QUALITY tall players appear to be few and far between in this year's NAB AFL Draft, so South Australian prospect Callum Coleman-Jones could elevate himself to the top of the pack with a standout Under-18 National Championships.

South Australia begins its campaign against Western Australia at Domain Stadium on Saturday. The Sturt product goes into the match in good form after bagging four goals in the final under-18 trial match against North Adelaide's reserves team late last month.

Coleman-Jones shapes as one of the Croweaters' key players after being named captain of his state, with Andrew McPherson and possible top-five selection Darcy Fogarty appointed as deputy vice-captains.

However, at 201cm and 98kg (and, possibly, still growing), there is a bit of conjecture about whether Coleman-Jones is more of a ruckman or more of a forward.

"I'm probably more natural to the ruck but I can definitely see myself as being able to play up forward for long periods of time as well," Coleman-Jones told AFL.com.au.

South Australian coach Brenton Phillips has a slightly different opinion to that of Coleman-Jones.

"I probably see him more as a forward at this stage with the ability to develop into a ruckman in time," Phillips told AFL.com.au's Road to the Draft podcast.

Nonetheless, having the ability to play in multiple positions – particularly as a player standing more than 200cm – is an important asset to have.

"It's all about my impact on the game and getting to as many contests as I can," Coleman-Jones, a student at Scotch College, said.

"My follow-up work is crucial and being really competitive through the ruck and up forward and keeping myself in the game at all times."

The 17-year-old's contested marking is a key strength and he can cover the ground exceptionally well for a player of his height.

Coleman-Jones had the opportunity to play as a bottom-aged player in last year's carnival, but he believes he is much better placed this season after an uninterrupted pre-season and the development of a more mature frame.

"It'll definitely help," Coleman-Jones said of his experience of representing South Australia in last year's Under-18 Championships.

"I'll know straight away what to expect.  The intensity and the physicality side of things, so there won't be any real issues from that point of view.

"It was a good experience last year. It's very hot, the intensity's high and everyone out there is a good player."