SANFL Stars on the Big Stage

By ZAC MILBANK

A quintet of SANFL draftees has wasted no time in making their presence felt at elite level, enhancing the reputation of the Statewide Super League.

Mature-age Woodville-West Torrens premiership draftees James Rowe and Lachie McNeil played roles in earning victories for Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs while South Adelaide pair Tom Highmore and Paul Hunter made contributions in St Kilda’s victory against GWS.

Sturt teenager Tom Powell, the son of 2002 Jack Oatey Medallist Matthew Powell, was quick to adjust to the pace of an AFL game by racking up 19 disposals, three marks and a goal in North Melbourne’s loss to Port Adelaide.

Rowe ensured his debut for the Crows would be as memorable as his last outing – the 2020 Statewide Super Grand Final – at Adelaide Oval when he booted two goals and collected 16 disposals in his team’s upset triumph against Geelong.

Originally selected as a rookie, McNeil has caught the eye of Dogs coach Luke Beveridge, booting a goal to go with his nine disposals and 16 pressure acts in the win against Collingwood.

Intercept defender Highmore proved why he will be an astute selection for those playing in Fantasy Football competitions, collecting 19 possessions and laying four tackles while fellow Panther Hunter had nine disposals and 19 hit outs in his long-awaited AFL debut.