SOUTH Australia finalised its Under 18 squad this week, featuring 34 of the state’s best and brightest prospects. Among those to make the cut were seven inclusions from the summer training squad, and we profile each of them as they strive to claim a tricolour guernsey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
>> FULL SQUAD:<\/strong> 2025 South Australia Under 18s<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sam Ainsworth<\/a> SANFL U18 averages: <\/em><\/strong>15.8 disposals, 4.8 clearances, 20.8 hitouts<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ainsworth has been a revelation for Norwood, already playing as many games this year (four) as he did as a bottom-ager. The Redlegs’ mainline ruck brings great energy to the contest; athletic enough to win his share of hitouts, but also confident enough to grab the ball out of the ruck. He follows up well and can contribute with his marking ability around the ground, averaging 4.5 per outing. The final piece will be increasing his scoreboard impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tim Alver<\/a> SANFL U18 averages: <\/em><\/strong>23.0 disposals, 3.5 marks, 4.3 clearances<\/p>\n\n\n\n Glenelg’s captain has been in fine form to start the season, alternating between a consistent 21 and 25 disposals throughout his four games to date. He was previously in South Australia’s state program at Under 16 level and put in a good showing at last year’s SANFL Futures match. He has some spring as a medium-sized player, as shown by his vertical jumping results during preseason testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thomas McKay<\/a> SANFL U18 averages: <\/em><\/strong>20.0 disposals, 4.8 marks, 8.5 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n McKay is the only over-ager selected in this year’s squad, earning a call-up after his impressive early season form for Glenelg. Settling in defence with the potential to swing forward, McKay played all four games for South Australia last year and has been a rock for the Bays in 2025. He’s an aerial asset and reads the play well to intercept, which was part of why he earned a state draft combine invite last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesse Nye<\/a> SANFL U18 averages: <\/em><\/strong>21.8 disposals, 5.8 marks, 4.5 tackles<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another club captain in the mix, Nye is the type who leaves no stone unturned. The diminutive midfielder is meticulous in his preparation and that translates to hard running on the field. He impressed with a yo-yo test score of 21.8 during preseason and was part of the state program at Under 16 level. Nye’s standards, work rate and inside-outside balance should make him an asset on the representative stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel Patterson<\/a> SANFL U18 averages: <\/em><\/strong>12.0 disposals, 3.8 marks, 2.5 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n A real livewire who took no time to make an impression this year, Patterson is the only bottom-ager among this bunch of inclusions. His electric speed and pressure are classic small forward tropes, combined with innate goal sense which has him sitting second on the SANFL Under 18 goalkicking list. Gabriel is the son of 96-game former Magpie Stephen<\/em><\/strong> and brother of recent draftee Violet<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Norwood | Ruck<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glenelg | Midfielder<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glenelg | Tall Defender<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Adelaide | Midfielder<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glenelg | Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n