SANFL boys set to shine on big stage

By ZAC MILBANK

Eight SANFL prospects will get their chance to play at the MCG on AFL Grand Final day after being selected in the 2022 NAB AFL Futures match.

To be played as a curtain-raiser for the AFL Grand Final between Geelong and Sydney, the NAB AFL Futures match features the best talent, eligible for the 2023 AFL Draft, from around Australia.

Five Croweaters – Sturt pair Luca Slade and Alex Holt, Glenelg’s Harry Francis, North’s Kane McAuliffe and South’s Jack Delean – will line-up in Team Houli, named after Richmond premiership defender Bachar Houli.

Glenelg captain Ben Ridgway, West utility Will Patton and Central defender Will McCabe, this year’s Torrens University SA U16 MVP, will represent Team Murphy, named after former Carlton captain Marc Murphy.

The match, which will be live-streamed on the AFL website, will kick off at 9.05am SA time.

All players trained in Melbourne on Friday in preparation for the contest whilst being mentored by both Houli and Murphy.

Team Houli will be coached by Sydney Swans Academy coach Nick Davis while Team Murphy will be guided by Eastern Ranges coach Travis Cloke.