STURT dynamo Shane McAdam appears set to fulfill his AFL dream as a mature-age selection at this year's NAB AFL Draft.
The 23-year-old's tackling pressure, ability to take sensational marks and eye for goal earned the 185cm medium forward an invite to the AFL Draft Combine in October.
He's just one of two mature-age players to be given that honour, along with VFL forward Josh Corbett.
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McAdam hails from the small WA town of Halls Creek, home to fewer than 2000 people, and is the nephew of St Kilda and Brisbane player Gilbert McAdam, and former North Melbourne forward Adrian McAdam.
A lot has been made of the young South Australian talent, such as projected No.1 overall pick Jack Lukosius, Izak Rankine and Connor Rozee, and rightly so, but there are also several hidden gems in the SANFL.
Central District ruckman Darcy Fort is generating plenty of interest given the lack of quality big men who are available, while West Adelaide's Chris Burgess and North Adelaide's Callum Wilkie are also interesting propositions.
Port Adelaide's Jarrod Lienert and Gold Coast's Nick Holman are among those mature-age players to make the most of their senior opportunities in recent years.
Chris Burgess (West Adelaide)
Recruited to the club as a key defender, but has also impressed when moved up forward. The 22-year-old has sticky hands, he's deceptively quick and at 193cm, he's difficult to out-mark overhead. Plays a little bit like Crows forward Mitch McGovern, with his ability to play at either end of the ground, strong marking ability and turn of foot. Highlighted his immense potential with a five-goal haul against Adelaide's SANFL side on May 26.
Liam Fitt (South Adelaide)
It's been a breakout season for the powerfully-built half-forward. The 19-year-old had a brilliant league debut game against West Adelaide in round four, finishing with three goals, two goal assists and six inside 50s from 13 touches. At 182cm and 86kg, he's a good size for a half-forward and is also strong enough to run through packs. Has kicked 18 goals in 11 senior games for South Adelaide this year.
Darcy Fort (Central District)
The lack of quality ruckman in this year's draft opens the door for 25-year-old Fort to get his long-awaited chance on an AFL list. Fort has spent the past three seasons with Central having spent time with Footscray and Werribee in the VFL, and is a product of South Barwon in the GFL. The 205cm Fort is very mobile, gets around the ground well and is a good mark overhead. Had a massive 52 hit-outs, 18 disposals and kicked two goals in the round 11 game against North Adelaide. Represented the SANFL in this year's representative fixture against the WAFL and has been invited to the SA State Combine.
Mitch Grigg (Norwood)
The 25-year-old midfielder has worked tirelessly to get back into the AFL after being delisted by the Crows at the end of 2016 after 20 games in five seasons. Grigg won the Magarey Medal as the SANFL's best and fairest last year, and is on track for another strong showing this year. Grigg is tough at the contest, makes smart decisions and works his way through congestion. Represented the SANFL in this year's game against the WAFL and can definitely add something to a lot of clubs.
Mitch Grigg played 20 games for the Crows between 2013 and 2015. Picture: AFL Photos
Jack Hayes (Woodville-West Torrens)
A late bloomer who has only cracked into the Eagles' senior team in the past two seasons. The 22-year-old half-forward is an exciting talent. At 193cm, he's a great mark, has a penetrating kick and covers the ground well. Currently fourth in the Ken Farmer Medal with 30 goals for the season. Played for the SANFL state team against WA, and is the younger brother of former Brisbane rookie Nick Hayes.
Nathan Krueger (South Adelaide)
An explosive athlete, Krueger was overlooked in last year's national and rookie draft, but has put that disappointment aside to have an impressive season for South Adelaide. The exciting 19-year-old forward, who stands 196cm, has kicked 15 goals from nine league games. Was electric in a game against Central District, booting 3.1 from 10 disposals (nine contested possessions) and four inside 50s, but it's the three contested marks that would have got scouts interested. He's been invited to the SA Draft Combine and is one to watch.
Shane McAdam (Sturt)
The 23-year-old medium-sized forward has rocketed into calculations behind an impressive debut season for the Double Blues. McAdam – the nephew of former St Kilda and Brisbane speedster Gilbert McAdam – is quick, provides tackling pressure, is good overhead and knows where the goals are. He's kicked 23 goals for the season. McAdam joined the Double Blues for pre-season after playing with division three Adelaide Football League club Scotch Old Collegians last year. At the 2015 WA state combine, McAdam equalled Nic Naitanui's running vertical jump record (102cm), was first in the 20m sprint (2.89 seconds) and second in the agility test (8.04 seconds). One of just two mature-age players invited to the national combine.
Callum Wilkie (North Adelaide)
There's some AFL interest in the 22-year-old utility, who has had a strong season for the Roosters playing across half-back, on a wing and a little bit through the midfield. Wilkie is a good size at 191cm and covers plenty of ground. He had 30 disposals and 14 marks in North's round 12 win against West Adelaide, and his impressive SANFL form has led to an invite to the SA Draft Combine. Wilkie was a part of the under-18 South Australian team in 2014 that included Ryan Burton, Aaron Francis, Alex Neal-Bullen and Caleb Daniel.
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