WITH the initial squad named ahead of the National Under 18 National Championships, the brightest South Australian prospects continued to battle it out across all South Australian National Football League (SANFL) levels and school footy in their bid to make the final team.

League:

Glenelg defeated West Adelaide and it was the Milera show with Terry booting four goals and Ian clocking up two, while West Adelaide 2018 AFL draft prospect Izak Rankine bagged one of his own. In Centrals’ narrow loss to South Adelaide, Jackson Hately again impressed with a 23-disposal, two-goal game along with 10 tackles as his stock continues to rise every week. Fellow 2018 prospect Conor Rozee again hit the scoreboard for North Adelaide with another two goals showed his class. Hugo Munn took arguably mark of the year for Sturt and added two goals to his highlight reel in their loss to the Eagles, while Jack Lukosius slotted a goal for his side.

These top-end talented youngsters from SA for 2018 are really showing how settled they are at League level, and continue to attract great interest from AFL clubs.

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Reserves:

Only a handful of the under 18 talent played Reserves this week, with Mihail Lochowiak amongst the best for Sturt with a 23-possession, one-goal game, and Tom Lewis again showing his strength. 2017 South Australian state squad member James Rowe continues to have an impressive season with another 30-plus possession game in the Eagles’ draw with Sturt. Jez McLennan added another 14 possession and one goal game for Centrals in a narrow loss to South. Norwood’s Isaac Saywell slotted two goals and clunked seven marks in their easy win over Port Magpies.

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U18s:

South easily accounted for Centrals and Job Colwell was amongst the best with four goals, looking dangerous around goal while Haydn Sampson was solid again with 17 disposals. Aaron Neitschke and Rhett Montgomerie continue to be Centrals best performers. Glenelg had a impressive win over West Adelaide with Declan Carmody and Brady Searle dominating possession and the best for Glenelg. SA Under 18 squad members Seb Schreiber, Finn Betterman and Brad Potter also made solid contributions. Eagles accounted for Sturt with Jarrod Miller and Kai Pudney finding plenty of the ball again. Sturt’s Brisbane father-son prospect Casey Voss continues to be consistent each week, and tall man James Braidwood, who was added to the SA Under 18 squad, was solid again. North defeated an undermanned Norwood side by 163 points. Ruckman Josh Hart was dominant at centre bounces and around the ground. Midfielders Boyd Woodcock and Bailey Coleman-Oakes were also dominant in the clearances giving their forwards plenty of ball to feat on.  

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College Football:

Round 1 commenced for SA College Football under the new system, with an easy win coming for Prince Alfred College (PAC) over St Michaels by a lazy 35 goals. Underager and SA squad member Will Gould booted an impressive eight goals. St Peters easily accounted for Immanuel College by 62 points in the first game of the round. In the game of the round and a tight tussle at home, Rostrevor defeated Sacred Heart College (SHC) by seven points and current draft prospects from Rostrevor Luke Valente, Cam Taheny (2019) and Ben Jarvis were best for the home side.

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SA Under 18 Squad:

This weekend sees an internal trial for the SA Under 18 squad as coach Tony Bamford looks to reduce the squad in preparation for the national campaign. Competition for spots will be fierce, with some significant SA talent to be on show and no doubt produce some highlights. More to come on that next week. A full list of the squad is available here.