2023 Torrens University State U18 Talent Hub

By ZAC MILBANK

A 45-player squad has been named for SANFL’s 2023 Torrens University U18 Talent Hub, with two camps planned either side of the Christmas break.

As many as 13 ”under-agers” have been included despite not being eligible for next year’s draft as SANFL’s Talent Department looks to provide the 17-year-old’s with a taste for what is expected in 2024.

Woodville-West Torrens has a league-leading 10 players in the squad while Sturt (eight players) and Glenelg (seven players) were other strong contributors of the State’s most talented teens, who will attend Camp 1 from December 5-9 and Camp 2 from January 16 to 20.

The Hub is littered with exciting forwards, including Eagle Patrick Weckert, Glenelg’s Ashton Moir, Panther Jack Delean and Sturt spearhead Chad Reschke.

At the other end, Central District’s intercept defender Will McCabe, SA’s MVP at the U16 National Championships, and Sturt’s rebounding backman Alex Holt, will be ones to watch.

Through the midfield, Sturt’s Luca Slade and Glenelg’s Ben Ridgway – who both played for the Torrens University SA U18 team this year – will be setting the pace while West Adelaide’s Will Patton is an intriguing prospect given his versatility.

Those in attendance will complete football training sessions, a 2km time trial, education on strength and conditioning, psychology and nutrition.

Off the field, players will be tested with a cooking and public speaking challenge as they stretch themselves beyond their comfort zones.