Three Croweaters in U18 All-Australian Team

By ZAC MILBANK

Three South Australians have been selected in the 2024 AFL U18 All-Australian team after this year’s National Championships campaign.

Sturt tall Alex Dodson was chosen to lead the ruck while midfielders Sid Draper and Ben Camporeale were named on the interchange bench.

Dodson, who is also a talented basketballer, missed the Croweaters’ opening match but impressed in the final three contests with his ability to not only have an influence at the stoppages but find the ball around the ground.

Measuring in at 203cm, Dodson racked up 19 disposals and 19 hitouts against Victoria Country and 20 disposals and 22 hitouts in Game 3 against Western Australia.

Smooth-moving Draper, who was working his way back to full fitness after a shin injury, had impact through the midfield for SA whilst averaging 21 disposals and four clearances.

SA U18 MVP Camporeale, eligible to be selected by Carlton under the father-son rule, provided a strong-bodied presence at the stoppages for the Croweaters whilst averaging 27 disposals and five marks across the tournament.