SUNS Academy forward Jed Walter kicked off this year’s Under 18 National Championships in style on Sunday, spearheading the Allies to a 16-point win over South Australia. The bustling tall showcased a rare blend of power, athleticism and work rate in an outstanding outing which set up his side’s win.

Having been highly regarded coming into the year, the top-ager has quickly established himself as a bonafide top five prospect and is one of three Gold Coast-tied talents in the first round frame. We put his performance under the Player Focus microscope.

>> Scouting Notes: South Australia vs. Allies

Allies, SUNS AcademyKey Forward

Jed Walter

Height: 194cm

Weight: 97kg

DOB: 08-06-2005

SEASON SO FAR

CTL averages: 4 games | 18.3 disposals | 5.5 marks | 3.0 tackles | 4.5 goals

The signs were there for Walter early in the season, but he has well and truly come to life over the last month. He had 17 disposals and two goals in each of the Suns Academy’s opening two Talent League games (both losses), before breaking out with a combined 14 goals against the Northern Territory and GWV Rebels – incidentally, both wins.

In between his Suns representation, Walter has also donned national colours in the two AFL Academy showcase games. He booted a single goal in either fixture against senior opposition, competing typically hard with less supply. Now, he’s waxing well with some high-level teammates in the Allies setup, for his second Under 18 champs campaign.

>> Top 20: May 2023 Power Rankings

PLAYER FOCUS

2023 AFL Under 18 National Championships
South Australia 11.2 (68) def. by Allies 12.12 (84)

#25 Jed Walter (Allies) – 17 disposals, 8 marks, 3 goals, 5 behinds

FIRST QUARTER

It was a powerful start for Walter, whose five first term disposals were all attempts on goal. He set the tone for his side’s victory with typically fearsome attack on the aerial ball, clunking a series of strong marks and converting two of his five set shots.

The hulking tall thrived off the Allies’ midfield dominance and quick entries, but had plenty of work to do himself in out-jumping and out-bodying South Australia’s key defenders. When allowed a run and jump at the ball, he made everything stick.

Walter owned the forward 50 arc, with his leap and contested marking proving particular highlights. The only thing lacking was his conversion, as two of his kicks over the mark went wide and another fell short – albeit assisting Charlie McCormack’s first goal.

SECOND QUARTER

After an ominous opening term, Walter’s scoring influence waned but he managed to assist another McCormack major. What made the remainder of his first half so great was his effort, with the 195cm phenom absorbing contact and creating it both in the air and at ground level. 

If the marks and supply weren’t coming, he made sure to crash packs and harass defenders inside forward 50, seemingly doing everything at 100 per cent. The only pack Walter didn’t crash was one he was impeded from getting to, which resulted in his third behind.

Perhaps on the back of his 50m set shot from the first quarter which fell short, he also looked to pass off from a similar position, but overcooked the kick to Colby McKercher. Still, Walter imposed himself on the contest and would have been a worry in the back of SA defenders’ minds.

THIRD QUARTER

South Australia fought back with four goals to one in term three, meaning Walter saw much less of the ball. The quarter wasn’t totally without opportunity for the Allies forward though, and he finally began to be beaten in one-on-one contests by athletic direct opponent, Will McCabe.

Walter found it a touch more difficult to clunk his marks as cleanly as in the first half too, with fatigue perhaps becoming a factor after bursting out of the blocks so emphatically. His only two touches came late in the term, with a pair of uncontested marks on defensive wing, and quick releases.

FOURTH QUARTER

Walter rounded out his game strongly, snaring another goal from four more attempts in the final 25 minutes. He put two set shots wide and one out on the full, but converted his chance on the run after waiting down at the back of a pack and streaming inside 50 with explosive speed.

He continued to try and impose himself physically but was a touch later to contests and thus, on the wrong side of the whistle. His effort remained though, as exemplified by a gut-busting intercept mark inside forward 50 moments after missing a shot on goal.

CLOSING THOUGHTS…

Walter’s recent form is something to marvel at, particularly against his peers. He has proven too big and strong, blending his power and size with athleticism and work rate. His physicality is particularly damaging in the early stages, but Walter can look to iron out his four-quarter consistency.

He played a slightly different role after half time on Sunday, advancing further afield, but arguably is most impactful within the attacking arc. With the ability to crash packs, if he isn’t clunking the ball early, Walter has the capacity to bring the ball to ground and let smalls get to work.

All of his qualities combined make for a readymade and complete key forward prospect. If he can showcase similar game breaking ability against more quality opponents and senior bodies upon potential VFL exposure, there is no reason why Walter will not attract a bid within the top five picks.