SOUTH Australia moved to 3-0 in this year’s National Championships with a comprehensive 76-point win over Western Australia on Sunday. Needless to say, talent is booming in the state and many prospects continue to rise up draft boards. We highlight seven Croweaters who boosted their stocks in game three.

>> Scouting Notes: South Australia vs. Western Australia

RISING STOCKS

Sam Ainsworth (Norwood)
Ruck | 198cm | 12/08/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 15 hitouts, 1 goal

Ainsworth has been a fast improver this year since taking on ruck duties for Norwood, and eventually South Australia. The former key defender is a good competitor, able to leap high and get first hand to the ball before following up to stay involved in the play. Ainsworth took another step on Sunday by showcasing his marking prowess, taking three contested grabs – including one inside forward 50 to hit the scoreboard. There’s still an element of rawness but he looks comfortable in possession, holds up physically, and seems to get better with each passing game. He could be a prospect.

Harley Barker (Sturt)
Wing/Forward | 187cm | 02/05/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 7 marks, 4 inside 50s

The wing is becoming an increasingly important position with how modern day football is played, and Barker is a prospect who looks nailed-on for the role. While he’s been exposed to half-back and a midfield-forward rotation, the Sturt Under 18 skipper has thrived on the outside for SA. He has an exciting athletic base, boasting top-end speed and an explosive leap. At nearly 190cm, it means he can be an effective connection piece between the arcs. He was just that on Sunday, leading the match with 497 metres gained and providing a constant outlet to transition the ball forward. First-rounder.

Sam Cumming (North Adelaide)
Midfielder/Forward | 186cm | 27/07/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 marks, 1 goal

While he hasn’t quite set the stats sheet alight at representative level, Cumming comes with big wraps and is the type of competitor clubs love. He often starts on-ball, and won a SANFL Under 18 MVP there last year, but likely has a future up forward. The North Adelaide prospect put it all together on Sunday, straightening up by foot and showcasing his powerful aerial work. He’s a gutsy, effort-driven player who balances out that hard work with flashes of speed and evasiveness. If he can produce a true breakout game on the representative stage, expect him to be firmly in first round calculations, and our top 25.

Louis Kellaway (Sturt)
Midfielder | 180cm | 16/03/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles

Kellaway has plenty of ‘Tiger traits’, which is quite a happy coincidence given his father-son ties to Richmond. The son of Duncan is another South Australian midfielder who has come along nicely at representative level, blending toughness with class. Kellaway runs hard, rides the bumps and can bring down bigger opponents in tackles, but also possesses great vision and the ability to deliver sharp passes by foot. Passages where he starts transitions with a wide kick or produces a give-and-go through the middle are where he looks most dangerous. Expect other clubs to look at a bid around the top 25-40.

Cameron Nairn (Central District)
Forward | 189cm | 15/10/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 5 marks, 7 goals

Nairn broke out with seven goals against Western Australia, proving a deadeye inside 50 and putting his name in the hat as a possible first-round prospect. The Central District forward had booted a single goal in each of SA’s first two games, but has 14 to his name in seven SANFL Under 18 appearances and averages 9.7 marks at the level. He translated that form to the representative stage, looking like a Bayley Fritsch clone with his strong overhead marking and clinical conversion. Nairn has also acted as a strong connection piece for SA and Centrals, but did the damage closer to home this time out.

Aidan Schubert (Central District)
Key Forward/Ruck | 198cm | 21/12/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 7 marks, 12 hitouts, 1 goal

Schubert has exploded on the representative stage, averaging 16.3 disposals and 7.3 marks across South Australia’s first three games, while also booting eight goals. His contested marking and competitive nature have him pegged as the best key forward in the draft, or at least the most in-form, good enough for a top 20 pick. Schubert’s ability to chop out in the ruck is another bonus, and while this year has a shallow pool of key defenders, he is proving difficult to stop. Even with a low of one goal on the weekend, he managed 12 score involvements to be one of the most influential players afield.

Dyson Sharp (Central District)
Midfielder | 187cm | 23/05/2007

Stats: 33 disposals, 7 tackles, 6 clearances, 2 goals

It should be no surprise to see Sharp arguably leading the Larke Medal race after three games, though some well performed teammates may be stealing votes. He was MVP of the Under 16 carnival in 2023 and looked like a pick one contender coming into this year, so is highly credentialed. The South Australian skipper was sensational against WA and while viewed as a first round prospect for some clubs, will be right in the top five mix for others – especially considering the density of academy talent. Sharp is a sure bet with his contested ball winning ability and defensive intent, but is adding weapons to his game with improved foot skills, more outside possessions, and a greater scoreboard impact. Hard to deny.