SANFL U18 Talent Watch – Round 6

SANFL Media’s ZAC MILBANK shines a light on club nominees for the weekly SANFL U18 MVP award.  

BLAKE MCPHEDRAN

Local Club: Salisbury North FC

Disposals – 13
Marks – 5
Clearances – 3
Tackles – 3

”Blake played as a key defender, his ability to impact the contest in the air and back up on the ground was a highlight of his game.”
Central District Talent Manager Scott Stevens

TIM ALVER

Local Club: Edwardstown FC

Disposals – 28
Marks – 3
Clearances – 7
Scores – 1.0

”Tim had another great game backing up from last week. Showed his ability to win the ball at stoppages with seven clearances. A solid four-quarter effort.”
Glenelg Talent Manager Darren Trevena

BEN FRANCOU

Local Club: Walkerville/St Peter’s College

Disposals – 21
Marks – 2
Tackles – 6
Clearances – 9
Scores – 3.0

”Ben’s desire to win the ball in and around the contest was super important and had a significant impact in our forward half.  An impressive all-round performance that played a major role for our team.”
North Talent Manager and U18 Coach Mitch Clisby

MICAH KRETSCHMER

Local Club: Tea Tree Gully FC

Disposals – 31
Marks – 4
Clearances – 6
Tackles – 9
Scores – 1.0

”Micah had an outstanding game on the weekend, his first half included 22 disposals and a goal. Micah also used the ball at 88% efficiency.”
Norwood Talent Manager Craig Roberts

THOMAS SIMPSON

Local Club: Brighton FC

Disposals – 23
Marks – 7
Clearances – 5
Tackles – 7

”Tom excelled in his role as an inside midfielder and high forward. He delivered a well-rounded performance, combining inside toughness with outside run — highlighted by his 11 contested and 12 uncontested possessions. His strong aerobic capacity consistently allowed him to find space, as shown by his seven uncontested marks and five loose ball gets. Defensively, Tom worked hard, recording seven tackles and regularly pushing back to support the backline. He also gathered five clearances and six first possessions, showcasing his ability to impact the game in all areas.”
South U18 Coach and Talent Manager Mark Clayton

TOM KAIN

Local Club: PHOS Camden FC

Disposals – 10
Marks – 2
Rebound 50s – 4

”Tom played as a key defender for the entire game and was excellent both aerially and at ground level, winning the majority of his contests which then produced four rebound 50 chains. His coaching on ground also was a highlight of his selfless mindset.”
West Talent Manager and U18 Coach Russell Godson

JAMIE RUSSELL-SWANSSON

Local Club: SMOSH West Lakes FC

Disposals – 19
Marks – 6
Score Involvements – 8
Tackles – 5
Scores – 2.0

”Playing as a small forward, Jamie had impact on the game. His speed & pressure on the opposition was a feature to his game.”
Eagles Talent Manager Darren Hams