Five SANFL players called in 2022 AFL Rookie Draft

By ZAC MILBANK

Five SANFL players were handed opportunities at elite level after being selected in the 2022 AFL Rookie Draft on Wednesday.

After 11 Croweaters had their name called across Monday and Tuesday evenings in the AFL Draft, a further half-dozen realised their dream less than 24 hours later.

Central District’s mature-age intercept defender Rhett Montgomerie had his stunning season rewarded after being selected at pick No.4 by Essendon.

Montgomerie, selected in the back pocket of The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year, caught the eye in 2022 with his penchant for high-flying marks.

South Adelaide ruckman Will Verrall was next, taken at pick No.14 by Melbourne, after enduring an injury-plagued start to the season which resulted in him playing just one game for the Torrens University SA U18 team.

Panthers teammate Jaiden Magor, also struck by an (ankle) injury in 2022, was the third SANFL player taken in the ”live” section of the draft when Sydney called at No.31.

West Adelaide’s exciting forward Anthony Munkara (Essendon NGA) and Eagles midfielder Nathan Barkla (Port Adelaide NGA) were both listed as Category B rookies.