Six to See: South Australia vs Western Australia

Game three of South Australia’s U18 championship was one to forget, after being beaten badly by Western Australia. The 6.12.48 to 18.7.115 loss was the worst performance so far for South Australia. However, there were shining lights in SA’s dim performance, and along with WA’s standouts, Hub takes a look each team’s ‘Six to See’.

South Australia

#2 Lucas Camporeale

29 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 672 metres gained, 4 inside 50s

The leading disposal-getter on the ground, Lucas was one of the few SA players to fire. His running prowess was on display as he ran hard down the wing. SA’s number two was clean in traffic and displayed his high football IQ when distributing the ball by both hand and foot.

Projection Draft Rank in June: 30-50

#3 Ben Camporeale

23 disposals, 6 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 262 metres gained

It was one Camporeale to the other on Sunday. Both worked incredibly hard to get up the ground, showcasing their elite two way running. Ben was able to use his elite kicking to place the ball to the advantage of his forwards, as he looks prime and ready to make the next step up.

Projected Draft Rank in May: 15-30

Projected Draft Rank in June: 20-40

#4 Ned Bowman

7 disposals, 3 goals, 4 score involvements

Ned Bowman was active forward as most of the SA team struggled. One of Bowman’s massive advantages ahead of other small forwards is his ability in the air. Despite standing at 186cm, Bowman’s explosivity from his legs allows him to get up and over the top of his opponents. He is clean with his hands, and has the natural small forward traits to go along with his aerial ability.

Projection Draft Rank in June: Rookie-Late

#7 Sid Draper

19 disposals, 5 clearances, 2 rebound 50s, 3 inside 50s

Where to begin with Sid Draper?

The South Adelaide star is going right to the very top. After a slow start to the season due to bone bruising on his shin, the SA captain was back to his brutal best.

The stats tell one side of the story, but it was the things that don’t get recorded that separated Sid and the rest. Draper showed second and third efforts in the contest, impressing recruiters. Draper also has a high football IQ, which he was using to full effect. His positioning at contest was excellent, while his trademark agility allowed him to change direction quickly in traffic, a skill that places him firmly in top prospects at the 2024 National Draft.

Projection Draft Rank in June: 1-5

#11 Phoenix Hargrave

27 disposals, 6 tackles, 519 metres gained, 8 inside 50s

Hargrave continued his strong start to this year’s U18 championship. The SA prospect was second to only Lucas Camporeale in terms of disposals, and had his best game of the championships so far.

His delivery inside forward 50 was good, as he also showed his ability to get down and dirty, winning the ball out of the middle. When SA were moving the ball forward, he was heavily involved, surging the football at ground level. His two way running was on full display as he showed his ability to work hard around the ground.

Projected Draft Rank in May: 15-30

Projection Draft Rank in June: 30-50

See Hub Adelaide’s exclusive chat with Phoenix here, via the ‘From the Stands’ Podcast

#40 Alex Dodson

20 disposals, 22 hitouts, 5 clearances, 4 inside 50s

The best ruck in the pool, Dodson has an interesting decision ahead of him. An excellent basketballer in his own right, the time will come when Dodson must pick between the court and the field.

Dodson was elite; he was getting the ball out of the middle and inside forward 50 as SA struggled. Up against a trio West Australian ruckman, he was head and shoulders above the rest, and worked hard to give South Australia dominance in the middle. With good tapwork leading to clearance after clearance, Dodson gave SA first use. However that was the only thing South Australia would get first, as the Sandgropers systematically destroyed the Croweaters.

Projection Draft Rank in June: 15-40

Honourable Mentions: #6 Benny Barrett, #8 Kade Herbet, #16 Angus Clarke, #17 Jacob Newton

Western Australia

#2 Luke Urquhart

19 disposals, 11 inside 50s, 7 clearances, 4 marks

A large reason why Western Australia won this game was Luke Urquhart. His ability to get the ball into the forward line was vital, he won the ball consistently out of stoppages, and he executed his disposal fantastically.

Projection Draft Rank in June: 30-60

#3 Malakai Champion

8 disposals, 1 goal, 2 inside 50s, 3 score involvements

Sometimes it’s in the name, and that’s the case with Malakai Champion. Champion is the nephew of Eddie Betts, and there’s certainly similarities between the two. He didn’t need much of the ball to look dangerous down forward, and set up plenty of opportunities for his teammates. He even found himself on the scoresheet.

As a WCE NGA, strong odds are that Champion ends up at the Eagles in 2024, if he gets past the top 40 picks come draft time. Either way, the Perth-based outfit has unearthed another jet.

Projection Draft Rank in June: 30-60

#17 Max Rohr

14 disposals, 4 goals, 3 marks, 7 score involvements

The most dangerous forward on the ground, Max Rohr was everywhere. The 19-year-old, overage player kicked three goals to half-time as he dominated the forward line and set up the win for Western Australia.

His set shot routine was classy and rarely led to a mistake when he lined up for goal. His positioning and presence in the forward line made him hard to defend, and his aerial ability was unrivalled. Rohr and Gerreyn dominated inside forward 50, and left SA’s key position prospects of Sheean, Ramm and McKay with no chance.

Projection Draft Rank in June: Late-Rookie

#19 Koby Evans

10 disposals, 2 goals, 1 clearance, 5 score involvements

Evans played the small forward role for Western Australia perfectly and despite being an underager, he didn’t look out of place. Evans has an excellent goal sense, and was involved in multiple scoring patterns for Western Australia.

He was able to apply pressure to the SA defence through his tackling, and his natural goal sense means that he’s always dangerous.

Projected Draft Rank in June: Ineligible (2025 draft)

#23 Charlie Burke

18 disposals, 473 metres gained, 11 score involvements

Burke was at his brutal best against SA. He was able to run the footy out of defence and inside forward 50, transitioning the ball through his linking run. This transition footy is quickly becoming a trademark of his game as he establishes himself as a dependable winger in this draft crop. He also has a great pair of hands, taking seven marks, and great leadership ability as he captains Subiaco at Colts level.

Projected Draft Rank in June: 50-80

#26 Kayle Gerreyn

14 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 8 hitouts, 8 score involvements

Gerreyn played further up the ground then Rohr, but was just as damaging. He was able to get the ball inside 50 and won multiple clearances as a ruckman.

He is quick below his knees and is agile enough to shut down his opponents to set up chances for himself or his teammates. His disposal is elite and while he certainly can finish chances, he also sets quite a few up with his kicking ability.

Projected Draft Rank in June: 25-50

Honourable Mentions: #6 Blake Kelly, #12 Bo Allan, #24 Fred Rodriguez, #28 Hugh Boxshall

South Australia: 1.2 3.6 4.9 6.12.48

Western Australia: 6.3 9.4 12.6 18.7.115

Goalkickers:

South Australia: N. Bowman (3), E. Bradley (2), J. Newton

Western Australia: M. Rohr (4), K. Gerreyn (3), C. Burke (2), H. Davis (2), K. Evans (2), C. Angove, C. Banfield, M. Champion, W. Hayes, B. Kelly

The loss sees SA slip to 1-2, while WA are 1-1, after getting defeated by the Allies in Matchday 2.