Juniors

South Aussie Select – Episode 1 2023

By ZAC MILBANK

Less than a month remains before the 2022 AFL Draft as SANFL’s weekly talent podcast, South Aussie Select, kicks off with its first episode.

Glenelg’s Jakob Ryan and Central District’s Rhett Montgomerie were two of the best performers at the AFL National and State Combines, showing off their speed and agility.

Heading to Melbourne was a memorable experience for Tiger Ryan, who met his playing idol in Hawthorn’s James Sicily.

Ryan, who enjoyed an encouraging season with the Bays and the Torrens University SA U18 team, plays a similar role to Sicily given he also boasts versatility while also being stationed primarily at half-back.

Montgomerie’s career continues to trend upwards after making his first appearance in The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year while finishing third in the competition for total marks.

The Angaston junior reads the play exceptionally well to snare intercept marks while also having enough pace to use as closing speed while spoiling opponents.

A character off the field, Montgomerie – who is studying to become a primary school teacher – revealed he is a fan of Australian tennis star Nick Kyrigios.

Central’s Rhett Montgomerie tries to break clear from Adelaide’s Brett Turner this season.