He said the access to the squad, thanks to the cooperation of the SANFL clubs, has never been better.
“It is an elite program to look at the top end of players a little bit sooner. Obviously, the longer the players are together, the more they get to know each other and the longer they are with the coach, the better they understand what he is after when they get to the championships.”
Jonas said the SANFL had looked at the lack of success the state had had at previous AFL Under-18 National Championships and had sought ways to improve.
WHAT THE COACH SAYS: “I wish I had a crystal ball. All I can say is that the lads are gradually coming together as a group and we are gradually seeing signs that we should be able to be competitive.” – Peter Jonas.
Player to watch: NICK SMITH
“Nick has really improved in all facets of his game. He has a great attitude, he takes a strong mark, is aware of what’s happening around him and is very versatile.” - Peter Jonas.
Coach: PETER JONAS
Team Manager: CLAYTON GRAHAM
No NAME CLUB DOB HT WT
1 Nick Smith (C) Norwood 27 Aug 84 195 91
2 Michael Bratton Norwood 15 Mar 84 175 69
3 Jay Nash Central District 21 Dec 85 180 72
4 Matthew Gates Woodville West Torrens 24 Sep 84 179 73
6 Ricky Butler Central District 25 Feb 85 173 72
7 David Kellett Central District 16 Jan 85 178 76
8 Mark George (VC) North Adelaide 12 Jun 84 177 73
9 Byron Schammer West Adelaide 21 Jun 85 175 73
13 Jason Porplyzia West Adelaide 27 Nov 84 183 70
14 Kane Officer (VC) Central District 10 Feb 84 180 75
15 Joel Patful Norwood 7 Dec 84 189 81
16 Daniel Bell Glenelg 13 Apr 85 187 75
17 Daniel Lees Woodville West Torrens 29 Aug 84 187 82
18 Jarrod Gillings Glenelg 15 Nov 84 185 74
20 Adam Cooney West Adelaide 30 Sep 85 187 78
21 Adrian Wilson Central District 27 Nov 84 185 82
22 Luke Jericho West Adelaide 18 Oct 84 190 84
23 Steve Eichner Port Magpies 5 Mar 84 187 78
24 Denis Iljcesen Woodville West Torrens 20 Apr 84 185 82
25 Ben Mitchell West Adelaide 22 Dec 85 191 75
26 Jay Schulz Woodville West Torrens 18 Apr 84 195 84
27 Craig Gogoll Central District 20 Mar 85 185 73
28 Wade Champion West Adelaide 17 Jan 84 192 88
29 James McEntee North Adelaide 14 Jul 84 195 84
30 Matthew Cragg-Sapsford Central District 16 Apr 85 197 90
