By ZAC MILBANK
South Australia will field at least three fresh faces for its final 2024 Marsh AFL U18 National Championships match against Victoria Metro at Alberton Oval on Sunday.
Now with a 1-2 win-loss record after defeating the Allies and succumbing to Victoria Country and Western Australia, the Croweaters will aim to return to the winners list with a victory against their arch-rival from 10.05am.
After Woodville-West Torrens pair Charlie West and Harry Dodd were included for the first time in Game 3, Ned Atkinson (Sturt), Rome Burgoyne (Eagles) and Dakota Sterzl (South) will have opportunities to shine for SA.
Atkinson, the son of Magarey Medallist Brodie Atkinson, has impressed in a strong-marking forward line role this year, ensuring he will start in a forward pocket.
Burgoyne, the son of Port Adelaide premiership wingman Peter Burgoyne, will look to provide his dash off half-back while Panthers’ U18 premiership utility Dakota Sterzl starts on a wing.
Central District duo Ryan Lane-Ellis and Matt LeRay are two new selections on SA’s extended interchange bench, which will be trimmed to five players after the team’s training session on Friday night.
SA’s last contest of the tournament will be streamed live at AFL.com.au and the AFL Live App.
Sunday June 30
2024 AFL U18 National Championships
South Australia v Victoria Metro 10.05am (SA time) at Alberton Oval
Live broadcast at afl.com.au and the AFL app
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
F: Charlie West, Tyler Welsh, Ned Atkinson
HF: Ned Bowman, Jacob Newton, Kade Herbert
C: Lucas Camporeale, Dyson Sharp, Dakota Sterzl
HB: Rome Burgoyne, Tate Delmenico, Louie Montgomery
B: Jett Hasting, Jacob Sheean, Angus Clarke
R: Alex Dodson, Sid Draper, Ben Camporeale
INT: Charlie Nicholls, Thomas McKay, Benny Barrett, Phoenix Hargrave, Evan Bradley, Ryan Lane-Ellis, Harry Dodd, Harry Ramm, Matt LeRay