The 2018 AFL draft pool has been hyped up big time, with the media and state coaches amongst the ranks of those thinking it will be one to remember.
Anyone who watched the State U18 carnival would agree undoubtedly that this year there are many players who have capabilities and attributes well beyond their age. This is reflected in the actions of South Australian clubs Adelaide and Port Adelaide, who are both fighting for access to the best of these players in their home state.
It is seemingly harder and harder to keep interstate players at a club these days, which is why especially this year, the two SA clubs look to draft local players and prevent this from happening. It just so happens also that this year is seemingly the best South Australian draft pool they have ever produced, with as many as four players capable of being picked in the Top 10.
Having won this year’s State U18 Carnival, it is clear the boys in contention can play. Each player brings about their own type of x-factor and will no doubt have high expectations set on them in pre-season with their respective clubs, whoever they may be.
Below is a list of the Top 10 most hyped up players from South Australia, who are looking to be drafted come late November.
Jack Lukosius
The most consistently headlined South Australian of the year, Lukosius is (almost) as versatile as they come with the height he provides.
Having played at centre-half forward, the half-back line and on the wing this year across SA and Woodville-West Torrens, it is very easy to see why so much media attention has been brought his way.
While he will likely be used as a forward wherever he goes, knowing that he can adjust positions when needed is a massive tick for someone of his height and calibre.
His kicking was second to none at the draft camp, and it will be very interesting to see where he goes in this year’s draft. Will go anywhere between picks two and four, with it entirely dependant on whether Gold Coast (at this stage) take the King brothers, or Lukosius and Izak Rankine/ Connor Rozee with Picks 2 and 3.
If he is still there after Pick 3, Saint Kilda will have no hesitations in picking him.
Jack Lukosius of South Australia (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Izak Rankine
Dubbed the ‘X-Factor’ of this year’s draft, Rankine’s speed, agility and goal sense are just a select few of the attributes he will bring to his eventual AFL club.
Having made his SANFL League debut at just 16 years of age, Rankine has already been in the state league for over a year; something only him and Lukosius have experienced in this year’s SA pool.
Likely to find himself on the wing or half-forward flank at his AFL club, Izak can crush his direct opponent in a matter of seconds with his electric speed and quick sidestep.
Already with a highlight reel to die for, he will be feeling very comfortable with his form leading up to this year’s draft. Despite being touted as a potential Pick 1 this year, Rankine has slipped slightly in the order, but nevertheless will go between picks 3-6, with Port Adelaide a sneaky chance to grab him.
Izak Rankine of South Australia (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Connor Rozee
Having become somewhat of a revelation in this year’s SANFL finals, Connor Rozee has shot up the draft order very quickly.
Originally being listed as a late first-round pick-up, he sent a stern warning to clubs as he went on to win his first SANFL flag at just 18 years of age alongside teammate Boyd Woodcock.
Generally playing across the half-back for the Roosters, Connor exhibited an elite intercept mark for someone so young, and demonstrated a beautiful kick to go with it.
Speed is another asset of his, and as a result he breaks lines to deliver the ball forward as effectively as possible.
There have been talks he could go as high as three with Lukosius to the Gold Coast, a reflection of his successful year at SANFL level. Watch for Rozee to go between picks 3-9 at this year’s AFL draft.
Jackson Hately
At 190cm, Jackson Hately has the build and muscle of a young Patrick Cripps. Often playing as a midfielder, Jackson is your traditional, hard-ball get type of player who will not let anyone stand in his way.
Having averaged 23 disposals in this years U18 State Championship, he has proven to clubs he is capable of winning more than enough bull, and also showcased this for SANFL team Central Districts and school team Trinity College respectively.
With a solid opposite-foot kick and work ethic to match most, Hately has attracted the attention of many clubs. With the South Australian clubs looking to snap him up like most of the other locals, it is very hard to see Hately be left very long. Would be very surprising to see him go outside the range of 10-15.
Jez McLennan
Standing up at 183cm, Jez McLennan is your typical half-back player on paper. However, his ability to read the oncoming play so well, alongside his intercept skills have boosted his draft value well higher than some may have first expected.
With the ability to gut run for long periods of time also, it really will be interesting to see where the State U18 vice-captain will head come November. Having played out at Central Districts with Jackson Hately, his feel for fast-paced footy is more mature than others, and should see him taken between picks 20 and 28.
Luke Valente
The South Australian U18 team captain this year was unfortunately unavailable to test at the national combine, due to a knee injury. Despite this, Luke will still be drafted relatively early on this November, given his incredible kick on both feet and strong work ethic.
At 186cm and 80kg, his body size suggests he would slot into an AFL midfield quite well in years to come, and has constantly proven his skill set at U18 level for the Norwood Redlegs. As a player who can find the ball time and time again, clubs will be circling him during the second and early parts of the third round in this year’s draft.
Despite it being slightly less obvious when he will go due to his knee injury, it is fairly safe to say he will be selected between picks 20 and 45.
Tom Sparrow
Even for close followers of this years State U18 carnival, Tom Sparrow is not a name that many would recognise statistically.
However, this perception is considered wrong in many respects, with the championship-winning half-back/midfielder renowned by his teammates for endless tackles and hard-ball gets.
Averaging over nine tackles per game in the state carnival, Sparrow possesses a hunger for the ball unlike most, with an enormous frame to go with his ferocious attack.
His build is of a footballer well beyond his years, and compares to a taller version of fellow South Australian Mitchell Crowden; who was last year drafted to Fremantle. Whilst he is unlikely to go in the Top 30, there are still over ten clubs interested in picking him up. Watch between picks 35 and 55 for this jet to be picked up.
Hugo Munn
With a frame as a classical centre-half forward, Hugo Munn excelled in his goal kicking throughout this years State carnival.
His overhead mark is as good as anyone else in the draft pool; a critical attribute that people of his build need.
His district club Sturt placed plenty of faith in Hugo, selecting him over ten times this season and with good reason.
His development during the SANFL League season was evident, and converted into goals for South Australia in this year’s carnival.
On top of coming second in the state’s goal kicking (behind Izak Rankine), Munn can also pinch-hit in the ruck when needed very well.
His profile has been kept surprisingly low in the last couple of months, despite having overall several different clubs interested.
His frame, mark and goalkicking are unquestionably too good to pass on, and it would be silly of clubs to not pick him up; even if it is in the Rookie Draft. Whilst he won’t go in the Top 40, Hugo could be selected anywhere from there (41-Rookie)
Riley Grundy
The brother of current Collingwood ruckman Brodie, Riley Grundy has taken the attention of several clubs within the last 12 months with his lockdown defensive skills, and lighting pace.
Having only started playing football four years ago as a result of his brother’s success, the Sturt Football Club quickly inherited his natural athleticism and quickly assisted him in becoming the player he is today.
Whilst his kicking and match awareness are yet to fully develop due to his late start, his ability to shut down any key forward in the State U18 carnival was incredible. Having played both U18’s and Reserves for Sturt this year, he will look to go one step further and join an AFL club. Collingwood are a contender for the full-back, and you could see Riley drafted between Pick 50 and the Rookie Draft.
Boyd Woodcock
Renowned for his game-turning performances in the 2018 SANFL finals series alongside Rozee for the Roosters, Woodcock has become a bolder for draft selection.
Having always been a prolific ball winner for the North Adelaide U18 team, he was then promoted to the League team just in time for finals.
His goal sense also became apparent when he cameoed for the Roosters in the forward pocket, kicking multiple important goals for them throughout their successful campaign. Whilst he only played one state game this year, Boyd has obviously caught the attention of scouts well enough to be in such serious consideration.
While a national draft selection is 50/50, he is definitely expected to be picked up in the rookie draft by one of several clubs.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Outstanding from Nicholas Madden!
Controversy has erupted following Essendon's thrilling three-point victory over Adelaide, with an umpire under fire for his decision to not award the Crows a…
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks has said his side had their chances but wasn't going to be dragged into commenting on the final holding the…
Brad Scott told journalists while the focus will be on the final play, he could cite a couple of other decisions that didn't go…
It was a horror last quarter at the Adelaide Oval for Josh Rachele, who also missed a chance to win the game for the…
