Recruitment drive: South’s surge of talent
OFF-SEASONS can often be the catalyst for in-season success, and several state league clubs will hope that is the case in 2026. In a new series on Rookie Me Central, we highlight some of the most exciting recruitment drives from around the country, starting with SANFL club South Adelaide. The Panthers have an exciting crop […]
AFL Draft | State in Focus: South Australia
FRESH off a breakthrough title at last year’s National Championships, South Australia’s Under 18 squad for 2026 shapes as one which could go back-to-back. A deep top-age contingent is supported by promising 2009-born prospects, and a strong midfield core forms the base of a strong spine. We take a deep dive into SA’s representative stocks. […]
2026 AFL Draft spotlight: South’s star midfielders
SOUTH Adelaide has long produced some of South Australia’s finest footballers. Recently, the Panthers have had their talent program headed up by Mark Clayton, who has been appointed Port Adelaide’s academies coach. Before him, current South Australian Under 18 mentor Tony Bamford was in charge. It’s no wonder, then, that the club boasts three of […]
Straightforward approach sees pacey Peucker improve rapidly
ZANE Peucker started his season with a clear goal – to make the state 18s side – a fairly reachable watermark for an athlete of his calibre. Not only did he achieve that, but he was also pivotal in his state’s dominant National Championships run. Pair that with a stellar season for Woodville West-Torrens, and […]
Scouting Notes: 2025 SANFL U17 Futures Match
TEAM Blue took the chocolates in Sunday’s annual SANFL Under 17 Futures match, played as a curtain-raiser to the Reserves Grand Final at Adelaide Oval. The exhibition game showcased some of South Australia’s best 2008 and 2009-born prospects, primed for the next two AFL drafts. An entertaining opening quarter yielded the most scoring, with Team […]
Scouting Notes: Sturt exacts revenge to clinch Under 18 flag
STURT has taken out the SANFL Under 18 premiership after outlasting West Adelaide in a 57-point victory at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. Having ridden a double chance after their qualifying final loss to Westies just a fortnight ago, the Double Blues exacted revenge when it mattered most. The Bloods ended up with as many behinds […]
Scouting Notes: Sturt sets up Westies rematch
STURT has progressed to the SANFL Under 18 Grand Final after defeating reigning premier Woodville-West Torrens in Saturday’s prelim at Unley Oval. The Double Blues rode a double chance after taking out the minor premiership, setting up a qualifying final rematch with West Adelaide in Sunday’s decider. It was a valiant comeback effort from the […]
Scouting Notes: Westies stun minor premiers in semi
WEST Adelaide has advanced to the SANFL Under 18 decider after defeating minor premier Sturt in Saturday’s qualifying semi final. The Bloods led at every break in the 13-point victory, breaking out to a decisive lead with the first four goals of the game at Thomas Farms Oval. The Double Blues will now rely on […]
SANFL League Player Focus: Aidan Schubert (Central District)
CENTRAL District tall Aidan Schubert was called up for his SANFL League debut over the weekend, joining state Under 18 teammates Dyson Sharp and Dougie Cochrane at the level. The rangy key forward impressed with his aerial competitiveness as the Bulldogs were eliminated by Norwood. Schubert, the All-Australian full forward, has rocketed up the draft […]
Up the Grades: Centrals stars litter senior squads
CENTRAL Districts juniors were the talk of the town as many of them were unleashed into the senior SANFL grades in Round 19. Meanwhile, a pair of Giants Academy prospects rounded out their VFL campaigns, and West Coast-tied talent showed their wares in the WAFL’s top flight. SANFL SANFL League & Reserves Round 19 Central […]
