Seven Croweaters called in 2020 AFL Rookie Draft

By ZAC MILBANK

SANFL’s strengthened its presence at elite level after supplying seven players in Thursday’s AFL Rookie Draft.

After having an exceptional haul of 14 players chosen in Wednesday night’s AFL Draft, SANFL’s total number selected ballooned to 21 across both drafts.

Sturt’s class defender Malachy Carruthers didn’t have to wait long to have his name revealed as the No.3 pick to Sydney ahead of surprise selection Jack Saunders, who made his way from Norwood to Hawthorn at No.4.

Then two mature-age mainstays of the Statewide Super League had their excellent form rewarded as Glenelg defender Luke Parks went to Carlton at No.8 and Eagles premiership midfielder Lachie McNeil to the Western Bulldogs at No.11

Port Adelaide secured father-son prospect Taj Schofield at No.37, with the Woodville-West Torrens draftee eager to follow the same path as dad Jarrad, who played in the club’s 2004 premiership.

Adelaide took its tally of Croweaters to six after listing Sturt defender James Borlase and North Adelaide goalsneak Tariek Newchurch as Category B rookies.