SOUTH Australia’s state academy members have been buoyed by the progression of Central District speedster Jake Eime, who was a common answer to the question ‘which teammate should we look out for to have a big year?’. Eime’s name popped up several times as all 25 top-agers were surveyed.

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A lightly-built running defender with serious wheels, Eime was nominated by teammates from four different clubs, including his own. He played 13 Under 18 games for the Bulldogs as a bottom-ager and earned his maiden call-up to the state program after impressing in last year’s SANFL Futures match.

Glenelg midfielder Jacob McNicol says Eime has “really shot up the boards”, going on to explain his “running power, speed and ball use are really good to look at”. He also earned high praise from Jack Leys, who lauded his “unreal attitude” during preseason with the state program.

McNicol was himself put forward thrice, with Bays teammate Harry Franz saying the onballer has been “dominating” match-sim amongst the representative group. Centrals District midfielder/defender Jack Gordon drew similar adulation from Franz, who praised his ability to “lead by example”.

Franz’s description of explosive Glenelg forward Gabriel Patterson seemed too apt not to mention. He labelled the speed machine as a “weapon” who “always plays at full pace” and can do things that catch the eye. It’s no wonder, then, that Patterson was selected in the AFL Academy.

South Adelaide midfielder Kodah Edwards was another frequently mentioned prospect. His name was put forward by fellow Panthers Archie Van Dyk, Cain Florance and Jackson Blacker, along with the state’s leading talent in Dougie Cochrane. The latter needs no introduction.

Angus White warranted plenty of recognition, too. The explosive midfielder-forward was nominated by Blacker and Van Dyk, who essentially named the entire South midfield, along with Glenelg’s Harvey Croker. The many South prospects were also high on Kangaroo Island native Cain Florance.

White suggested the only bottom-ager in Port Adelaide Next Generation Academy (NGA) prospect Zemes Pilot. As far as club-tied talent is concerned, McNicol returned the favour from Adelaide NGA member Anthony Long, while Richmond father-son candidate Leys was mentioned by Blake Karpany.

Last year, eventual Richmond draftee Sam Cumming was the most-named player in this segment. He went on to repay the faith in an All-Australian campaign which culminated in being selected with pick seven. The midfielder was nominated a remarkable nine times at last year’s preseason testing day.