KODAH Edwards got the last laugh in a clash against two state teammates on Saturday, as his South Adelaide side went one step closer to breaking into the top five. The Panthers beat Adelaide by 18 points in a close encounter at Magain Stadium, with Jake Eime and Anthony Long debuting for the Crows.

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The trio were reunited at SANFL League level fresh off being named in the Under 18 All-Australian team. State captain Edwards turned out for his second senior game, while Crows Next Generation Academy (NGA) members Eime and Long were handed opportunities having elevated their stocks this year.

Eime, a dashing half-back with raw speed, hails from indigenous heritage but slipped through the net with Adelaide denied priority access via its NGA. Explosive forward Long is tied to the club, though, and boasts family links via uncle Izak Rankine, whom he moved to live with in the city this year.

The match went down to the wire, with Adelaide closing to within six points late in the piece. South Adelaide rallied to convert two sealing goals, with the first coming via a direct assist off the hands of Edwards. He’ll hope to help South Adelaide to its first finals appearance in five years.

We scouted the performances of all three junior stars.

SOUTH ADELAIDE:

#18 Kodah Edwards
Forward/Midfielder | 182cm | 25/07/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 1 goal

Edwards produced a couple of moments indicative of his class and high standing amongst the extended draft pool. After going without a goal on debut last week, he took no time to bag his first at the second time of asking, steadying nicely to slot one home on the run. It came on the end of an excellent transitional foray where South ran in waves through the corridor.

Another of Edwards’ crowning moments was his goal assist for Emmanuel Ajang to kick the sealer, once again showing great composure to not blaze away, but rather steady and look inboard with a crisp handpass. Edwards’ handling and ball use were clean all day, operating as a connective high forward while getting dangerous over the back or at forward-50 stoppages.

He spent time matched up by Eime and ended up attending a couple of centre ball-ups in the final term as South looked to regain momentum in the middle. Although, his ability to impact up forward has been a standout trait all year and will serve him well upon stepping up to the next level. He has an terrific inside game and the ability to wheel into space with his quick feet.

Having captained South Australia during the National Championships, earned All-Australian selection and a senior debut, Edwards has had a whirlwind few weeks on either side of his 18th birthday. He has long been touted as a first round prospect and may be a top 10 candidate in the view of some, but shouldn’t be too far off the mark consensually.

ADELAIDE:

#53 Jake Eime (Central District)
Defender | 182cm | 29/07/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 1 tackle, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Eime was arguably the most impressive of the trio on Saturday, often matching up on Edwards. He complimented his usual speed and dare with desperate defensive acts, mopping up loose balls and attacking the contest hard when an intercept was there to be won. Despite being relatively lightly framed, which makes a difference at this level, he was more than willing to compete.

It didn’t take long for Eime to build into his work, showcasing high-level footy IQ to anticipate defensive half turnovers and time his overlap runs to perfection. Every time Adelaide won the ball back inside defensive 50, he was there to provide support on the outside and take ground before delivering down the line. His willingness to back his speed showed a great deal of confidence.

While Eime dished out a few turnover kicks at full tilt, he looked measured when going short and showed plenty of composure to cut back when the space in front of him closed up. The youngster’s ability to stop and turn on a dime helped in those situations, as did his teammates providing an outlet option. Still, he looked most potent when driving forward to break the lines.

Eime’s instincts, both offensive and defensive, were generally very good. He seemed to lift with the intensity of the game as Adelaide began to close late in the piece, especially with a terrific double effort to halve and win the loose ball against Jack Delean on the wing. He mopped up on countless occasions and did so cleanly, turning intercept possessions into counterattacks.

#57 Anthony Long (West Adelaide)
Forward | 184cm | 23/03/2008

Stats: 6 disposals, 2 tackles, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s

Adelaide NGA

A prospect in the category of ‘impact player’, match-changing opportunities were difficult to come by for Long. He spent the entire game up forward, often sitting deep but also searching up high when Adelaide struggled to cut through for forward half territory against the wind.

Long’s first touch was arguably his best, arriving front-and-centre to a contest at half-forward and crumbing cleanly before taking off inboard to launch long inside 50. That direct and aggressive approach is what Long has made his name on – he’s a terrific opportunist.

The audacious young gun wasn’t afraid to get involved in a bit of niggle, central to a short scrap before half time, and was comfortable in tight spaces. His clean hands and powerful turn of foot nearly saw him snap a goal from a forward-50 stoppage, showing his ability to break packs open.

An extended run at the level may boost Long’s confidence and thus output. He is capable of big moments, but tended to stay down in marking contests and could perhaps have applied more frantic pressure. If he can find his usual aggression and instinct, he’ll have his moments to shine.