2026 SANFL U18 State Academy announced

By ZAC MILBANK

A 32-player squad has been announced for the 2026 SANFL U18 State Academy to begin in November. 

Set to span 15 weeks either side of the Christmas break, the SANFL U18 State Academy will include a three-day team-bonding camp in regional South Australia.

Together with traditional football training and gym sessions, players will also be afforded the opportunity to take part in Yoga and Sports Psychology amongst other educational units.

SA U18 Boys Coach and Academy Manager Tony Bamford will again oversee the program with SANFL staff including Head of Talent Brenton Phillips, Heath Younie and Tom Debenedictis.

Talented utility Dougie Cochrane and his Bulldogs teammate Jack Gordon, together with South midfielders Kodah Edwards and Archie Van Dyk, are expected to be ones to watch throughout 2026.

North ruckman Ethan Herbert (199cm) and Glenelg giant Jobe Janeway (207cm) among the talls in the squad to keep an eye on.

Seven bottom-age players, who are eligible for the 2027 AFL Draft, have been selected including promising Panthers livewire Zemes Pilot and Sturt U18 premiership pair Harvey Chapman and Taj Garrett.