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In-stadium commentary at Mt SmartDraft watch: The list of SANFL stars in mid-season draft calculations
Connor Scanlon • May 23rd, 2025 1:19 pm
The mid-season rookie draft has been a solid source of recruitment for AFL clubs.
Hawthorn's reigning best and fairest Jai Newcombe was picked up in the 2021 mid-season draft while the likes of Essendon's Sam Durham and Hawthorn's Massimo D'Ambrosio (formerly of the Bombers) have all made a significant impact at the top level.
Gold Coast defender John Noble was initially drafted by Collingwood out of SANFL club West Adelaide meaning it's not only in the VFL where clubs are searching.
The 2025 mid-season draft takes place next week so we felt it the perfect time to go over some of the players in the SANFL who could be on the radar of AFL clubs.
See the lists of SANFL players who are in calculations:
Blake Drury (Adelaide)
Blake Drury is a player with AFL experience under his belt, having played 10 games for North Melbourne in 2023 and 2024.
After being delisted last season, Drury has since been training full-time with Adelaide’s AFL squad while dominating in the SANFL.
He’s averaging 20.6 disposals and five tackles, earning him SANFL state league squad selection.
Drury is a natural leader with elite foot skills on both sides and great versatility.
With having elite AFL experience, and some seriously impressive form this season, Drury has been gathering attention from AFL clubs.
The 21-year-old has potentially become one of the most sought-after mid-season prospects.
Jack Watkins (Port Adelaide)
Former North Melbourne VFL captain Jack Watkins has taken his game to the next level in the SANFL.
Invited to train with Port Adelaide’s AFL squad this pre-season, Watkins unfortunately wasn’t picked up via the SSP.
But the 24-year-old hasn’t put a foot wrong since.
Averaging 29.6 disposals, three tackles and three inside 50s for Port’s reserves side, Watkins earned state selection in his debut SANFL season.
Watkins is a tough, fit inside midfielder, and looks like a great selection for any club lacking midfield depth.
Alex Van Wyk (North Adelaide)
The 203cm ruckman is building a compelling case for an AFL career.
After winning back-to-back best and fairest awards for Norwood’s reserves, Van Wyk moved to North Adelaide and hasn’t missed a beat.
The 20-year-old's early-season form for the Roosters has been very good, but he has since been cut down by an ankle injury which will keep him sidelined for a further five weeks.
Despite the issue, multiple AFL clubs continue to show interest in Van Wyk.
Ewan Mackinlay (North Adelaide)
Ewan Mackinlay is turning heads with his explosive mix of speed and power, drawing comparisons to Bailey Humphrey.
AFL clubs are rumoured to be closely watching the high-impact player, who is averaging 16 disposals, four inside 50s, three tackles, and two scoring shots per game.
Mackinlay's ball use inside 50 is his major weapon, and his selection in the SANFL state squad should have him on the radar.
The 21-year-old could be an ideal mid-season acquisition given his scope.
Mani Liddy (Central District)
After being overlooked in the 2021 AFL draft, Mani Liddy has since become one of the SANFL’s elite midfielders.
This season he’s averaging 24 disposals, almost six inside 50s and close to five clearances per game, showcasing his consistency and leadership.
A former SA U19 captain and teammate of Jason Horne-Francis, Liddy recently earned his first SANFL state team selection and he did not disappoint.
On his debut for the South Australian state squad he was named best on ground, earning the Fos Williams Medal.
Clubs in need of a strong, contested-ball midfielder will no doubt be keeping Liddy in mind this draft window.
Another standout in the SANFL this season is former AFL forward James Rowe.
Ex-Crow Rowe has dominated the SANFL with Woodville-West Torrens since his delisting.
In 2023, he won the Fos Williams Medal and was named among the best in last year’s SANFL vs WAFL clash.
This year he’s averaging 25.4 disposals per game in the SANFL, showcasing that he could be AFL-ready once again.
Sturt defender Casey Voss, the son of Carlton coach Michael, continues to impress in the SANFL, averaging 20 disposals, seven marks and over five rebound 50s.
Voss is also a former Fos Williams medallist who was once again selected in the SANFL state squad.
He has been in the mix over the last few years but has never had his name called out.
