Statewide Super League Top 50 – No.38

By ZAC MILBANK

If South Adelaide was searching for a like-for-like Abe Davis replacement, it appears the Panthers have found their man in James Rose.

While Sturt was quick to pounce on Davis last year, the Panthers returned serve by securing the services of Double Blues junior Rose, who had spent the past five seasons on the Sydney Swans list.

Despite managing just 14 AFL games in the highly competitive environment, Rose proved to be a significant influence for the Swans at NEAFL level, where he averaged an impressive 29.9 disposals, five marks and five tackles in 2019.

Developing into a big-bodied midfielder during the latter stages of his tenure in Sydney, Rose also proved to be lethal around the goals.

Across his five NEAFL seasons, the 23-year-old kicked a total of 124 goals from his 72 matches, including an eye-catching haul of 46 from 19 appearances as the Swans Reserves finished runner-up in 2017.

Panthers coach Jarrad Wright has flagged using Rose primarily out of the centre square but he will also be excited about the versatility offered by his recruit, who can clearly also make his presence felt inside attacking 50m.

Selected by SANFL Media Producer Zac Milbank, the 2020 Statewide Super League Top 50 is being unveiled one player at a time on the League’s website and social media channels.

Form across the 2019 season was used as a significant factor in the selection process, with those winning awards such as best-and-fairests, being selected in State squads and leadership groups also looked upon favourably.

Recruits to the Statewide Super League have also been included, with significant AFL experience another element in deciding the order of players.

38 – James Rose (South)
39 – Robbie Young (North)
40 – Andrew Bradley (Glenelg)
41 – Tom Schwarz (North)
42 – Matthew Panos (Norwood)
43 – Brad Agnew (Glenelg)
44 – Cole Gerloff (Norwood)
45 – Matthew Wright (Adelaide)
46 – Dean Gore (Sturt)
47 – Tom Keough (West)
48 – Jesse Lonergan (Eagles)
49 – Alex Spina (North)
50 – Logan Hill (West)