Sid Draper selected by Adelaide in 2024 AFL Draft

By ZAC MILBANK

Smooth-moving South Adelaide midfielder Sid Draper became the first SANFL player selected in the 2024 AFL Draft, snapped up by Adelaide at pick No.4 on Wednesday night.

The 182cm playmaker was presented his new Crows guernsey by former Adelaide captain Nathan van Berlo as part of the opening Round One presentation at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

”I’m just so grateful it was such a special moment to be picked by the team I grew up supporting,” Draper said on AFL.com.au, after being joined by his parents and brothers Manny and Arlo.

”I visited the club arlier but there was eight other people there so I didn’t get a chance to talk to him (Crows coach Matthew Nicks) one-on-one so it was good to do that eventually even if they didn’t pick me.

”That is the goal (to play in Round 1), that’s what I really want.”

Draper, SA’s U18 captain and dual All-Australian, declared on the South Aussie Select podcast that he is ready to make an impact at AFL level in Round 1.

And his performances for the Panthers at Hostplus SANFL League level in 2024 suggest this will be a strong possibility.

Despite his limited pre-season preparation due to a shin fracture, the Willunga Demons product averaged 22 disposals, six tackles and five clearances in his six League appearances with the Panthers.

Sydney then pounced on the second Croweater selected in the AFL Draft, selecting Norwood’s high-flying forward Ned Bowman at pick No.26.

Originally from the mid-north town of Orroroo, Bowman has surged in his development this season while displaying flashes of exciting play with Norwood in the SANFL U18s.

The son of Redlegs’ 1997 premiership defender Lachie Bowman, the athletic 18-year-old went viral on social media when he pulled in a stunning overheard mark against Woodville-West Torrens in Round 3.

The remaining rounds of the AFL Draft will take place from 6.30pm SA time on Thursday night with the AFL Rookie Draft held from 2.30pm SA time on Friday.