THE SANFL last week announced its 2024 Under 18 Academy, featuring 32 of South Australia’s finest young footballers. The squad will come together for an 11-week block either side of the Christmas break, training three nights per week at Thebarton Oval.

Plenty of familiar faces were selected, including Carlton father-son prospect Ben Camporeale, who was named best afield in Saturday’s AFL Under 17 Futures games. His twin brother, Lucas also made the cut as one of five players from 2022 Under 18 premier, Glenelg.

Port Adelaide will have a couple of father-sons to keep an eye on in Louie Montgomery and Rome Burgoyne, while Tyler Welsh is tied to Adelaide. The latter two are among a high of eight players out of Woodville-West Torrens.

Arguably the state’s top prospect next year is midfielder Sid Draper, who captained South Adelaide’s Under 18 flag this year. He already broke through for a League berth along with Eagles gun Kade Herbert, while Panther Phoenix Hargrave is poised for a big year after taking out the Under 18 MVP.

A group of seven bottom-aged (2007-born) players will also train with the team, headlined by state Under 16 captain and MVP, Dyson Sharp. He’s one of three products of the Central District Under 16 premiership side to be included.

2024 SANFL UNDER 18 ACADEMY

Central District (6):
Charlie Nicholls
James Noack
Joshua Reichelt*
Tallan Rosenzweig
Aidan Schubert*
Dyson Sharp*

Glenelg (5):
Ben Camporeale
Lucas Camporeale
Luke Candy*
Angus Clarke
Harrison Ramm

North Adelaide (4):
Evan Bradley
Sam Cumming*
Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier*
Louie Montgomery

Norwood (2):
Jacob Newton
Jay Polkinghorne

South Adelaide (4):
Sid Draper
Phoenix Hargrave
Jacob Sheean
Dakota Sterzl

Sturt (3):
Harley Barker*
Cameron Kelly
Sam Waltham

Woodville-West Torrens (8):
Rome Burgoyne
Tate Delmenico
Harry Dodd
Jett Hasting
Kade Herbert
Tom Luck
Tyler Welsh
Charlie West