AFL Draft Central South Australian correspondent David Chapman cast his eyes over the top young prospects coming up through the SANFL, Reserves, Under 18s and local school football competitions. On the weekend, round 16 of the SANFL took place with school football continuing. We look at the top performances from the weekend:

League:

Adelaide father-son prospect Jackson Edwards had a great game for Glenelg  with 25 disposals including a goal, named in the bests in their loss to Sturt. West Adelaide bottom-ager Izak Rankine was also in the best in their loss to Port with 14 disposals including two goals.

"I tell you what – Dancing with the Stars beckons for Izak Rankine" ?? @Westadelaidefc pic.twitter.com/wJgGAMGGz7

— SANFL (@SANFL) August 14, 2017

Reserves:

There were at least 22 Under 18 players playing Reserves this week. Some of the notable performances included the following:

In the South Adelaide versus Woodville-West Torrens draw, Souths draft prospect Nathan Kreuger had 11 disposals including a goal, with Henry Bruce also getting 14 disposals. For the Eagles, Andrew McPherson made a great return to footy after a long stint out with injury. McPherson had 31 disposals, nine marks and six rebound 50s to be named second best. Bottom-ager and possible 2018 number one draft pick Jack Lukosius clunked nine marks and booted four goals to be in the best alongside Cooper Gaffney who had 22 disposals, eight marks and two goals. Tom Schmusch was another who impressed with 18 disposals and a goal.

Sturt’s medium forward Jordan Houlahan booted five goals, helping them to a huge 96-point win over Glenelg. Mitch Crowden has had League exposure this season and was also strong with 24 disposals and a goal. Adam Trenorden was another who featured in the bests, with 21 disposals and a goal. For Glenelg, South Australian Under 18 players Alex Martini (22 disposals) and Brad McCarthy (17 disposals) were strong, with McCarthy’s rebound out of defensive 50 a highlight.

In Central District’s 36-point win over Norwood, AFL Academy Level one member Jackson Hately was again in the bests, with a 25 disposals, six clearances and three goal performance. Cooper Dahms was also in the bests with 21 disposals, six tackles and a goal. For Norwood, Brodie Carroll was in the bests with 25 disposals and nine marks. Stefan Giro continued his fine form in 2017, finding 12 contested possessions in the midfield.

U18s:

In the Tigers’ 10-point win over Sturt, Liam Denton was in the bests with his 21 disposal and two goal game. Under 15 state captain and son of Tyson, Luke Edwards chimed in with 20 disposals including seven tackles on debut. For Sturt, Oliver Grivell was named as the best player with 29 disposals, 13 tackles and nine marks.

In Westies 27-point win over North Adelaide, Josh Smithson was strong with 30 disposals, 10 inside 50s, nine marks and two goals. Will Gutsche was another who played well, finishing with 23 disposals, nine tackles and seven marks. Roosters ruckman Ben Oborn was dominant with 36 hitouts, finding 20 disposals and eight marks around the ground. Midfielder Daniel Aplin was among it with 31 disposals, eight tackles and seven inside 50s.

In Souths win over the Eagles, Liam Fitt collected 19 disposals, eight marks and booted a goal, while Tate Coleman (21 disposals) also contributed to the win. For the Eagles, Mitchell Mead was best with 23 disposals, 11 tackles and nine inside 50s.

Centrals demolished Norwood by 98-points, led by their Under 16s – with four goals from Jack Carpenter and a best-on-ground performance from Jordan O’Brien, who had 26 disposals and four goals, earning him the Torrens Uni Cup MVP nomination for the round. Tyler Martin was best for Norwood with 23 disposals, 10 marks, eight rebound 50s, six inside 50s and a goal.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDzgTEMORmQ[/embedyt]

School Footy:

Sacred Heart defeated Pembroke 16.13 to 5.5, in what was for Hearts a chance to mix up players and try them in some different positions and keep a few players fresh for their forthcoming matches against Henley, before they head off on the annual exchanged versus Assumption College Kilmore. They played Tuesday in the knockout State Championship semi-final against the talent laden Henley High. Henley came out victors in wet conditions by 15-points.

With Hearts taking a slim five-point lead into the final quarter (having not capitalised on the first half dominanance of the play) the class of Jack Lukosius and Izak Rankine helped Henley get three goals to ice to game. For Hearts, Charlie Ballard had the best of Lukosius for most of the day, controlling play across half back. Seb Kerrish’s running rebound was also impressive.

PAC defeated Scotch by 20 goals in what was a one sided affair after quarter time. Zac Bailey was one of PACs best through the midfield, with a cameo up forward – while their captain Cole Gerloff was also dominant aroubnd the ground. Up forward, Tom Humphries booted six goals and Oscar Chapman kicked three – including a soccer kick out of mid air from 20 metres out.

PAC have now locked up both the State Championship Grand Final bert and the Messenger Shield.

Other winners included St Peters who had a comprehensive team win over Immanuel, while Rostrevor easily defeated St Michaels by 11 goals.