The son of a Lions gun who should be given an AFL opportunity

Sturt coach Marty Mattner believes Casey Voss would flourish in an AFL environment if given the opportunity.

The 21-year-old son of Carlton coach and Brisbane champion Michael starred for the Double Blues in the SANFL in 2021, winning the club’s best and fairest.

He excelled across half-back, putting his name in front of recruiters once again after being overlooked by the Lions as a father-son prospect in 2018.

Voss again missed out across the National, Pre-Season and Rookie Drafts this year, but his coach feels he would fit in at the elite level if afforded the chance, as would teammate Tom Lewis.

“It does surprise me (that he hasn’t been picked up), but you also understand the business and it’s a cut-throat industry,” he told SEN SA Breakfast.

“I think if he did get the opportunity he’d make the most of it.

“He’s got some really elite traits in terms of decision making, footy smarts, execution.

“If he got the opportunity I think be’d be great, but there’s a lot of players like him. Tom Lewis is another one.

“They’ve got some really good traits but they just need that opportunity and a little bit of luck to get on a list.

“If they can repeat their performances this year, they’ll keep knocking on the door.”

Another Sturt talent who Mattner feels could take the next step is Nick Sadler.

The youngster is being tipped to step up to senior SANFL level in 2022 in a bid to put his name in front of AFL clubs.

“The one is Nick Sadler,” the former Sydney Swan and Adelaide Crow added.

“Nick’s an under-18s player next year but he’s training with the senior squad.

“He’s an inside-outside midfielder, really good kick and has some elite traits.

“He’ll be one to watch. Hopefully he can play some league footy and get drafted.”

Image taken by Adam Grant, supplied by Sturt FC.