Five Torrens University SA U16s in 2022 All-Australian Team

By ZAC MILBANK

The championship-winning Torrens University SA U16 team has had an equal-high five players selected in the 2022 NAB AFL All-Australian side.

With victorious Torrens University SA U16 mentor Julian Farkas selected as All-Australian coach, the Croweaters had MVP Will McCabe, Dyson Sharp, Lucas Camporeale, Tyler Welsh and Tom Luck also recognised for their consistent performances throughout the tournament.

The Croweaters’ five selections were matched by Victoria Metro, while Victoria Country and Western Australia had four each.

Central District pair McCabe and Sharp were named across the half-back line, with McCabe starting at Centre Half-Back after regularly leading his opponent to the ball in defence.

The son of Central premiership player and former Hawthorn defender Luke McCabe, Will McCabe measures in at 196cm and is eligible to be selected by the Hawks as a father-son prospect in 2023 while Sharp provided plenty of rebound in averaging 23.7 disposals.

Camporeale, the son of former Eagles and Carlton wingman Scott Camporeale, was impressive with his use of the ball while registering an average of 17 disposals.

Eagles forward Tyler Welsh was the third father-son prospect chosen in the All-Australian team after presenting as a strong marking option inside 50m while averaging nearly 14 disposals and eight marks across three games.

Welsh, the son of former North Melbourne and Adelaide forward Scott Welsh, was joined by fellow Eagle Tom Luck in the final 22.

Recruited from Central Yorke Cougars on the Yorke Peninsula, Luck was selected as the second ruckman coming off the interchange after averaging 10 disposals and 13 hit outs.

The memorable carnival triumph was the sixth U16 AFL National Championship won by South Australia, following on from victories in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2016 and 2018.

Torrens University SA U16 MVP – Will McCabe with AFL Talent Manager Tarkyn Lockyer. McCabe was selected at Centre-Half Back of the All-Australian team. Picture – Peter Argent

2022 South Australian U16 All-Australians

Name Club Position
Will McCabe Central Centre Half-Back
Dyson Sharp Central Half-Back Flank
Lucas Camporeale Glenelg Wing
Tyler Welsh Eagles Full Forward
Tom Luck Eagles Interchange
Julian Farkas SANFL Coach