Phase 2 Torrens University SA U19 Squad Released

By ZAC MILBANK

The Torrens University SA U19 team is preparing to face Western Australia in Game 1 of its 2021 AFL National Championship campaign on Saturday August 7.

The match in Perth was originally scheduled to be the Croweaters’ second game but now, pending Covid restrictions, it will be the opener after the original Game 1 against the Allies at Hisense Stadium this Sunday was postponed due to the current lockdown in South Australia.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Torrens University SA U19 coach Tony Bamford said it had been a difficult task to trim the squad back to 33 players, after using an internal trial match last week as part of the selection process.

The Phase 2 squad will cover the opening two matches of the campaign against WA and the Allies before Phase 3 kicks off with games against the two Victorian sides in Melbourne after the SANFL season concludes in late September.

This will give players such as Norwood pair Henry Nelligan and Ned Carey the opportunity overcome current injuries to have a chance to play later in the year. Those who narrowly missed out can also push their case for selection with their SANFL clubs in the latter part of the current season.

Bamford highlighted a handful of players who impressed in the selection trial match, including Eagle Brayden Calvett, North’s Harvey Harrison and Central’s Luca Whitelum.

Glenelg’s Dayne McGary is another to watch, having overcome a back injury after not being able to play much football living in Melbourne last year.

South Adelaide pair Matthew Roberts and Arlo Draper are still recovering from ankle injuries but are on track to be available for Game 1 while Bamford also gave great insight into fellow Panther Jason Horne, who is continuing to impress at League level while also juggling his job working for the Fleurieu Milk Company.