CENTRAL District was comfortably beaten by Glenelg in Round 1 of the SANFL Under 18 season, but Aidan Schubert proved a shining light in the 43-point defeat. Playing as a key forward and ruck, the top-ager provided a lift in the second half to outline his potential. We put his performance under the Player Focus microscope.

>> SANFL U18s: 2024 finalists knocked off in Round 1

Central District, South AustraliaRuck Forward

Aidan Schubert

Height: 194cm

Weight: -

DOB: 21-12-2007

FROM THE EXPERTS:

Quotes via SANFL

“Aidan is a talented basketballer who is also a keen football player with huge potential… He played as a key forward and second ruck in our SA U16 team [in 2023]. At national level, he was able to showcase his aerial ability and score impact. Aidan is still learning about ball-movement patterns, where to lead and when to lead while working hard to improve his field kicking and agility.” – South Australia U18 coach Tony Bamford

”Aidan was our best player in our loss to Glenelg. He played as a key forward with considerable time in the ruck, his competitiveness on the ground and in the air was a shining light for us.” – Central District Talent Manager Scott Stevens

PLAYER FOCUS

2025 SANFL Under 18s: Round 1
Central District 7.9 (51) def. by Glenelg 14.10 (94)

#39 Aidan Schubert (Central District)
Stats: 21 disposals, 8 marks, 11 hitouts, 3 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 behinds

FIRST QUARTER:

It was a slow start for Schubert and Centrals as Glenelg took a 20-point lead (21-1) into quarter time. With the Bulldogs having only one scoring shot and struggling to move the ball fluently from end to end, Schubert had little to do while spending the bulk of his time up forward.

Still, the mobile tall got into good spots when venturing up the ground, utilising patterns similar to what 2024 draftee Charlie Nicholls would. He competed aerially but could have been stronger with his bodywork, including in the ruck where Reed Francis-Nia Nia threw him aside in one contest.

SECOND QUARTER:

The one-sided scoring trend continued into term two, as Central District finished the first half eight goals to one down (55-9) and in desperate need of greater connection out of defence. Schubert signalled he could be the player to provide just that with a strong grab during the final play of the quarter.

He also had a nice moment in attack, getting separation to mark uncontested on the lead at the elbow of Centrals’ attacking 50. Schubert then audaciously baulked fellow state academy member Luke Candy on the mark and skipped away to have a snap on goal, but the shot was always narrow.

While renowned for his aerial ability, Schubert had otherwise found it difficult to stick many of his marking attempts as Rex Jones did enough to halve each contest. Still, he covered ground well to spread forward when Centrals won the ball, and looked close to putting the pieces together in a tough half.

THIRD QUARTER:

The third was the Bulldogs’ best quarter and Schubert was central to that as he began to take over the primary ruck duties. He was more proactive with his bodywork, engaging his opponent and shielding the drop zone more effectively in an attempt to get first hand to the ball.

Schubert also became more involved on the follow-up, showing a sharper set of hands and the willingness to get down at ground level. Away from the contest, he would spread forward hard to become a threat in the front half – Centrals could have done with two of him out there.

Another scoring opportunity came Schubert’s way as he marked with his hands out in front on the lead, before putting the set shot wide. Earlier, he helped set the tone for Centrals’ revival with a long kick inside 50 to assist Dusty Geister in the opening minutes.

Schubert’s coverage of the ground and improving agility were evident when he looked to carry the ball, like in a one-two play on the outer wing. His composure and skill execution remain areas for improvement though, having dished up indifferent end product to his positive work.

FOURTH QUARTER:

Having arrested some momentum in the third quarter, Centrals couldn’t hold out much longer and ended up going down by 43 points. Schubert continued to ply his trade in the ruck before being thrown deep forward late in the piece, finishing with a strong stat line as the Bulldogs’ best afield.

He got cleaner and more impactful as the night wore on, including a darting kick up the middle to centre half-forward which hit up Dougie Cochrane, defying his 62 per cent disposal efficiency. Schubert’s influence up the ground and ability to help Centrals connect into attack were vital assets.

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CLOSING THOUGHTS

Schubert has obvious talent and upside as a developing tall who has also poured plenty of time into another sport. He is already a state representative with that being the case, so is a prospect who should showcase marked improvement with a full footy focus during his top-age year.

It was positive to see Schubert step up to become the Bulldogs’ talisman when they were in dire straight, unable to effect the result but certainly making a difference in terms of their competitiveness. Whether rucking or up forward, he has the tools to be an impactful roaming tall.

Schubert’s strengths are his aerial ability and mobility, as well as his usual scoring output. If he can tidy up his skills and continue to develop his craft in both positions, clubs will have little choice but to take a closer look at his profile. A solid base to build off in game one, all things considered.