{"id":65329,"date":"2026-08-05T03:05:37","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T03:05:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/65329\/"},"modified":"2026-08-05T03:05:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T03:05:37","slug":"sanfl-2026-south-australias-top-under-16-footy-draft-prospects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/65329\/","title":{"rendered":"SANFL 2026: South Australia\u2019s top under-16 footy draft prospects"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A famous football surname, younger brothers of rising AFL stars, the nephew of Crows and Power premiership players and a midfield ball magnet are among South Australia\u2019s next generation footballers with the world at their feet.<\/p>\n<p>Just days after the SA under-16 boys team finished runner-up at the AFL National Development Championships, posting a 2-1 win-loss record in Pool A, and had four players earn All-Australian selection, The Advertiser has identified 55 of the SANFL\u2019s most exciting under-16 talents that AFL clubs have on their recruiting radars.<\/p>\n<p>They include this year\u2019s under-16 All-Australians, Glenelg ball-winning machine Zane Rooney, Central District\u2019s Logan Treverton, North Adelaide\u2019s Cooper Jolly and Sturt\u2019s Jacob Westley.<\/p>\n<p>Woodville-West Torrens\u2019 Damien Wanganeen, a Port Adelaide Next Generation Academy prospect who is related to Brownlow Medallist Gavin Wanganeen, Central pair Harrison Schubert and Levi Dudley, who are the younger brothers of Hawthorn\u2019s Aidan Schubert and Fremantle\u2019s Isaiah Dudley, and Glenelg\u2019s Jack Gallagher, who is the son of former Crow James Gallagher.<\/p>\n<p>Westley, a star midfielder\/defender, is the nephew of dual Adelaide Crows AFL premiership player Brett James and 2004 Port Adelaide premiership midfielder Roger James.<\/p>\n<p>Other emerging teenagers, such as Norwood\u2019s Zephyr Thompson and Kalani Fraser, are having their styles compared to star AFL players Zac Bailey and Sam Walsh respectively.<\/p>\n<p>This year\u2019s SA under-16 boys team, led by coach Heath Younie, performed strongly at the national underage championships, thrashing Victoria Metro by 65 points and beating Victoria Country by 23 points.<\/p>\n<p>Its only loss was to undefeated title winner Western Australia by 12 points.<\/p>\n<p>Treverton was voted the Croweaters\u2019 Most Valuable Player across the championships.<\/p>\n<p>So who are SA\u2019s next generation rising stars?<\/p>\n<p>The Advertiser spoke exclusively to the coaches from the eight stand-alone SANFL clubs to get their insight into the next crop of talented kids coming through the system.<\/p>\n<p>Each club was asked to nominate six-to-eight players for consideration for the list of 55 to keep a close eye on.<\/p>\n<p>Here are 55 of the SANFL\u2019s most exciting under-16 prospects, listed in alphabetical order.<\/p>\n<p>JOSH ALLAN<\/p>\n<p>(Glenelg\/Sacred Heart College)<\/p>\n<p>Forward, 16, 180cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJosh is a useful connection piece, energetically shifting the ball towards attacking 50. He marks solidly on the lead and overhead, before craftily finding targets by foot to keep the chain moving, setting up scoring chances or kicking goals himself.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Glenelg under-16 coach Darren Trevena.<\/p>\n<p>NATE ASHLEY<\/p>\n<p>(Woodville-West Torrens\/St Michael\u2019s College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/forward, 16, 187cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNate is a big-bodied midfielder who can go forward and take marks and impact the scoreboard.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Woodville-West Torrens talent manager Darren Hams.<\/p>\n<p>LIAM BELL<\/p>\n<p>(South Adelaide\/Woodcroft College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/defender, 16, 172cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLiam\u2019s elite work rate and speed have underpinned an outstanding season. Strong aerially, he demonstrates consistently high skill execution and has impressed across multiple roles, including as an inside and outside midfielder, as well as at half-back. Liam is a highly competitive player who consistently provides second and third efforts. His ability to stay involved, compete and impact contests is a key strength of his game.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 South under-16 coach Bryn Loots.<\/p>\n<p>LOUIS BLACK<\/p>\n<p>(Woodville-West Torrens\/Immanuel College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/forward, 16, 189cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLouis is a medium-sized player with good athleticism. He\u2019s missed a bit of footy through injury but can take a nice mark.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Woodville-West Torrens talent manager Darren Hams.<\/p>\n<p>JACK BROOKS<\/p>\n<p>(Sturt\/Cornerstone College)<\/p>\n<p>Key defender, 16, 185cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJack has developed his game to be one of the premier key defenders in his age group. His ability to judge the flight of the ball, whether to spoil or mark, has been his big area of growth, along with his impact at contest.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Sturt under-16 coach Greg Crowden.<\/p>\n<p>KADE CLARK<\/p>\n<p>(North Adelaide\/Cedar College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/forward, 16, 176cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cKade is a powerful midfielder who drives his legs through congestion, breaks lines and uses the ball effectively by hand and foot. His speed and explosiveness allow him to change the momentum of games and create attacking opportunities. As vice-captain, he leads by example with his work rate, competitiveness and commitment to the team.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 North under-16 coach Jake Lynch.<\/p>\n<p>TEX CLARK<\/p>\n<p>(Norwood\/Banksia Park International High School)<\/p>\n<p>Defender\/midfielder, 16, 184cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTex has great versatility, enabling him to play multiple positions. His aerial marking is a real strength, along with his physicality, which is evident in his tackling, in the air and around the ground. His clean fundamentals and ability to read the play are similar to Port Adelaide\u2019s Connor Rozee.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Norwood under-16 coach Connor McLean.<\/p>\n<p>XAVIER CLARK<\/p>\n<p>(Central District\/St Patts Technical College)<\/p>\n<p>Defender, 15, 189cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cXavier is a dominant defender who can play tall or small and regularly take intercept marks. His leadership and competitiveness, along with his disposal efficiency, are vital to setting the game up. Xavier\u2019s AFL comparison is Geelong\u2019s Tom Stewart because of his versatility, intercept game and damaging disposal.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Central under-16 coach Brae McConnell.<\/p>\n<p>LIAM COOPER<\/p>\n<p>(West Adelaide\/Sacred Heart College)<\/p>\n<p>Ruckman\/full back, 15, 194cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLiam was in this year\u2019s state under-16 team and is a strong, athletic, tall footballer who<\/p>\n<p>provides excellent versatility through his ability to play both in the ruck and as a key defender. He combines his size with impressive aerobic capacity and running power, allowing him to impact contests across the ground. Liam is a reliable user of the football, consistently making sound decisions with and without possession. For a player of his height, he is particularly clean below his knees and strong in ground-ball situations, while also competing fiercely in aerial contests. His work rate, football intelligence and ability to influence games in multiple roles make him a highly valuable member of the West Adelaide under-16 squad.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 West under-16 coach Jeff Sochacki.<\/p>\n<p>JUDE COWAN<\/p>\n<p>(Woodville-West Torrens\/St Michael\u2019s College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/defender, 16, 181cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJude is a good runner who has the ability to use the ball by foot exceptionally well.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Woodville-West Torrens talent manager Darren Hams.<\/p>\n<p>SAMUEL DEPALMA<\/p>\n<p>(West Adelaide\/St Francis of Assisi College Renmark)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/forward, 15, 170cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA 2026 under-16 state representative, Samuel is a strong, powerful midfielder whose ability to win contested ground balls consistently gives his team first use of the ball. Equally effective on both sides of his body, Samuel displays outstanding composure and skill by hand and foot. Despite his size, he marks strongly overhead against taller opponents and possesses an exceptional football IQ, allowing him to read the game, make smart decisions and influence contests all over the ground. A natural leader, Samuel is joint captain of our under-16s and leads by example through his work rate, competitiveness, and commitment to his teammates.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 West under-16 coach Jeff Sochacki.<\/p>\n<p>JOEL DIAS-COCKS<\/p>\n<p>(South Adelaide\/Sacred Heart College)<\/p>\n<p>Ruckman, 15, 195cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJoel is a super-competitive ruckman who is continuing to develop his craft. He has demonstrated the ability to consistently compete strongly and give his midfielders first use of the ball at stoppages. He is a player with ample potential who continues to improve each week.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 South under-16 coach Bryn Loots.<\/p>\n<p>CHARLIE DOAN<\/p>\n<p>(Sturt\/Mercedes)<\/p>\n<p>Defender, 16, 185cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCharlie is a hybrid defender who can play as a big or small, but he is at his best floating across the front of the contest to intercept. He backs in his skills to create attack from defence or lead the team defensive set-up.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Sturt under-16 coach Greg Crowden.<\/p>\n<p>LEVI DUDLEY<\/p>\n<p>(Central District\/Salisbury High School)<\/p>\n<p>Wingman, 16, 167cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLevi is lightning quick, has silky-smooth skills and only needs 15 disposals to change a game. Playing on the wing, he will regularly have several running bounces from half-back and deliver the ball inside 50 with class. A damaging run and carry player who uses his leg speed to break the game open, he is the younger brother of Fremantle small forward Isaiah Dudley. His AFL comparison is St Kilda star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Central under-16 coach Brae McConnell.<\/p>\n<p>ZAYD EL-HOSNI<\/p>\n<p>(Norwood\/Rostrevor College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/forward, 16, 173cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cZayd has great speed and explosiveness to break away from contests. He sets up his team\u2019s ball movement through his field kicking. His overall competitiveness, ability to evade tackles and impact on the scoreboard reminds me of Hawthorn\u2019s Josh Weddle.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Norwood under-16 coach Connor McLean.<\/p>\n<p>JAMES FOSTER<\/p>\n<p>(Sturt\/Scotch College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder, 16, 180cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJames is an outside midfielder who runs the wing with power and is rarely beaten in one-on-one contests. He works from one end of the ground to the other, utilising his foot skills to great effect and to the team\u2019s advantage.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Sturt under-16 coach Greg Crowden.<\/p>\n<p>LUCA FOUYAXIS<\/p>\n<p>(Glenelg\/Immanuel College)<\/p>\n<p>Defender, 16, 182cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLuca comes from a soccer background and is a hard-at-it player who can a take a very good mark. He is a versatile player with the ability to play back or forward.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Glenelg under-16 coach Darren Trevena.<\/p>\n<p>KALANI FRASER<\/p>\n<p>(Norwood\/Banksia Park International High School)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/forward, 16, 170cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cKalani\u2019s key attributes are his fundamentals at ground level and his high work rate to work to both ends on the field. He is a competitive player who can win the ball at ground level and distribute the ball well to his teammates. He plays a similar style of game to Carlton midfielder Sam Walsh.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Norwood under-16 coach Connor McLean.<\/p>\n<p>HAMISH FRENCH<\/p>\n<p>(South Adelaide\/Investigator College)<\/p>\n<p>Defender\/ruckman, 15, 192cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHamish has been outstanding since moving to centre half-back. He reads the ball and the<\/p>\n<p>game extremely well, consistently positioning himself to impact the contest. He has a strong aerial presence and provides valuable drive and run from half-back, making him a damaging player across the ground. Hamish is the son of (former Port Adelaide and Carlton big man) Barnaby French.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 South under-16 coach Bryn Loots.<\/p>\n<p>JACK GALLAGHER<\/p>\n<p>(Glenelg\/Immanuel College)<\/p>\n<p>Wingman, 15, 177cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJack comes from a sporting family (his dad James played for the Crows while other family members, Phil and Sam, were greats for Norwood) and is driven to succeed. He provides an express avenue towards goal with his work up and down the wing. Jack\u2019s leading patterns are excellent, often gaining separation or finding pockets of space to mark. He can be seen picking the ball up in defensive 50, finding a short target and then latching onto an overlap handball on the wing. That kind of connectivity, backed by strong marking ability, makes Jack a real force in the attacking phase.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Gleneleg under-16 coach Darren Trevena.<\/p>\n<p>LACHLAN GILL<\/p>\n<p>(South Adelaide\/Sacred Heart College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/defender, 15, 170cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLachlan is a strong contested ball-winner who is elite around stoppage. He can also provide<\/p>\n<p>valuable drive off half-back, breaks lines with his speed and has a strong aerial presence that allows him to impact and win the ball back. He consistently finds ways to influence the game.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 South under-16 coach Bryn Loots.<\/p>\n<p>COHEN HAINES<\/p>\n<p>(North Adelaide\/Charles Campbell College)<\/p>\n<p>Small-medium forward, 15, 179cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCohen is a dynamic small\/hybrid forward who attacks every contest with<\/p>\n<p>speed, intensity and a combative mindset. He thrives in the contest, applies strong<\/p>\n<p>physical pressure and consistently creates scoring opportunities. Strong on the lead<\/p>\n<p>with reliable hands, he is equally capable of impacting in the air, making him a<\/p>\n<p>difficult match-up due to his versatility. Currently the competition\u2019s leading goalkicker, highlighted by an outstanding return of 12.4 against Sturt in Round 15.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 North under-16 coach Jake Lynch.<\/p>\n<p>LACHLAN HARMAN<\/p>\n<p>(West Adelaide\/Blackwood High School)<\/p>\n<p>Half-back, 15, 188cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLachlan is a talented bottom-age footballer who has shown significant growth throughout the 2026 season. An exceptional kick of the ball, he thrives when given the opportunity to run, carry and take the game on. He consistently makes intelligent decisions by both hand and foot, displaying composure and maturity beyond his years. As a defender, his aerial competitiveness has become a genuine weapon and he continues to develop into a strong and reliable marking backman. Lachlan possesses outstanding agility and speed in traffic, reads<\/p>\n<p>the play exceptionally well and demonstrates a tremendous football IQ for a young player. His leadership is shown through his actions, effort and consistency, while his calm and assured presence across the back half reflects a player who is confident in his game and continually striving to improve.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 West under-16 coach Jeff Sochacki.<\/p>\n<p>BRAITH HICKEY<\/p>\n<p>(Central District\/Temple Christian College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder, 16, 179cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBraith is a classy inside-to-outside midfielder. His game is built on contest work through contested possessions and tackles, however his speed and class mean that he is also damaging on the outside. He plays in a similar way to Hawthorn\u2019s Will Day, competing on the inside with first give to open the game up, but also having the ability to damage the game with his class post-stoppage.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Central under-16 coach Brae McConnell.<\/p>\n<p>TYLER HITCH<\/p>\n<p>(Norwood\/Rostrevor College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/forward, 16, 174cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTyler\u2019s weapons on the football field include his ability to break away from stoppages after taking the ball cleanly at ground level. He is composed with the ball, never rushed when under pressure in traffic and his high work rate allows him to both hit the scoreboard and work back defensively. His ability to break tackles and distribute the ball to his teammates effectively is similar to Port Adelaide star Zak Butters.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Norwood under-16 coach Connor McLean.<\/p>\n<p>HARRY HOBBY<\/p>\n<p>(North Adelaide\/Prince Alfred College)<\/p>\n<p>Utility, 15, 178cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe North Adelaide captain is a mature and versatile player who is capable of impacting all three zones of the ground. He reads the game exceptionally well, makes sound decisions under pressure and uses the ball effectively by both hand and foot. His strong aerobic capacity allows him to influence contests consistently and cover the ground with purpose. A dedicated professional, he sets high standards at training, maximises his own performance and leads from the front through his actions and competitiveness.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 North under-16 coach Jake Lynch.<\/p>\n<p>BAILEY JAMES<\/p>\n<p>(South Adelaide\/Cardijn College)<\/p>\n<p>Defender\/midfielder, 16, 187cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBailey is a very mature player who has predominantly played across half-back, but he can also make an impact through the midfield. He sets the game up well with his good decision making, strong aerial presence and quality ball use. Bailey consistently demonstrates composure, commitment and leadership \u2013 both on and off the field.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 South under-16 coach Bryn Loots.<\/p>\n<p>COOPER JOLLY<\/p>\n<p>(North Adelaide\/Prince Alfred College)<\/p>\n<p>Ruckman\/key forward, 15, 197cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCooper is a mobile ruckman who relishes the contest and consistently gives his midfield first use of the ball at stoppages. His follow-up work at ground level is a genuine strength, combining clean ball handling with strong competitiveness. He embraces the physical nature of the role, competes relentlessly and brings intensity around the contest.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 North under-16 coach Jake Lynch.<\/p>\n<p>RYDER LINDNER<\/p>\n<p>(Glenelg\/Tenison Woods College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder, 15, 187cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFrom our (south-east) country zone, Ryder gets his game going early on with quick and clean stoppage work. He possesses one-touch handling of the ball on the inside and an ability to impact up forward. Ryder is able to hit targets regularly by foot.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Glenelg under-16 coach Darren Trevena.<\/p>\n<p>HARRY McCARTHUR<\/p>\n<p>(Norwood\/Pedare Christian College)<\/p>\n<p>Defender, 16, 185cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry\u2019s key strengths are his one-on-one defending and vertical jump in the air. He reads the play well and uses his vertical jump to either intercept or spoil opposition ball movement. His ability to also compete at ground level and show clean fundamentals is along the same lines as star Brisbane defender Harris Andrews.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Norwood under-16 coach Connor McLean.<\/p>\n<p>MAX McGOWAN<\/p>\n<p>(Sturt\/Cornerstone College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/forward, 16, 177cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMax is an inside midfielder\/pressure forward who is a high pressure, manic player who knows no other way. He was unlucky to get a season-ending injury that curtailed his state squad availability but his power from contest has been a real growth area this year.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Sturt under-16 coach Greg Crowden.<\/p>\n<p>NAMAN MITTAL<\/p>\n<p>(West Adelaide\/Adelaide High School)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/small forward, 16, 175cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNaman is a well-balanced midfielder who consistently finds the football and excels at winning contested possessions from stoppages. His agility, sidestep and strength allow him to work through congestion, while his strong aerobic capacity enables him to impact contests all over the ground. Naman combines a high work rate with strong tackling pressure and the ability to hit the scoreboard. He reads the play exceptionally well for a young footballer and regularly finds space, making him a difficult opponent to defend.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 West under-16 coach Jeff Sochacki.<\/p>\n<p>JACOB MORRISSEY<\/p>\n<p>(Sturt\/Marrayatville High School)<\/p>\n<p>Key forward, 16, 192cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJacob has missed most of 2026 with a bad break in an ankle. His diligence to rehab has seen him return for the past couple of minor round games. He is a power forward who is exceptional overhead and by foot. Jacob\u2019s aerobic capacity and work ethic helps him run opponents into the ground.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Sturt under-16 coach Greg Crowden.<\/p>\n<p>JOSH MUNDAY<\/p>\n<p>(Central District\/Xavier College)<\/p>\n<p>Key forward\/ruckman, 16, 193cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA strong-marking key forward and ruckman, Josh is a tall with great aerial craft, foot skills and mobility. When rucking, he uses his impressive vertical leap and covers the ground like a fourth midfielder. He has a basketball background and was a development player (emergency) for the same under-18s SA Country basketball team as his Bulldogs teammate Harrison Schubert. He plays a similar style to St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Central under-16 coach Brae McConnell.<\/p>\n<p>JESSE NUNAN<\/p>\n<p>(Sturt\/Cornerstone College)<\/p>\n<p>Defender, 15, 184cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJesse is an intercept defender who has developed his foot skills to a very high level. Whether kicking out from defence or creating a change of lanes, he finds the best option. Jesse also is a fine reader of the play, using that ability to intercept mark regularly.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Sturt under-16 coach Greg Crowden.<\/p>\n<p>MASON PAPPS<\/p>\n<p>(Woodville-West Torrens\/Prince Alfred College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/defender, 16, 174cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMason is a hardworking midfielder who enjoys the contest.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Woodville-West Torrens talent manager Darren Hams.<\/p>\n<p>SAM PEDLAR<\/p>\n<p>(North Adelaide\/Blackfriars Priory School)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/forward, 16, 186cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSam is a big-bodied, powerful midfielder who can push forward and hit the scoreboard. He combines strong running capacity with explosive line-breaking ability, making him a damaging presence through the midfield and in attack. As Sam continues to develop, he is gaining a greater understanding of his body and physical capabilities, allowing him to maximise his strengths and influence games more consistently.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 North under-16 coach Jake Lynch.<\/p>\n<p>ZANE ROONEY<\/p>\n<p>(Glenelg\/Henley High School)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder, 16, 186cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs captain of the state under-16s, Zane can play in all areas of the ground, where he demonstrates a strong ability to win the ball both in the air and on the ground. He is competitive, works hard in all phases of the game and plays footy in the right spirit.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Glenelg under-16 coach Darren Trevena.<\/p>\n<p>JOSH SALIEVIC<\/p>\n<p>(Glenelg\/Seaview High School)<\/p>\n<p>Wingman, 16, 188cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cApart from being a very good footballer, Josh is also an excellent cricketer. Selected in the SANFL state under-16s, he can play a variety of roles due to his size and athletic ability.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Glenelg under-16 coach Darren Trevena.<\/p>\n<p>RILEY SAMAIN<\/p>\n<p>(Central District\/Nuriootpa High School)<\/p>\n<p>Ruckman, 15, 195cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRiley is a traditional ruckman who dominates hit-outs and has great tap craft. He has also played as a key defender, with his ability to dominate the aerial game being impressive. He shares ruck duties with his twin brother, Connor Samain, and as a ruckman he plays a traditional ruck role like Gold Coast\u2019s Jarrod Witts.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Central under-16 coach Brae McConnell.<\/p>\n<p>KIT SARACINO<\/p>\n<p>(West Adelaide\/St Michael\u2019s College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/forward, 16, 177cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA 2026 under-16 state representative, Kit is a physically imposing footballer who impacts games through his strength, competitiveness and versatility. Strong in the contest, Kit consistently wins his one-on-one battles and is a commanding aerial presence with his ability to take strong contested marks. Whether playing through the midfield or resting forward, he provides significant value, regularly hitting the scoreboard and creating opportunities for his teammates. His ability to perform both as an inside and outside midfielder highlights his adaptability and football intelligence. As joint captain of West\u2019s under-16 squad this year, Kit leads by example, demonstrating outstanding leadership through his actions, professionalism and commitment both on and off the field.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 West under-16 coach Jeff Sochacki.<\/p>\n<p>HARRISON SCHUBERT<\/p>\n<p>(Central District\/Trinity College)<\/p>\n<p>Key forward, 16, 190cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarrison is a key forward with great aerial craft and the ability to take a strong contested mark. He never gets outmarked and his second and third efforts when the ball hits the ground are second to none for a big man. He plays the game similarly to a young (Crows star) Taylor Walker. Harrison is the younger brother of Hawthorn forward Aiden Schubert, who also hails from Central, and shares a basketball background, having played under-18 nationals for SA Country this year.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Central under-16 coach Brae McConnell.<\/p>\n<p>TYSON SCHULTZ<\/p>\n<p>(Woodville-West Torrens\/Prince Alfred College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/defender, 16, 175cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTyson is a hardworking small defender\/midfielder who possesses explosive speed from the contest and good skills by foot.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Woodville-West Torrens talent manager Darren Hams.<\/p>\n<p>HARRY THOMPSON<\/p>\n<p>(Glenelg\/Immanuel College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder, 15, 174cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry is a powerful small midfielder who has elite hands in close. He can one-take the ball and fire it to the outside or power out of stoppages himself. Harry has great vision and understands the game well. He has the ability to pop up in the forward line and have a shot at goal.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Glenelg under-16 coach Darren Trevena.<\/p>\n<p>ZEPHYR THOMPSON<\/p>\n<p>(Norwood\/Prince Alfred College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/forward, 15, 180cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cZephyr\u2019s key weapons are his explosiveness away from contests and his ability to impact on the scoreboard. He regularly shows clean fundamentals in games, has great goal sense and can consistently evade opponents in traffic in a similar way to Brisbane\u2019s Zac Bailey.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Norwood under-16 coach Connor McLean.<\/p>\n<p>HARRY TINK<\/p>\n<p>(Norwood\/Rostrevor College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/defender, 16, 181cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarry\u2019s strengths are his kicking skills and high work rate around the ground. He is composed when under pressure and his ability to find targets regularly sets up his team\u2019s ball movement. His ability to read the play well from behind the ball and show clean fundamentals is similar to Collingwood\u2019s Scott Pendlebury.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Norwood under-16 coach Connor McLean.<\/p>\n<p>SILAS TORNEY<\/p>\n<p>(North Adelaide\/Willyama High School Broken Hill)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/forward, 16, 183cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA strong contested player with excellent hands, outstanding balance and a proven ability to finish his work. Silas consistently stays on his feet in contests, allowing him to compete effectively at ground level and maintain composure under pressure. Dangerous around goal, he has a strong scoring presence and makes the most of his opportunities. Silas is from the same home club as star Crow Taylor Walker.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 North under-16 coach Jake Lynch.<\/p>\n<p>LOGAN TREVERTON<\/p>\n<p>(Central District\/Craigmore High School)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder, 15, 185cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLogan won South Australia\u2019s MVP award at the national championships and is a high-volume, left-footed clearance midfielder with an uncanny ability to accumulate possessions. He is a strong overhead mark and regularly hits the scoreboard as a midfielder. Patrick Cripps (dual Carlton Brownlow Medallist) is his high-end AFL player comparison.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Central under-16 coach Brae McConnell.<\/p>\n<p>FERGUS VOGT<\/p>\n<p>(South Adelaide\/Cardijn College)<\/p>\n<p>Forward, 16, 185cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFergus has put together an impressive season, which has been built on elite work rate and aerial strength. He continues to impact contests, provide a strong aerial presence and uses the ball well in general play. His ability to compete, create opportunities and impact the scoreboard has been a highlight.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 South under-16 coach Bryn Loots.<\/p>\n<p>DAMIEN WANGANEEN<\/p>\n<p>(Woodville-West Torrens\/Henley High School)<\/p>\n<p>Forward\/midfielder, 16, 172cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDamien is a small forward who can also go into the midfield and make an impact. He has good foot skills.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Woodville-West Torrens talent manager Darren Hams.<\/p>\n<p>HARRISON WEBB<\/p>\n<p>(Glenelg\/Henley High School)<\/p>\n<p>Forward, 16, 176cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarrison has been very unlucky with injuries, which have come at the wrong time for state selection. He is a powerful forward who loves to run and bounce the ball. Harrison can go into the midfield and have an impact there, but most importantly he kicks goals when playing as a forward.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Glenelg under-16 coach Darren Trevena.<\/p>\n<p>JACKSON WEBBER<\/p>\n<p>(West Adelaide\/Nazareth Catholic College)<\/p>\n<p>Ruckman\/key forward, 15, 197cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJackson is an exciting and largely untapped ruck prospect who joined the SANFL system this year. Standing at 197cm, he possesses a strong frame, a genuine passion for football and loves competing in the contest. Jackson excels in the ruck with his ability to give his midfielders first use through his tap work and competes strongly in contested situations. For a young player of his size, he is particularly clean at ground level and is a strong aerial presence around the ground. He is also a capable user of the football on both sides of his body. With his athletic attributes, competitive nature and developing skill set, Jackson has a very high ceiling and significant potential as he continues to grow and develop his game.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 West under-16 coach Jeff Sochacki.<\/p>\n<p>JACOB WESTLEY<\/p>\n<p>(Sturt\/Trinity College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/small defender, 16, 178cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJacob is a tough inside midfielder who understands the game well and is developing his power from contest. He can create attack from defence and his awareness brings teammates into the game.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 Sturt under-16 coach Greg Crowden.<\/p>\n<p>HUGO WILLIAMS<\/p>\n<p>(West Adelaide\/Scotch College)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/half-back, 15, 184cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHugo is a bottom-age player and 2026 under-16 state representative who has quickly established himself as a key component of the West Adelaide midfield. A strong, competitive footballer, he thrives in contested situations and is at his best around stoppages, where his clearance work regularly gives his team first use of the football. Equally capable as an inside midfielder or a running half-back, he combines a strong ground-ball game with the ability to use the ball effectively on both sides of his body. Hugo is also an excellent overhead mark for his size and has the capacity to push forward and impact the scoreboard. His toughness, versatility and football IQ make him a highly influential player with an exciting future ahead.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 West under-16 coach Jeff Sochacki.<\/p>\n<p>ARCHIE WHEATON<\/p>\n<p>(South Adelaide\/Westminster School)<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder\/forward, 16, 174cm<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA very natural footballer, Archie is strong in the contest, elite at ground level and has the<\/p>\n<p>ability to find space on the outside. He uses the ball beautifully by foot and can impact both through the midfield and forward line.\u2019\u2019 \u2013 South under-16 coach Bryn Loots.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A famous football surname, younger brothers of rising AFL stars, the nephew of Crows and Power premiership players&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":65330,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[80828,80810,80852,80841,80846,80919,80897,38718,80920,80903,80887,80836,80847,80911,40159,80811,80813,80865,80823,80863,80840,80819,41460,80843,43096,80926,80923,80908,64017,80809,80880,80807,80834,6257,80806,36933,80820,80916,80883,36519,80849,80814,80862,80893,80927,80895,80855,80832,80882,80844,80879,80921,80854,395,80860,80835,80902,80910,80922,80894,80896,80905,80925,80816,80824,40032,43449,80885,33958,80818,80858,80907,80826,52228,47622,80815,80747,4317,21018,12742,80901,80924,61691,51991,80898,19447,80845,6847,42373,80817,80904,80889,80918,65039,80890,80915,80886,80881,80812,64961,80928,9705,80725,10466,38405,80850,80827,25831,80830,33439,32026,27161,80861,80822,80914,80876,1465,80864,80888,1358,80868,12996,80859,80874,80839,80821,15250,80877,2806,3268,80833,80891,80917,80875,121,80831,19861,80869,80884,80803,80909,6225,43172,38255,80856,39675,47807,37144,80929,80873,80842,80838,41602,39477,80866,38126,80802,80837,80853,80892,80857,80870,80913,80872,64989,52108,80851,38140,80848,37120,80899,52719,80930,80871,80825,39096,30587,80804,80805,80808,80829,80878,80906,353,80912,80867,31453,80900],"class_list":["post-65329","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-adelaide","tag-glenelg-under-16-coach-darren-trevena-nate-ashley","tag-north-under-16-coach-jake-lynch-tex-clark","tag-south-under-16-coach-bryn-loots-louis-black","tag-sturt-under-16-coach-greg-crowden-kade-clark","tag-woodville-west-torrens-talent-manager-darren-hams-jack-brooks","tag-woodville-west-torrens-talent-manager-darren-hams-liam-bell","tag-s-aidan-schubert","tag-s-college","tag-s-cooper-jolly","tag-s-elite-work-rate","tag-s-isaiah-dudley","tag-s-jack-gallagher","tag-s-jacob-westley-woodville-west-torrens","tag-s-logan-treverton","tag-s-next-generation","tag-s-next-generation-footballers","tag-s-next-generation-stars","tag-s-sa-under-16-boys-team","tag-s-top-55-under-16-footballers","tag-s-under-16-all-australians","tag-s-under-16-class","tag-s-zephyr-thompson","tag-41460","tag-12-points-treverton","tag-43096","tag-172cm","tag-176cm","tag-180cm","tag-184cm","tag-185cm","tag-187cm","tag-189cm","tag-2004-port-adelaide-premiership-midfielder-roger-james-other-emerging-teenagers","tag-6257","tag-23-points-its-only-loss","tag-36933","tag-65-points","tag-a-2-1-win-loss-record","tag-a-big-bodied-midfielder","tag-a-bit","tag-a-close-eye-on-here","tag-a-famous-football-surname","tag-a-highly-competitive-player","tag-a-key-strength","tag-a-medium-sized-player","tag-a-midfield-ball-magnet","tag-a-nice-mark","tag-a-port-adelaide-next-generation-academy-prospect","tag-a-powerful-midfielder","tag-a-real-strength","tag-a-star-midfielder-defender","tag-a-useful-connection-piece","tag-ability","tag-adelaide","tag-afl-clubs","tag-all-australian-selection","tag-alphabetical-order-josh","tag-an-inside-and-outside-midfielder","tag-an-outstanding-season","tag-attacking-opportunities","tag-brownlow-medallist-gavin-wanganeen","tag-central-district","tag-central-pair-harrison-schubert","tag-coach-heath-younie","tag-competitiveness-and-commitment","tag-congestion","tag-consideration","tag-consistently-high-skill-execution","tag-contest","tag-crows-and-power-premiership-players","tag-damien-wanganeen","tag-defender-midfielder","tag-dual-adelaide-crows-afl-premiership-player-brett-james","tag-foot","tag-footy","tag-former-crow-james-gallagher-westley","tag-four-players","tag-fremantle","tag-games","tag-glenelg","tag-glenelg-ball-winning-machine-zane-rooney","tag-glenelg-sacred-heart-college","tag-goals","tag-good-athleticism","tag-great-versatility","tag-growth","tag-hand-and-foot","tag-hawthorn","tag-his-ability","tag-his-aerial-marking","tag-his-age-group","tag-his-big-area","tag-his-clean-fundamentals","tag-his-game","tag-his-impact","tag-his-legs","tag-his-physicality","tag-his-speed-and-explosiveness","tag-his-tackling","tag-his-work-rate","tag-impact-contests","tag-injury","tag-jack","tag-josh","tag-just-days","tag-kade","tag-kalani-fraser","tag-key-defender","tag-levi-dudley","tag-liam","tag-lines","tag-louis","tag-marks","tag-midfielder-defender","tag-midfielder-forward","tag-most-valuable-player","tag-multiple-positions","tag-multiple-roles","tag-nate","tag-north-adelaide","tag-north-adelaide-cedar-college","tag-norwood","tag-norwood-banksia-park-international-high-school","tag-pool-a","tag-revealed","tag-rising-afl-stars","tag-rising-stars","tag-runner-up","tag-sa","tag-sanfl","tag-scoring-chances","tag-second-and-third-efforts","tag-six-to-eight-players","tag-south-adelaide-woodcroft-college","tag-south-australia","tag-south-australian-football","tag-speed","tag-star-afl-players-zac-bailey-and-sam-walsh","tag-sturt","tag-sturt-cornerstone-college","tag-talented-kids","tag-targets","tag-tex","tag-the-advertis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