2021 Torrens University SA U17 Squad

By ZAC MILBANK

Height will be a key feature of the initial 2021 Torrens University SA U17 Squad which has been selected in the lead up to this year’s AFL U17 National Championships.

Set to be coached by championship-winning mentor Julian Farkas, the Croweaters will have as many as eight talls measuring in at no less than 195cm in their 49-player squad.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Farkas noted there were also several players topping 190cm with all having a nice blend of athleticism and versatility.

South trio Will Verrall (200cm), Kyle Marshall (198cm) and Koby Cockshell (195cm) are among the giants selected, together with West pair Harry Barnett (202cm) and Tom Scully (201cm).

Exciting North Adelaide forward Isaac Keeler (197cm) will be one to watch, with Farkas likening the indigenous talent to former Power and current St Kilda ruckman Paddy Ryder.

Familiar surnames in the squad include Sturt’s Luca Slade, son of Central premiership midfielder Matthew, and Eagles pair Matteus Phillipou and Hunter Carter, sons of former Eagles and Magpie Sam Phillipou and Port premiership defender Stephen Carter respectively.

After training begins on June 1, the squad will play an internal trial match at Thebarton Oval on Friday June 11. After this, selectors will trim the squad down to 30 – three of which must be 16-year-olds – for the AFL National Championships.

South Australia will play its first game against Western Australia on Sunday June 20 at Hisense Arena before heading to Queensland to tackle Victoria Metro on Tuesday July 6 and Victoria Country on Friday July 9.