CENTRAL District tall Aidan Schubert was called up for his SANFL League debut over the weekend, joining state Under 18 teammates Dyson Sharp and Dougie Cochrane at the level. The rangy key forward impressed with his aerial competitiveness as the Bulldogs were eliminated by Norwood.

Schubert, the All-Australian full forward, has rocketed up the draft order this year. He booted 10 goals in four National Championships games for South Australia, before finishing the SANFL Under 18 season with 28 in 13 appearances. It culminated in back-to-back promotions into Central’s top flight side.

We put Schubert’s League debut under the Player Focus microscope.

Central District, South AustraliaRuck, Key Forward

Aidan Schubert

Height: 198cm

Weight: -

DOB: 21-12-2007

STRENGTHS:

+ Aerial ability
+ Competitiveness
+ Contested marking
+ Mobility
+ Scoreboard impact

SEASON AVERAGES:

2025 SANFL Under 18s (13 games)
19.2 disposals, 7.5 marks, 4.4 clearances, 14.8 hitouts, 2.2 goals

2025 AFL Under 18 National Championships (4 games)
17.0 disposals, 7.0 marks, 2.3 clearances, 7.0 hitouts, 2.5 goals

>> SANFL U18s Player Focus: Aidan Schubert (Central District)

FROM THE EXPERTS:

“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

POWER RANKINGS CHART:
May: Unranked | June: #20 | July: #10 | August: #11

PLAYER FOCUS

2025 SANFL League Elimination Final
Central District 8.9 (57) def. by Norwood 11.9 (75)

#45 Aidan Schubert (Central District)
Stats: 8 disposals, 4 marks (2 contested), 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

FIRST QUARTER:

With Kobe Annand taking the primary ruck role and Beau Thomas providing a chop-out, Schubert was left to focus on offering a marking target up forward. He shared the front half with Cochrane and would end up looking for the athletic bottom-ager at times throughout the match.

Redlegs defender Pierce Seymour gave up nearly 10cm of height to take the matchup on Schubert, along with Jack Heard. The youngster first got into the action with a one-two handball up at half-forward and held his own when engaging in one-on-one jostles down the line.

One such contest saw Schubert cleverly draw Heard’s arm over his shoulder while he maintained front position. The free kick, marked just inside forward 50, saw the 17-year-old line up a set shot and convert from just beyond the arc. It put Centrals three goals up in a strong first term.

SECOND QUARTER:

Schubert continued to willingly compete in aerial contests and clunked one of his two contested marks for the day in the second quarter. It was a one-on-two situation up on the wing where Schubert arrived late from the back, applied a bit of body to Seymour and stuck the grab overhead.

He found it a little more challenging to stand firm against Heard inside 50, but began to get active on the lead. After being unable to hold onto one marking attempt out in front, he extended nicely into a long kick down the line to make amends. That kind of method held him in good stead at Under 18 level.

THIRD QUARTER:

Central District stormed back into the lead in term three, although Schubert couldn’t join the scoring charge. He did provide an unorthodox assist, though, snaffling a loose ball off hands before turning to hack the ball inside 50, where Anzac Lochowiak would chase up and finish the job.

Schubert’s marking impact waned a little, not adding to his tally but proving capable of bringing the ball to ground. He was hardly beaten in aerial duels throughout the day, leaning on his craft and reach to split contests at a minimum. Such play allowed Centrals’ smalls to get to work.

FOURTH QUARTER:

It was a relatively quiet end to the game from Schubert, as his Bulldogs conceded the lead in the ninth minute and couldn’t reign their way back in front. Having leapt in the same contests as Cochrane a couple of times, Schubert marked a hack clearing kick with clean hands out in front on the wing, before handing off to his bottom-age teammate to provide some run.

CLOSING THOUGHTS…

Despite his side not getting the result on Sunday, Schubert can be content with what he showed across single outings in the Reserves and League competitions. His top flight debut began brightly with a booming maiden goal, and he went on to showcase his aerial ability throughout the day.

While he can continue to enhance his leading patterns and reactions ahead of the ball, Schubert’s wiry frame and mobility allow him to access the contest from either front or back position. His reach and clean hands are real assets, though the latter attribute was tested against more mature opposition.

Schubert’s field kicking and decision making are areas where he can continue to improve, but as far as key forwards go in this crop, he’s one who well and truly took his opportunity on the big stage. He clunks contested marks and kicks bulk goals, rising to each level to shape as a genuine top 10 chance.