SOUTH Australia took home the Haydn Bunton Cup on Sunday afternoon, raiding Optus Stadium to defeat Western Australia by four points in a tense edition of the annual state game. With the AFL mid-season draft fast approaching, there were plenty of mature-age prospects who boosted their chances of a top flight call-up.

Among them was West Adelaide midfielder Josh Carmichael, who was recently one of three players to earn an exemption for the upcoming AFL intake. The 22-year-old hails from regional Victoria, and won a best and fairest in the Sunraysia Football League with Merbein last year before finally making his way to the SANFL.

A big-bodied midfielder, Carmichael has made an eye-catching start to his state league career with fantastic numbers against strong opposition. We put his latest performance under the Player Focus microscope.

West AdelaideMidfielder

Josh Carmichael

Height: 189cm

Weight: 88kg

DOB: 23-09-1999

Strengths:

Clean hands

Contested work

Decision making

Scoreboard impact

Strength

Improvements:

Limited exposure

Speed

SEASON SO FAR

Averages: 6 games | 24.3 disposals, 5.0 marks, 5.2 tackles, 5.5 clearances, 2.8 inside 50s, 2.3 rebound 50s, 1.2 goals (7 total)

Carmichael earned his SANFL representative call-up on the back of some strong recent form, most notably a season-best haul of 34 disposals, eight marks, seven clearances and two goals against the Adelaide Crows’ reserves side.

It was the midfielder’s second time ticking up to 30 touches, after he first did so against Woodville-West Torrens in Round 3. He started steadily upon debuting in Round 1, but has gone on to average 24 disposals and over a goal per his six games – finding the big sticks on all bar one occasion.

Lauded for his work rate, Carmichael has been able to win the ball at stoppage while working up and back and having a say inside attacking 50. His size and age make him a readymade type, and he has risen to each level he’s played thus far – from country footy, to the nation’s top state league, to representing said league.

2022 Haydn Bunton Junior Cup – WAFL vs. SANFL
WAFL 9.12 (66) def. by SANFL 10.10 (70)

Stats: 17 disposals (11 kicks, 6 handballs), 5 marks, 3 tackles, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 2 behinds

FIRST QUARTER

Named to start on the bench, Carmichael was quickly thrust into the midfield mix and made some important plays on-ball. The West Australian side dominated the opening 10 minutes with eight inside 50s to one, but Carmichael and his Croweaters soon clicked into gear.

The West Adelaide bolter showcased a nice ball winning balance, earning an early touch on the handball receive as he glided past a contest on the wing, running his measure and delivering a long kick to half-forward. That play lead to SA’s opening goal through Zane Williams.

Carmichael also leant on his size to get some contested ball away, with one particular stoppage clearance seeing him boot forward despite struggling through the clutches of two opponents.

He also went when his name was called and took a very handy overhead mark on the wing, rising with the flight of the ball to intercept in front of a forming pack. His disposal was not as eye-catching, as he shifted inboard but saw his kick smothered to lead WA into goal.

Despite that blemish, the 22-year-old looked up for the contest and made key involvements – both ways – which contributed to scoring chains. His mark was the highlight and while quite apt at the contest, he also got into space to receive and carry the ball forward.

SECOND QUARTER

Term two was a productive period for Carmichael, who again rotated through the engine room to good effect. Noted for his work rate, he showcased exactly that by sweeping back to defensive 50 as a short relieving outlet. He racked up a few disposals in said space, but also snuck forward to hit the scoreboard.

Carmichael’s one and only major for the day was a sweetly struck set shot from 45 out, defying his 7.9 goalkicking record at SANFL League level this year. Again, it was a case of him working into the right space as an easy option for his teammates to hit under pressure.

The mature-ager also got his hands on the ball at stoppage, displaying quick and clean hands at his first centre bounce attendance with an opponent right on his hammer. He also showed his strength to get a handball away despite an untimely slip, proving impactful all-round in the first half.

THIRD QUARTER

Western Australia began to turn the screw in term three, rallying to draw back within two goals and making it tough for players like Carmichael to have an impact. The SA midfielder only had a couple of notable touches, but really made them count.

He won his first possession by crashing a contest in the forward corridor, splitting a one-on-one tussle and following up to handball back to a teammate. His supporting act did not gain any meterage, but allowed SA to go forward with time on the forward 50 ball.

His next contribution was even better. Upon receiving in a tight spot as the centre bounce play panned out, Carmichael stepped clear of trouble and showed terrific composure to bullet a wide pass to the wing. In that moment, he proved his decision making ability and skills under pressure.

FOURTH QUARTER

Having played three quarters in midfield with and against the highest-calibre players of his career, Carmichael was shifted forward in the fourth quarter. He very nearly added to his goal tally, credited with consecutive behinds in the first 10 minutes with one a snap which he pulled wide.

Carmichael almost had a costly moment as he gave away a needless 50-metre penalty to bring WA within a kick of its forward 50, but the Westies talent made up for it with strong work at the contest during the tense closing stages. He, and SA held on.

Overall, the appeal is clear in Carmichael. Midfields with big bodies who can link from the inside, out are currently faring well at the top level, and he is a player who fits that mould. With his size, clean hands and sound decision making, Carmichael has been a steep riser but stands a chance in the mid-season draft.