Torrens University SA U19 Team – Game 1

By ZAC MILBANK

A fleet-footed Torrens University SA U19 team is preparing to use its leg speed against Western Australia in its opening NAB AFL Championships match in Perth on Saturday.

With the contest against the Sandgropers to be played at the sizeable Lathlain Park from 2.30pm SA time, the Croweaters will be fielding several stars with pace and ball-carrying ability across each line.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Torrens University SA U19 coach Tony Bamford said wingmen Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Isaac Birt will enjoy room to move while captain Jason Horne-Francis has explosive speed from stoppage.

Father-son prospect Jase Bugroyne can attack from half-back while recent SANFL League debutant Arlo Draper will use his athleticism across half-forward.

Vice-captains Mani Liddy and Lewis Rayson will provide plenty of strength with Horne-Francis on the ball while Bamford provided great insight into Matthew Roberts, who reads the game exceptionally well for a teenager.

Sturt’s Zac Becker will use his flexibility playing as an under-sized defender at full back while at the other end of the ground, Bamford sang the praises of Eagle Jordan Lukac, who has made significant strides in his development as a focal point in attack.

SA will take a squad of 24 across the Nullarbor with a final team of 23 players to be chosen to face WA.

F: Isaiah Dudley, Jordan Lukac, Hugh Stagg

HF: Arlo Draper, Morgan Ferres, Lachlan Grubb

C: Isaac Birt, Matthew Roberts, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera

HB: Max Litster, Oscar Adams, Jase Burgoyne

B: Blayne O’Loughlin, Zac Becker, Cooper Beecken

R: Oscar Steene, Mani Liddy, Jason Horne-Francis

INT: Lukas Cooke, Hugh Jackson, Lewis Rayson, Cade Kennedy, Jacob Owens, Shay Linke, Luca Whitelum, Harvey Harrison