By ZAC MILBANK
The Torrens University SA U18 Team will tackle the Allies on Sunday without four players sidelined due to Covid Health and Safety Protocols.
Preparing to face the combined outfit of NSW, ACT, Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory at Thebarton Oval, the Croweaters’ depth will be tested in the absence of the talented quartet.
Prime midfielders and leadership group members Kobe Ryan and Nick Sadler will miss, along with West Adelaide talls Harry Barnett and Will Patton.
Barnett’s absence in the ruck will open up an opportunity for Norwood’s Phoenix Foster in the centre square while Nathan Barkla will join Torrens University SA U18 captain Adam D’Aloia in the starting midfield rotation.
Redlegs forward Harvey Pedler will have first crack at full forward after booting three goals in the Croweaters’ comprehensive 50-point win against the SA U20 team last Friday night.
Glenelg midfielder Archie Lovelock has earned a starting berth on the wing after performing strongly against the SA U20s while livewire South Adelaide goalsneak Jack Delean will be looking to reproduce his eye-catching play against the Allies.
Sunday’s contest, starting at 1.30pm, will be the first of four matches for the Croweaters, who will also line-up against Victoria Country (Thebarton – June 26), Victoria Metro (Geelong – July 17) and Western Australia (Perth – July 24).
The match will be live-streamed on AFL.com.au
2022 NAB AFL U18s BOYS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS – GAME ONE
Sunday June 19
SA v The Allies | Thebarton Oval | 1:30pm | Live stream on AFL.com.au
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
F: Isaac Keeler, Harvey Pedler, Kelsey Rypstra
HF: Jack Delean, Harry Lemmey, Mattaes Phillipou
C: Blake Hansen, Adam D’Aloia, Archie Lovelock
HB: Jakob Ryan, Kyle Marshall, Tyson Walls
B: Max Michalanney, Shaun Bennier, Alex Holt
R: Phoenix Foster, Billy Dowling, Nathan Barkla
INT: Brodie Tuck, Charlie Duncan, Adam Deakin, Jaiden Magor, Jake Walker, Max Blacker, Jayden Matz, Oscar Kregar, Ben Ridgway, Will Verrall, Trent Tattoli
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