SOUTH Australia finalised its Under 18 squad this week, featuring 34 of the state’s best and brightest prospects. Among those to make the cut were seven inclusions from the summer training squad, and we profile each of them as they strive to claim a tricolour guernsey.

>> FULL SQUAD: 2025 South Australia Under 18s

Sam Ainsworth
Norwood | Ruck

SANFL U18 averages: 15.8 disposals, 4.8 clearances, 20.8 hitouts

Ainsworth has been a revelation for Norwood, already playing as many games this year (four) as he did as a bottom-ager. The Redlegs’ mainline ruck brings great energy to the contest; athletic enough to win his share of hitouts, but also confident enough to grab the ball out of the ruck. He follows up well and can contribute with his marking ability around the ground, averaging 4.5 per outing. The final piece will be increasing his scoreboard impact.

Tim Alver
Glenelg | Midfielder

SANFL U18 averages: 23.0 disposals, 3.5 marks, 4.3 clearances

Glenelg’s captain has been in fine form to start the season, alternating between a consistent 21 and 25 disposals throughout his four games to date. He was previously in South Australia’s state program at Under 16 level and put in a good showing at last year’s SANFL Futures match. He has some spring as a medium-sized player, as shown by his vertical jumping results during preseason testing.

Thomas McKay
Glenelg | Tall Defender

SANFL U18 averages: 20.0 disposals, 4.8 marks, 8.5 rebound 50s

McKay is the only over-ager selected in this year’s squad, earning a call-up after his impressive early season form for Glenelg. Settling in defence with the potential to swing forward, McKay played all four games for South Australia last year and has been a rock for the Bays in 2025. He’s an aerial asset and reads the play well to intercept, which was part of why he earned a state draft combine invite last year.

Jesse Nye
South Adelaide | Midfielder

SANFL U18 averages: 21.8 disposals, 5.8 marks, 4.5 tackles

Another club captain in the mix, Nye is the type who leaves no stone unturned. The diminutive midfielder is meticulous in his preparation and that translates to hard running on the field. He impressed with a yo-yo test score of 21.8 during preseason and was part of the state program at Under 16 level. Nye’s standards, work rate and inside-outside balance should make him an asset on the representative stage.

Gabriel Patterson
Glenelg | Forward

SANFL U18 averages: 12.0 disposals, 3.8 marks, 2.5 goals

A real livewire who took no time to make an impression this year, Patterson is the only bottom-ager among this bunch of inclusions. His electric speed and pressure are classic small forward tropes, combined with innate goal sense which has him sitting second on the SANFL Under 18 goalkicking list. Gabriel is the son of 96-game former Magpie Stephen and brother of recent draftee Violet.

Zane Peucker
Woodville-West Torrens | Midfielder/Forward

SANFL U18 averages: 23.8 disposals, 3.8 clearances, 5.3 inside 50s

Another speedster in the group, Peucker has impressed this season with his daring attacking forays and ability to break forward with pure pace. His preseason 20-metre sprint time of 2.893 seconds makes that line-breaking ability no surprise. Peucker has hit the scoreboard in three of four games for the Eagles while also making good on his time in midfield, racking up a high of 29 touches in Round 1.

Bryce Sanders
North Adelaide | Tall Forward

SANFL U18 averages: 10.8 disposals, 2.5 marks, 1.5 goals

Somewhat of a surprise packet in his debut SANFL Under 18 season, Sanders has shown enough potential to land a spot in the state squad. The Modbury junior has slotted into North Adelaide’s forwardline, kicking multiple goals in two of his four games to date with a high of three in his latest outing. He’s a capable contested marker who also provides a chop-out in the ruck when required.