SANFL U17 Futures give a glimpse on Grand Final day

By ZAC MILBANK

SANFL’s AFL Draft class of 2025 will have an opportunity to shine in the U17 Futures match to be played at Adelaide Oval on Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final day.

Starting at 9am, the traditional clash between the Yellow and Blue team will be the curtain-raiser for the SANFL Reserves Grand Final starting at 11am.

SANFL U18 MVP Sam Cumming will be a key midfielder on the Blue team, together with Roosters teammate Ben Francou, son of Josh Francou and SA U16 captain Kodah Edwards.

Players to watch on the Yellow team include U16 Grand Final best on ground Archie Van Dyk, joint McCallum Tomkins Medallist Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier and AFL Futures selection Harley Barker.

Five Central District players – Dyson Sharp, Josh Reichelt, Aidan Schubert Matt LeRay and Dougie Cochrane – will be rested, together with Eagle Jevan Phillipou, who was a member of the Eagles’ U18 premiership team last Sunday.

Final line-ups for the Yellow and Blue teams are below with the Blue team to be coached by former Norwood wingman Gavin Hughes while the Yellow side will be guided by Todd Clarke.