Eleven SANFL players selected in 2024 AFL Draft

By ZAC MILBANK

Eleven SANFL players have had their football dreams realised after being selected in the 2024 AFL Draft.

After smooth-moving South Adelaide midfielder Sid Draper became the first SANFL player selected by Adelaide at pick No.4 on Wednesday night, he was also joined by Norwood’s Ned Bowman (No.26 to Sydney) in the first round.

Another nine Croweaters had their names called on Thursday night, ensuring SANFL would surpass its total of seven players named last year and equalling the 11 taken in 2022.

Draper, a 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.

Central District tall Charlie Nicholls, from the mid-north town of Tarlee, was the first SANFL player taken on Thursday night, landing at Fremantle with pick No.34.

Glenelg defender Angus Clarke, who travelled from Mount Gambier to Adelaide throughout the season, had his work ethic rewarded with an opportunity at Essendon at pick No.39.

Fellow Tigers Ben and Lucas Camporeale found their new home at Carlton under the father-son rule after the Blues matched bids on Ben at No.43 and Lucas at No.54.

High-flying Redlegs forward Jay Polkinghorne was the first surprise sprung on the night after being chosen at No.44 by Geelong, who also snared Double Blues ruckman Jacob Molier at No.52.

Molier’s selection ahead of fellow Sturt ruck Alex Dodson wasn’t expected but the basketball convert was snapped up one selection later by St Kilda.

Measuring in at 203cm, Dodson boasted averages of 21 disposals, four marks and five clearances in the SANFL U18 competition as he displayed his flexibility to hunt the ball at ground level and move around the ground with ease.

Woodville-West Torrens forward Charlie West filled a need for Collingwood at pick No.50 while fellow Eagles spearhead Tyler Welsh secured a spot on Adelaide’s AFL list under the father-son rule at No.59.

More SANFL players could get their opportunity in the AFL Rookie Draft held from 2.30pm SA time on Friday.