncontested mark leading to a South goal – to remain composed under pressure coming out of the back 50. Some of his kicks were superb, with one elite kick coming in the third term off the back of a one-on-one intercept mark to hit up McEntee in the middle on that 45-degree angle. He read the ball flight in the final term to take a strong mark 20 metres out from defensive goal, and showed great pressure to force a turnover just moments earlier.

#46 Jack Henderson (League)

Was one of the best afield for his work across four quarters, always looking lively and dangerous with ball-in-hand. He had a shot on goal in the opening term but it was touched across the line, before going on to set up a number of goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. He copped contact in the second term on the wing but bounced straight back up with a good inside 50 to Ash Johnson for a goal, and then did it again by taking the game on in the third term and hitting up a leading Oliver Grivell. He got his reward for effort with a goal of his own to put the icing on the cake with a snap around the body in the 27th minute of the final term.

Others:

Lachlan Thomas found plenty of the ball racking up 22 touches and eight marks on the outside, while Ethan Field had the two clearances to go with 21 disposals and eight marks. Jacob Ferrari provided good support through the ruck picking up 16 disposals, five marks, 13 hitouts, four tackles, three clearances and a goal, whilst Jordan Opperman booted 3.2 from 13 touches and five marks.

>> MORE STURT CONTENT

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North Adelaide vs. WWT Eagles

By: Michael Alvaro

North Adelaide:

#18 James Willis

The bottom-ager built brilliantly into the game, generating some terrific drive for North Adelaide from midfield. He looked lively early in the forward half, but was also sighted digging in up the other end as the Roosters tried to turn the tide in their favour. Willis’ pace and dare through the middle really came to the fore after half time, as he willed his side forward with bursting runs and strong play at the contest, while also doing his bit defensively with some terrific tackling pressure. His attack-minded approach in transition and ability to chain possessions with repeat running proved key for the Roosters, even if he spurned a few kicks. The 180cm prospect finished with 22 disposals and six tackles in an impactful display.

#21 Tariek Newchurch

This game was another instance where Newchurch proved that he does not need a whole lot of opportunities to make his mark on the contest. The Adelaide Crows NGA hopeful popped up in spurts throughout the game, starting up forward but attending the stoppages further afield in general play. His lightning quick first five steps and overall evasive technique allowed him to weave out of congestion, with clean hands making his work all the more easy. He hit the scoreboard after half time having drifted a touch, gathering off hands and snapping a clever goal over his shoulder in the third term. Newchurch’s second goal was just as impressive, as he again gained separation at the fall of the ball, wheeled onto his right side, and slammed the ball home. He did miss a couple of late chances to seal the game, but got in the right places. His impact is always high, but consistency is a lingering area of improvement.

#25 Blayne O’Loughlin

Another Crows NGA prospect, O’Loughlin was busy as ever in his defensive post. The bottom-ager provided a terrific balance of offensive and defensive work to the back six, sweeping up the loose balls and rebounding with speed. A pleasing part of his game was the ability to sense when to run off through the corridor for a handball receive, bringing that speed and his kicking prowess to the fore on the break. While he was well held at times and saw a few clearing kicks come straight back, O’Loughlin lifted when it mattered and showed good urgency late in the game with his ability to penetrate off half-back. He finished with a game-high 28 disposals – 23 of which were kicks.

#29 Zyton Santillo

Santillo was one of the best players afield, employed as somewhat of a sub-180cm centre half-forward. The diminutive mover presented brilliantly all day for the Roosters, hitting up full-chested at everything his midfielders sent forward. The bottom-ager was also able to mop up at ground level when the delivery was not so flash, zipping his way through traffic and onto his favoured side to hit targets inside 50. An Under 16 state representative last year, there is plenty to like about Santillo as a small forward who gets busy. His tackling pressure was also on point, and he capped off his 22-disposal performance with a goal in the third term.

Others:

Matthew Borg and Jayden Davison were the other midfield mainstays, finding a good amount of ball each with 27 and 24 disposals respectively. Borg often looked to burst away and help the Roosters break forward, while Davison accumulated well through the corridor and booted a classy goal. They were supported well by ruckman Isaac Keeler, who contributed 21 disposals and six clearances. Kyle Brazell and Lam Simon had their shining moments, while Kane Flanagan and Tyler McKenzie battled brilliantly down back against good opposition.

>> MORE NORTH ADELAIDE CONTENT

WWT Eagles:

#3 Taj Schofield

It was an up-and-down day from the Port Adelaide father-son prospect, who was often in the game but struggled to have his usual impact. Stationed out on the wing once again, Schofield did well to sense which direction the ball was headed from the centre bounces, running hard both ways to either create an outlet or impact the next contest. He was a touch fumbly under pressure at ground level and tended to air his kicks a little on the break, but is usually quite sharp in those areas. Schofield had a couple of chances to hit the scoreboard in the second half, coming closest with a free kick which cannoned into the post. 16 disposals and five inside 50s was his final stat-line, a good base to improve upon.

#19 Zachary Phillips

It has not always been his major strength this season, but some of Phillips’ ruckwork on this occasion was unbelievably good. In what seemed to be a series of set plays, the 200cm bigman was constantly able to find his midfielders on the move at centre bounces and stoppages, palming down deft touches into the perfect space. North Adelaide caught onto a few of the said plays, but that was not before he sent just about every one of his midfielders on their way with well-directed hits. Phillips also spent a good deal of time up forward, stationed deep inside attacking 50. He used his height to advantage, particularly late when he snagged his second goal after marking over the top of his smaller opponent in the goalsquare. That major gave the Eagles a sniff, but they ultimately fell short. 30 hitouts for Phillips in the end, many of which were to advantage.

#25 Henry Smith

The second of Woodville-West Torrens’ 200cm prospects, Smith rotated between the forwardline and ruck to good effect. He showed some of the upside which earned him a national combine invite, following up well at stoppages while also faring well aerially as expected. Smith was another to use his height to advantage, clunking some big pack marks both around the ground and inside forward 50 against multiple opponents. Remarkably, all five of his marks were contested. While perhaps more of a lead-up forward prospect, Smith’s ruck craft was reasonably sound as he finished the game with 15 disposals, 15 hitouts, and fourth-term a goal.

#31 Jase Burgoyne

Burgoyne simply continues to win mountains of possessions for the Eagles, rotating beautifully through midfield from defence. The potential 2021 Port Adelaide father-son prospect constantly looked to break forward off half-back, sweeping up the loose ball and even chaining some running bounces. The bottom-ager put his usually sharp short-range kicking to one side on this occasion, more often opting to kick long down the line and gain meterage in the heat of the contest. In midfield, he benefitted from the ruckwork of Zac Phillips to break forward with speed, and was one of many Eagles to up the intensity when the game was up for grabs late. Burgoyne finished with a team-high 27 disposals and eight clearances, while penetrating either arc four times apiece.

Others:

Harrison Dawkins showed good strength through midfield and was impactful in the dying stages, managing 24 disposals and six inside 50s for the Eagles. Max Litster was busy early en route to 21 touches and six inside 50s, while Jordan Kasianowicz provided a good link forward for his side. Kasianowicz also sunk a pair of long-range majors, capping off a terrific outing. Brock Thomson was another to impress down back, while Jack Wheare booted three goals in a strong showing up forward.

>> MORE WWT EAGLES CONTENT

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Featured image: Callum Park in action for Glenelg | Source: Gordon Anderson/SANFL