Cameron Nairn during the National Development Championships U18 Boys match between South Australia and Western Australia at Alberton Oval, June 15, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

CAMERON Nairn started this year as a draft hopeful with some tricks. He ended Sunday's Marsh Under-18 Championships as a genuine top 20 pick chance after a huge outing.

The crafty medium forward booted seven goals in a clear best-on-ground display as South Australia smashed Western Australia by 76 points at Alberton Oval.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA v WESTERN AUSTRALIA Full match coverage and stats

Nairn was everywhere from the start, booting three goals in the first quarter, one in the second, two in the third and one in the last to complete one of the biggest goal hauls in recent under-18 championships history. His reel of moments was the big takeaway from SA's 17.14 (116) to 6.4 (40) win over WA.

The 189cm Central District talent has averaged two goals a game at SANFL under-18 level this season but boosted his draft stocks with the brilliant display that included set shots, clever snaps and marking prowess.

00:27

Nairn turns on a dime to snag his fifth

Cameron Nairn can do wrong as he kicks his fifth major early in the third term

His performance came as South Australia dominated for its third straight win of the carnival as it eyes its first under-18 title since 2018, when it boasted three top-five picks – Jack Lukosius, Izak Rankine and Connor Rozee.

Against WA, midfield dynamo Dyson Sharp had another excellent game as he heads into Larke Medal favouritism, collecting 33 disposals, seven tackles and six clearances in an impressive display, while Aidan Schubert (21 disposals, one goal) also continued his ascent up draft boards into top-15 contention.

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 06:03

    U18 Boys National Champs highlights: SA v WA

    South Australia and Western Australia clash in the 2025 Marsh AFL Under-18 Boys Championships

    U18B
  • 01:27

    Top draft prospect boots seven in dominant display

    Cameron Nairn delivered seven majors for SA to leave his mark in the U18 championships

    U18B
  • 00:24

    Spectacular Alver finish adds to SA avalanche

    Tim Alver kicks a brilliant goal on the run as South Australia builds on a massive margin

    U18B
  • 00:27

    Nairn turns on a dime to snag his fifth

    Cameron Nairn can do wrong as he kicks his fifth major early in the third term

    U18B
  • 00:27

    Hallett pearler sees WA hit back

    Luke Hallett shows plenty of skill around goal to snap home a terrific major

    U18B
  • 00:21

    Nairn nails one as SA continues hot start

    Cameron Nairn gets on the end of some brilliant ball movement to grab an early major

    U18B
  • 2:21:12

    National Boys U18 Championships Match Replay: SA v WA

    SA and WA clash in round three of the National U18 Boys Championship

    U18B

Jack Cook (19 disposals), Harley Barker (19), Louis Kellaway (21) and Mitch Marsh (2.3) were other South Australians to take the eye in front of recruiters ahead of their final game of the carnival in two weeks against Vic Country on June 29.

Western Australia will also play that day at Marvel Stadium against the Allies and will be hoping for a better performance after Sunday's smashing.

Sam Swadling (20 disposals), Matthew Becker (19) and Fred Rodriguez (20) battled hard, while Luke Hallett kicked two goals. Benji van Rooyen, the younger brother of Melbourne's Jacob, played in the ruck and had 14 disposals and six clearances in a strong effort.

06:03

U18 Boys National Champs highlights: SA v WA

South Australia and Western Australia clash in the 2025 Marsh AFL Under-18 Boys Championships

SOUTH AUSTRALIA           4.5     7.8   12.12    17.14 (116)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA      1.1     3.1    4.2        6.4 (40)

GOALS
South Australia: Nairn 7, Marsh 2, Marsh 2, Ainsworth, Alver, Cumming, Nye, Peucker, Schubert
Western Australia: Hallett 2, Kelly, Walker, Watson, Williams