SOUTH Australia trumped Vic Country in the weekend’s lone Under 18 National Championships fixture, with a few players boosting their stocks among this year’s AFL Draft pool. We highlight a couple of well performed top-age talents from either side, as well an emerging bottom-ager.

>> Scouting Notes: Vic Country vs. South Australia

Jack Delean (South Adelaide/South Australia)
Small Forward | 181cm | 75kg | 15/04/2005

Making another appearance in this segment for his second four-goal championships haul, Delean has quickly established himself as a big game player. Though subdued in a heavy loss last week, the livewire forward sunk the dagger into Vic Country with four majors and can do special things inside 50 with the right supply. Should he impact further up the ground, Delean could accelerate his rise up ranks but already looks a top 15-25 contender.

Zane Duursma (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Midfielder/Forward | 189cm | 79kg | 28/08/2005

There isn’t much wiggle room to rise in stocks when you’re a top five prospect, but Duursma has arguably only strengthened his hold on that status over the last month. The smooth moving midfielder was one of Vic Country’s more prominent stoppage players in the first half, mixing his class with strong tackling efforts. He was made to ride a few bumps and eventually shifted forward in term three to give Harley Reid a run in the middle, as the supply began to wane.

Ashton Moir (Glenelg/South Australia)
Forward | 188cm | 84kg | 15/04/2005

It has been an indifferent top-age campaign for Moir, hampered by a hip injury and slow to recapture the form which had him pegged as a top five talent. Though his six disposals make for modest reading, Moir snared two important goals to help his side hit the front, and produced moments of magic to assist others. Class is permanent and Moir proved that on Sunday, but whether it means he remains a top 15 prospect remains to be seen. Still, a step in the right direction.

George Stevens (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Midfielder/Defender | 189cm | 84kg | 14/04/2005

Returning to action this year off an ACL tear, Stevens took little time to get into his rhythm and eventually up to the speed of elite pathway football. He has proven himself as a composed and organised defender, before spending more significant time in midfield. On Sunday, he posted 25 disposals, six clearances and nine tackles as arguably Vic Country’s best player, proving a force both at and away from the contest. He may not have the athleticism or flair of others, but is certainly reliable.

FOR THE FUTURE…

Tyler Welsh (Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia)
Tall Forward | 191cm | 89kg | 15/08/2006

Welsh made a heck of an entrance into the Under 18 carnival, booting five goals as South Australia’s spearhead. The solidly built 191cm forward marks well overhead, is mobile, and finished his work well on Sunday both over the mark and in open play. Many other bottom-agers have made a splash in the tournament to date and you can add Welsh to the list, especially if you’re an Adelaide fan. He’s is eligible as a father-son prospect next year.