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 18 of the SANFL took place with school football also continuing. We look at the top performances from the weekend in South Australian school football. You can find out who starred in the SANFL, Reserves and Under 18s here.

Sacred Heart defeated Immanuel easily 113 to 50 in the last game of the year. Tall utility Charlie Ballard played up forward, booting seven goals in the win – helping his draft stocks.

With a few thousand spectators watching on, PAC defeated St Peters in their 147th Annual Intercol 98 to 69 in one of the biggest games of school football for the year. In a match closer than expected, Saint Peters rebounded from not scoring in the first quarter to getting to within three points of PAC in the third quarter. The Saints’ resurgence was led by Tye Bedford in the midfield, where he won some crucial clearances. Dylan Stephens‘ run around the ground was impressive, as was his mark of the year contender. PAC pulled away in the final quarter, with midfielders Cole Gerloff and Kade Chandler important in the result. Will Gould was also strong across half back, while Tom Humphries kicked four goals up forward. This was the final match of the college Messenger Shield, in which PAC dominated with an undefeated season.

2017 South Australia State Championship: 

In the 2017 SA State Championship game, Prince Alfred College (8.9-57) defeated Henley High (8.4-52) by five-points.

With Henley led by possible 2018 pick no.1 contenders Jack Lukosius and Izak Rankine, as well as South Australia under 18 squad members Jackson Edwards and Jake Weidemann – the game delivered its much promised hype, after talent laden Henley booted the first goal of the match.

PAC replied with three goals, before Henley booted one close to the quarter time siren. PAC had plenty of opportunities and possession in the second and third quarter, but were unable to capitalise. Henley’s hands in closer were super quick and allowed their running teammates on the outside to get the ball moving forward. Izak Rankine (below) booted one of the goals of the season, taking the ball all the way from the half back flank to boot the goal from outside 50.

He's done it again! Watch Izak Rankine @Westadelaidefc use his extreme pace to kick this beauty for @Henley_High last night! #AFLDraft #2018 pic.twitter.com/t6ygRjoMJX

— SANFL (@SANFL) August 30, 2017

PAC lost some composure going forward and it allowed Henley’s defenders Cam Buchanan and Riley Davis to mop up. At three quarter time, Henley had a nice nine-point lead but couldn’t take the game away from PAC, with their defenders Will Gould and Jack Heard outstanding.

With everything on the line, PAC begun to show some composure with the ball in the final quarter – hitting targets and driving the ball forward. Under 18 All-Australian Zac Bailey was able to break free at the stoppages and PAC Captain Cole Gerloff was clean with the ball all night and was highly efficient. Oscar Chapman bobbed up to kick a goal, putting Princes within three points – before another kick from Chapman fell just short from outside 50, but was able to be scrambled through the big sticks for another PAC goal right on the line.

With a few minutes on the clock, Beau Nunan for Henley then restored their lead with a goal – but it was PAC who kept attacking with multiple points to bring the margin back to a single point.

Just 90 seconds remained when PAC won a free kick, resulting in a 25m penalty – bringing them within 70m from goal. While the obvious choice was the bomb it long, PAC looked short with a series of kicks before Sam May found the captain Gerloff 35m out from goal on an angle. Taking his time, Gerloff stepped up and slotted the goal. The drama however continued with PAC flooding back in defence, before a centre square infringement was called, resulting in a free from the centre square. The kick went inside Henley’s forward 50 with a big pack flying – but the ball fell to the ground and a scrimmage of players ensured the ball wouldn’t get out with the siren sounding. In a match many considered to be one of the greatest, Zac Bailey (PAC) won best-on-ground honours, while Izak Rankine finished with four goals for Henley.