By ZAC MILBANK | Twitter @zacmilbank
The SANFL’s reputation for developing mature-age and young talent continues to strengthen following the release of players invited to this year’s AFL Combine.
South Adelaide key forward Brett Eddy and Central District utility Josh Glenn are among the 15 Croweaters to be tested at Etihad Stadium from September 30 to October 3.
Eddy, 24, is leading the race for the Ken Farmer Medal while Glenn has been one of the Bulldogs’ most valuable players this season while playing in a variety of roles.
‘’Brett has picked himself with the way he has gone about it,’’ South coach Brad Gotch said.
‘’He is one of the best forwards in the country you would have thought. All of my discussions with different AFL people have been really positive and glowing about the way he has gone about it.
‘’With his speed off the mark, his marking ability and goal-scoring ability, he could be a chance (to get drafted). It’s great for him to have the chance to test himself and get in his mind the things he needs to do to get to that next level.’’
Aside from Eddy and Glenn, the SANFL will be represented by nine of its victorious McDonald’s SA Under-18 team at the AFL Combine.
North Adelaide’s Oleg Markov – the son of Australian Pole Vault champion Dimitri – and Norwood’s Peter Bampton were members of the McDonald’s SA Under-18 squad but unavailable for the National Championships due to injury.
To attend the AFL Combine, players must receive an expression of interest from at least four AFL clubs.
Across four days, players are tested in a number of physical and mental disciplines as AFL scouts assess their athletic prowess and character.
Players are also interviewed at length by AFL coaches, who also attend the annual event.
A further 15 SANFL players have been invited to the State Screening session to be held at Wayville Basketball Stadium on October 11.
Norwood has another two mature-age stars attending, with ruckman Sam Baulderstone and former Western Bulldog Matt Panos among those on the list.
Consistent South midfielder Adam Gulden, who has been a revelation this season in his first year of SANFL football, is another mature-age player invited.
‘’He’s been creeping up on a few teams over the course of the year,’’ Gotch said of the 22-year-old.
‘’He’s been a really valuable player for us and has shown some brilliant things at times so I am glad he gets the opportunity to be tested.’’
Players invited to the State Screening only require one expression of interest from an AFL club.
AFL COMBINE – Etihad Stadium, September 30-October 3
Josh Glenn (Central) 20, 179cm, 77kg
Cory Gregson (Glenelg) 17, 175cm, 72kg
Alex Neal-Bullen (Glenelg) 18, 182cm, 77kg
Billy Stretch (Glenelg) 17, 181cm, 70kg
Oleg Markov (North) 18, 186cm, 69kg
Harrison Wigg (North) 17, 179cm, 74kg
Peter Bampton (Norwood) 18, 182cm, 83kg
Declan Hamilton (Port) 18, 183cm, 68kg
Keenan Ramsey (Port) 17, 192cm, 86kg
Caleb Daniel (South) 18, 168cm, 68kg
Brett Eddy (South) 24, 194cm, 96kg
Dean Gore (Sturt) 18, 183cm, 86kg
Tom Read (Sturt) 18, 201cm, 92kg
James Rose (Sturt) 18, 186cm, 78kg
Sam Durdin (West) 18, 197cm, 87kg
STATE SCREENING – Wayville Basketball Stadium, Saturday October 11
Sam Baulderstone (Norwood) 23, 199cm, 113kg
Mac Bower (Norwood) 18, 190cm, 77kg
Henry Carey (Sturt) 17, 183cm, 78kg
Brad Coulson (Port) 17, 183cm, 78kg
Ben Edwards (Glenelg) 19, 192cm, 73kg
Adam Gulden (South) 22, 188cm, 85kg
Josh Hone (Sturt) 17, 170cm, 70kg
Jake Johansen (Port) 18, 171cm, 63kg
Conor McLean (Central) 18, 192cm, 82kg
Matt Panos (Norwood) 23, 191cm, 90kg
Zac Richards (Norwood) 18, 184cm, 73kg
Peter Spurling (Glenelg) 18, 199cm, 88kg
Brett Turner (West) 18, 183cm, 79kg
Jesse Watchman (West) 18, 196cm, 90kg
Callum Wilkie (North) 18, 192cm, 84kg
Last Modified on 06/08/2014 17:41