South Australia’s U18s National Championships Squad
South Australia is set to compete in the upcoming U18s National Championships, with a strong squad that includes several promising talents. The Croweaters aim to defend their title, and the state’s team is expected to showcase some of the most exciting prospects for the 2026 AFL Draft.
The opening match against Western Australia is just under a month away, and the SA squad is preparing to make a significant impact during the peak period of the draft campaign. Among the standout names are AFL Academy prospects Ethan Herbert, Gabe Patterson, Kodah Edwards, Kale Matthews-Hampton, and Jack Gordon. However, the team will be without potential top pick Dougie Cochrane due to an injury.
Key Prospects to Watch
One of the most exciting players for SA is West Adelaide forward-midfielder Anthony Long, who is linked to the Crows through their Next Generation Academy. Long has been a consistent performer for the Bloods in the SANFL Talent League, averaging 15.2 disposals and 1.5 goals per game. His athleticism and physicality make him a dual-position threat, and he has shown improvement in his midfield game this season after being sidelined by injuries last year.
Mitch Keating, host of Craft of the Draft, highlighted Long along with West Adelaide teammate Charlie Bradford and Glenelg’s Jacob McNicol as key players to watch. Keating noted that Long could be deployed deep forward to exploit his one-on-one skills, making him a challenging opponent.
“Charlie Bradford has a big bag of tricks, so those two in particular could put on quite a show,” Keating said. “Jacob McNicol is going to be one of the more fascinating ones to see how he takes the step from the SANFL Talent League to the national champs, assuming he gets a good run through midfield, half-forward and maybe as that deep forward option as well.”
Rising Stars in the Midfield
Another player making waves is Woodville-West Torrens midfielder Jack Leys, the son of former Richmond player Brian Leys. Leys has developed his outside game this year, positioning himself as a genuine draft prospect. Jonty Ralphsmith, analyst for Craft of the Draft, praised Leys as “one of the best pure wingmen in this year’s draft class.”
“He’s been in stellar form for the Eagles,” Ralphsmith said. “He’s probably one of the best pure wingmen in this year’s draft class, runs patterns really well and is really disciplined. It’s been impressive to see him adjust to that wing role in 2026, because he’s naturally a midfielder.”
Leys has demonstrated strong ball use and the ability to drive his legs out of contests. His work in transition and defensive 50 has been particularly impressive, and he also possesses offensive flair. For Richmond fans, Leys is a player worth tracking throughout the U18s National Championships and beyond.
Conclusion
As South Australia prepares for the U18s National Championships, the squad looks to combine experience with emerging talent. Players like Anthony Long, Charlie Bradford, Jacob McNicol, and Jack Leys are expected to play crucial roles in the team’s efforts to defend their title. With a mix of skill, athleticism, and strategic depth, the Croweaters are well-positioned to make a strong showing in the tournament.
