Three under-the-radar SA prospects and the “different ruck” set to be drafted

South Australian under-18 coach Tony Bamford has identified a trio of prospects who have somewhat flown under the radar in the lead-up to the 2024 AFL Draft.

So much has been written and spoken about when it comes to the pointy end of the draft, which kicks off tonight, but less is known about what might happen just outside the prized first round.

Bamford has an intimate knowledge of the talented South Aussies pushing their case for AFL selection and has provided some information about those who will likely have their names called out on Thursday night.

He has named high-flying forward Ned Bowman (Norwood), defender Angus Clarke (Glenelg) and key forward Charlie Nicholls (Central District) as the three who could potentially rocket up draft boards.

“I love these stories because they fly under the radar which, in my experience, is a pretty good way of going about it,” Bamford said on SEN SA Breakfast.

“The players we’ve got this year that fit into that category are Ned Bowman from Norwood and Angus Clarke from Glenelg, who lives on a dairy farm down in Mount Gambier.

“I guess you could also say Charlie Nicholls, a big key forward from Centrals. Those three lads have had really good, consistent years and elevated their football from where they were as 17-year-olds.

“I’m hoping that those three guys get a chance. They’re all different players.”

Bamford went through each of the trio with info on their attributes and the AFL stars they play in a similar vein to.

On Bowman: “Ned Bowman plays a little bit like Will Hayward and Ollie Henry. He can take a hanger, a really nice mover across the ground, has clean hands and hits the scoreboard.”

On Clarke: “Angus Clarke is a medium-sized defender who can play on an opponent, and can also play off an opponent. He has a really high game IQ, a bit like Mason Redman which is ironic because they’re both from the same area in Australia.”

On Nicholls: “Charlie Nicholls was the best key forward in our program this year. He’s a mobile forward who likes to use his elite running ability to break his opponents. He gets right up to the logos to mark the ball as his team is bringing the ball out of defence.

“He plays a bit like the Charlie Curnow, Jeremy Cameron type running forward who can link up the defence.

“They are the three guys who have jumped up the draft boards, I would say.”

Another SA talent that should find his way onto an AFL list is Sturt ruckman Alex Dodson.

Dodson, who has a basketball background, has burst on the scene in the last six or so months and will likely find a home at the elite level, perhaps in the second round.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s picked in the late first round, if not, definitely second round,” said Bamford.

“He’s a really different ruck to what’s available in this draft because he plays like a midfielder. Whereas most young ruckmen struggle to find the ball in general play, Alex doesn’t.

“He has 20 possessions consistently as a ruckman and gets around the ground like an extra midfielder. That’s his point of difference which will be really attractive to clubs.

“I think he’ll go pretty early, probably in the second round.”

Bamford believes nine to 10 South Australian players, or 14 to 15 per cent of the pool, will be drafted this year including Sid Draper who is expected to be taken in the top 5, perhaps by the Adelaide Crows.

The draft kicks off tonight (Wednesday) from 7pm AEDT and continues on Thursday. You can hear all the action LIVE on SEN.