THE penultimate round of South Australian National Football League (SANFL) action is upon us, with a couple intriguing matches coming given the way the respective ladders are currently set up. As we roll into Round 13, Draft Central continues its new weekly preview format, highlighting some of the best up-and-comers who will be out to impress with each passing game.

West Adelaide draft hopeful Bailey Chamberlain is in contention to make his SANFL League debut after being named on the extended bench for the Bloods’ Friday night encounter with Woodville-West Torrens. The Roxby Downs product has produced a highly consistent and productive season, rising up from the under-18s and performing well in the reserves over the past few rounds. Unfortunately, exciting tall Riley Thilthorpe will miss another match with a groin injury.

The top-of-the-table Eagles could call upon physical midfielder Ben Jungfer, who has impressed whilst spending the year at reserves level. Skilful utility Caleb Poulter has once again been named in the reserves to face a Bloods side which features strong marking defender Jye Sinderberry. Power father-son prospect Taj Schofield and tough onballer Harrison Dawkins have also been elevated to the Eagles seconds.

In the under-18s, talented bottom-ager Cade Kennedy has been named in the centre for the Bloods, with Luke Young named at centre half forward and Edward Van den berg in the back pocket. Talls Henry Smith and Zac Phillips will once again be looking to control the airways for the Eagles, with consistent midfielders Max Lister and Jase Burgoyne lurking at ground level.

Adelaide Next Generation Academy prospect James Borlase will return to the Double Blues league side after he missed their round 12 clash due to school football commitments with Prince Alfred College. Named on the extended bench, he will provide a key position option down back against a talented North Adelaide forward line. Tom Emmett will run out with Sturt’s reserves at Peter Motley Oval and midfield trio Will Spain, Tom Powell and Mani Liddy will front up again for the clubs under-18s at Prospect Oval.

North Adelaide have added 19-year-old Karl Finlay to the selected squad after he spent a week with the reserves. The Roosters under-18s appear to be peaking at the right time of the season, but will face a Sturt side which has been the competition’s pace-setter all season. Forwards Leo Coates and Zyton Santillo have provided excellent service in attack and 16-year-old ruckman Isaac Keeler has provided good service to midfielders Matthew Borg, James Willis and Kyle Brazell. The Roosters have been well led by Adelaide Academy trio Lam Simon, Blayne O’Loughlin and Tariek Newchurch and boast a formidable line-up.

South Adelaide young gun Jason Horne and Victorian import Daly Andrews have been named on the extended bench for the Panthers home clash against the Redlegs. Mature-aged key defender Tom Highmore will play a key role down back in the seniors, while fellow draft hopefuls Zac Dumesny and Phoenix Spicer line-up in the reserves.

South Adelaide’s under-18s have named a strong side for their important meeting with Norwood. Brayden Cook has been named on the wing, with Max Clifton set to lead the onball rotation. Nick Kraemer will start at centre half forward, flanked by Liam Hamilton and Liam Nye. Strong-bodied defender Harry Spacie and midfielders Jayden Magor and Matthew Roberts will also return to bolster the under-18s.

Midfielder Jack Saunders is a chance to make his league debut with Norwood after performing well at reserves level. If he survives the final cut, he will join fellow junior Daniel Fairbrother in the side. Both have worked their way up the ranks off the back of consistent performances throughout 2020.

The Redlegs under-18s, like their southern opponents, have named a strong lineup for the Saturday morning clash. The skilful Michael Cavallaro will form a damaging onball rotation with bottom-aged star Cooper Murley and ball magnet Henry Nelligan. Tall utility Ned Cary could provide a focal point in attack, in tandem with leading target Finn Heard.

The Edwards brothers, Luke and Jackson, will front up for the Tigers reserves when they face Lachlan Grubb and the Bulldogs reserves. Glenelg’s under-18s have been bolstered by the return of several college footballers. Talented trio Xavier Robbins, Henry McAuliffe and Cooper Beecken will be looking to help Glenelg record their sixth victory of the season, after leading Sacred Heart to victory over arch-rivals Rostrevor last weekend.

Midfielder Austin McDonald and Northern Territory import Brodie Lake will be looking to help Central Districts to another victory in what has been a challenging season.

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FIXTURES

League:

West Adelaide vs. Woodville-West Torrens | Friday September 18, 7:20pm @ Hisense Stadium
Sturt vs. North Adelaide | Saturday September 19, 2:10pm @ Peter Motley Oval
South Adelaide vs. Norwood | Saturday September 19, 2:10pm @ Flinders University Stadium
Glenelg vs. Central Districts | Saturday September 19, 4:10pm @ ACH Group Stadium

Reserves:

West Adelaide vs. Woodville-West Torrens | Friday September 18, 4:50pm @ Hisense Stadium
South Adelaide vs. Norwood | Saturday September 19, 11:05am @ Flinders University Stadium
Sturt vs. North Adelaide | Saturday September 19, 11:30am @ Peter Motley Oval
Glenelg vs. Central Districts | Saturday September 19, 1:30pm @ ACH Group Stadium

Under-18s:

Norwood vs. South Adelaide | Saturday September 19, 11:00am @ Coopers Stadium
North Adelaide vs. Sturt | Saturday September 19, 11:00am @ Prospect Oval
Central Districts vs. Glenelg | Saturday September 19, 1:25pm @ Prospect Oval
Woodville-West Torrens vs. West Adelaide | Saturday September 19, 1:25pm @ Coopers Stadium