THE 2018 Season for South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Under 18 sides looks set to shape up as one full of local talent destined for the national stage. It will be a challenge for some clubs to balance how their talented youngsters are managed with SANFL League teams wanting to play their top end talent yet balancing club and player needs for the Under 18 competition. In addition to the School/College football commitments, Under 18 football is a tipsters nightmare as player movement is high.

Under 18s football in South Australia (SA) will certainly draw greater national attention this year, with recruiters and media outlets alike looking at the progress of elite SA youngsters who look set to shape the competition. Along with a new SA Under 18 coach in Tony Bamford, all the pieces look like they are ready for SA to make a charge in 2018.

Looking at each SANFL club in turn we focus on the key talent as well as some players who may be a late bolter and come into 2018 draft consideration.

Central Districts

AFL Academy standout Jackson Hately headlines the Bulldogs talent. Having already made his SANFL League debut, it will be interesting to watch his progress. Hately is certainly on the draft radar for 2018, but he may struggle to play much U18 footy with League football demands. Centrals season should be solid as other talent to watch include Malachai Ahmatt-Lovett and Aaron Nietschke who will provide good depth. Other players on watch are Llwellyn Milera and midfielder Jordan O’Brien.

Prediction – mid to high table, finals

Eagles

The great thing for the Eagles this year is their potential number one draft pick Jack Lukosius, but it will be hard to keep him out of the Eagles League side all year. His impact and resume is building very quickly, but the Under 18 side at Woodville is blessed with depth. Other key players Kai Pudney, Martin Frederick, along with great family talent of Jackson Mead, Kysaiah Pickett and Trent Burgoyne the signs are strong for another U18 Grand Final appearance.  

Prediction – top end of table – potential Grand Finalist

 Glenelg

The Under 18 squad for Glenelg will be solid as always, but once again in 2018 the impact of school and college football may determine their position this season. Key player and leader Finn Betterman is showing early signs of a exciting year, while other SA Academy members Oscar Lovelock, Brad Potter will be key parts of the midfield. At the younger end Glenelg has some real talent for 2019 with father-son Luke Edwards and Prince Alfred College (PAC) student Will Gould adding strength.

Prediction – mid table – will sneak into make finals

Norwood

The Redlegs are always around the mark, and early wins will be key for them. AFL Academy player Luke Valente is pivotal for the Redlegs as is 2019 prospect Cameron Taheny. Taheny is developing nicely along with fellow youngster Dylan Stephens who may both find themselves in SA’s Under 18 final side. PAC’s Kade Chandler is another midfield runner but the impact of college players may affect their season

Prediction – mid table, may sneak into finals

North Adelaide

North’s challenge in 2018 will be getting their best side on the park. Top-end draft potential Conor Rozee will most likely play some League footy in 2018 which will affect his side. Exciting talent Frank Szekely is also in the seniors mix. Strong midfielder Boyd Woodcock will be integral along with key forward James Langley and under-age prospect Dyson Hilder. It is very hard to predict where the Roosters will finish.

Prediction – mid to low table, likely to miss finals

South Adelaide

South must be really excited for season 2018. Across all levels they look strong. At Under 18  their squad has some quality. PAC lad Tom Sparrow will be key, along with impressive forwards and State squad members Job Colwell and Darnell Tucker. Father-son Hayden Sampson and Sam Whitbread have both shown their class in past years.  The Panthers will be around the mark again, but their best side may just be off the mark at the pointy end of the year

Prediction – mid-high end of table, finals

Sturt

A clean sweep in all grades in 2017 will be difficult for the Double Blues to repeat in 2018, but they may just be off the mark with their Under 18s this year. Whilst at the top end AFL prospect Hugo Munn has made his League debut already he may float between the u18 side but he will be crucial. St Peter’s standout Tom Lewis is crucial as well but once again he along with talented Mihail Lochowiak may be pushed to Reserves and college impact will affect their chances too. Some family names in the mix as well are young Casey Voss (son of Michael) and Riley Grundy (brother of Brody) who will both get opportunities.

Prediction – mid- bottom table, unlikely to make finals

West Adelaide

West Adelaide, like other clubs will struggle for access to their best players, with top-end draft standout Izak Rankine most likely to play 2018 in the League side.  The Bloods have an even side and Angus Rana and William Gutschke will be pivotal along with midfielders Ethan Moore, Sam May and Beau Nunan.  Underage talent Jye Sinderberry will get opportunities, and country lad Conor Blackwell may sneak a game. 

Prediction – mid-bottom table – unlikely to make finals

It would be fantastic to see all clubs play their true Under 18 talent all year, but League and Reserves football will beckon for the talented players as AFL recruiters suggest clubs showcase potential draftees at the highest level.  All clubs will have a high turnover of players throughout their teams, and the predictions are based on the most settled lineups.

Ladder Prediction 2018

1 South Adelaide

2 Eagles

3 Centrals

4 Glenelg

5 Norwood

6 West Adelaide

7 Sturt

8 North Adelaide