SOUTH Australia is on track to take out its first Under 18 title since 2018, where the squad was studded with star talent. The Croweaters produced six All-Australians and five first round draft picks that year, including the big three of Jack Lukosius (pick two), Izak Rankine (three), and Connor Rozee (five).

This year, led by captain Dyson Sharp and with Tony Bamford remaining at the helm, the state sits just one game away from reclaiming the national crown. An impressive 3-0 run to date means SA is the only remaining undefeated side – we outline how and why they can remain top of the tree after game four.

STORY SO FAR

Game 1: def. Allies 12.11 (83) to 11.10 (76)
Game 2: def. Vic Metro 15.10 (100) to 5.9 (39)
Game 3: def. Western Australia 17.14 (116) to 6.4 (40)

They say it’s good to get the Allies early, and South Australia took full advantage of that notion by defeating the pre-championships title favourite in game one. The result not only set the tone for SA’s remaining campaign, but helped remove an early contender. Next up, an Alberton Oval double provided ample opportunity to make the boilover count, which the Croweaters did by hitting triple figures twice in comprehensive back-to-back victories. Vic Metro was no match in soggy conditions, while Western Australia tasted defeat having come in off a thrilling win over Vic Country.

WHAT’S TO COME

vs. Vic Country (0-1)
Sunday June 29, 11:00am @ Marvel Stadium

South Australia could wrap up the series with five games left in the series with a win over Vic Country next Sunday. Under the roof at Marvel Stadium, the Croweaters’ in-form tall forwards should be licking their lips given just how dominant SA’s midfielders have been, dominating at the contest. An arguably weaker Vic Country side comes in with a last-minute road loss to Western Australia under its belt.

HOW IT’S WON

It’s as simple as: beat Vic Country next Sunday, and the title is South Australia’s. The result would mean an unassailable 4-0 record with every other side having suffered defeat. But the Croweaters can still clinch the title with a loss in their fourth game, pending how Vic Country’s campaign pans out. If the Vics get up over SA and lose one of their remaining two games, they’ll fall short. They’re still the only team who can dethrone South Australia though, with wins in each of their last three fixtures.

TOP PROSPECT

It could only be Dyson Sharp in this spot. Long touted as his state’s leading prospect for 2025, and perhaps one of the best nationwide, no one beats Sharp in the contested game. After a steady first outing, he was arguably best afield against Vic Metro and Western Australia with 32 and 33 disposals respectively. His stoppage craft, competitiveness, and leadership are all exemplary and have him firmly in top 10 discussions among the wider crop. He’ll be a favourite to take out the Larke Medal, also.

RISING STARS

South Australia’s twin tall forwards have been one of the stories of the championships. Namely, Aidan Schubert and Mitchell Marsh have wreaked havoc as mobile marking targets, owning the airways and impacting the scoreboard. Cameron Nairn joined the party in game three too, booting seven goals.

Schubert has staked his claim as the best key forward in the crop, likely to be a top 15 contender. Marsh will also be in the first round frame, while Nairn is pressing to crack the top 20 with more of the same form. Together, they can cause a world of hurt with ideal conditions at Marvel Stadium in game four.

Wing pairing Matthew LeRay and Harley Barker have also been outstanding thus far, showing upside worthy of first round selection. Similar can be said for midfielder/forward Sam Cumming, who combines toughness and work rate with a quick set of feet and the ability to power past opponents on the attack.

There are familiar names in the squad, too. Richmond father-son Louis Kellaway is closing in on the top 25 having been reliable as part of the midfield rotation. Don’t forget Jevan Phillipou either, who should feature in a similar range but has missed the entire championships with a broken arm.

HOW THEY COMPARE

Lukosius, Rankine, and Rozee is a pretty formidable trio to live up to. That’s not to mention the depth of the squad, although this year’s South Australian roster may produce more All-Australians and a similar number of draftees. It’s a much shallower pool though. 2018 had the likes of Sam Walsh, Bailey Smith, Nick Blakey and the King twins (well, one of them) lining up on opposition sides. Sharp is the state’s leading prospect but arguably outside the top five group, and the likes of those listed above will contend to be first-rounders. There’s good depth, just less top-end class and star power.

PREDICTION

It doesn’t take Nostradamus to figure out South Australia will likely go on to take out the title. Football maths says the side which lost to Western Australia – Vic Country – won’t provide too much resistance after SA thumped the Sandgropers by 76 points. All signs point to a tricoloured trophy, and Vic Country winning its last three games would be an extraordinary feat, even if stranger things have happened.