Less than a week remains until the 2026 AFL Draft and Woodville-West Torrens defender Mitch Harris has little idea when he will have his name called inside the top 10. 
South Australia's ''rapid riser'' of this year's Draft crop has been tipped to be selected as early as pick No.4 to Melbourne whilst also possibly landing at Sydney with pick No.6.
Speaking on the South Aussie Select podcast, the 196cm backman said he was excited to be joining No.1 contender Dougie Cochrane as the two Croweaters invited to Melbourne for the first round of the Draft on Thursday November 19.
Harris, who opted to pursue Australian Football despite a promising basketball future, spoke to 16 of the 18 AFL Clubs whilst being sidelined by an ankle injury for the AFL National Combine last month.
Likening his game to Brisbane Lions premiership captain Harris Andrews and emerging Geelong defender Connor O'Sullivan, Harris revealed that he spent a large portion of junior career playing as a midfielder before a sudden growth-spurt in his 16th year.
This, together with time spent as point guard in bastketball, has ensured he has become adept at distributing the ball nicely by foot whilst also reading the drop of the Sherrin to either take an intercept mark or get a timely fist in a marking contest.
The avid Crows fan knows he's a long shot to still be on the board come Adelaide's first selection at No.15 but he is well-prepared to start his career interstate having lived in the boarding house at Prince Alfred College.
Originally from Kadina at the top of Yorke Peninsula, Harris loves nothing more than getting his hands dirty while helping during harvest on the family farm, much like his no-frills style of play with the Eagles in the AAMI Talent League and Hostplus SANFL League this year.

Less than a week remains until the 2026 AFL Draft and Woodville-West Torrens defender Mitch Harris has little idea when he will have his name called inside the top 10. South Australia's ''rapid riser'' of this year's Draft crop has been tipped to be selected as early as pick No.4 to Melbourne whilst also possibly landing at Sydney with pick No.6. Speaking on the South Aussie Select podcast, the 196cm backman said he was excited to be joining No.1 contender Dougie Cochrane as the two Croweaters invited to Melbourne for the first round of the Draft on Thursday November 19. Harris, who opted to pursue Australian Football despite a promising basketball future, spoke to 16 of the 18 AFL Clubs whilst being sidelined by an ankle injury for the AFL National Combine last month. Likening his game to Brisbane Lions premiership captain Harris Andrews and emerging Geelong defender Connor O'Sullivan, Harris revealed that he spent a large portion of junior career playing as a midfielder before a sudden growth-spurt in his 16th year. This, together with time spent as point guard in bastketball, has ensured he has become adept at distributing the ball nicely by foot whilst also reading the drop of the Sherrin to either take an intercept mark or get a timely fist in a marking contest. The avid Crows fan knows he's a long shot to still be on the board come Adelaide's first selection at No.15 but he is well-prepared to start his career interstate having lived in the boarding house at Prince Alfred College. Originally from Kadina at the top of Yorke Peninsula, Harris loves nothing more than getting his hands dirty while helping during harvest on the family farm, much like his no-frills style of play with the Eagles in the AAMI Talent League and Hostplus SANFL League this year.

Woodville-West Torrens' Mitch Harris

Perspective is something South Adelaide's Archie Van Dyk has a very firm grip on in life. 
Each time the Panthers midfielder steps on to the field, his boots display the initials of two of his closest friends.
Khai Cowley, who tragically passed away in a shark attack, shared a love of Port Adelaide with Van Dyk while Tom Landrigan passed from an aggressive form of cancer.
On the latest edition of South Aussie Select, the 18-year-old declared he has more than enough inspiration as he continues to play in their honour.
And it's also why his frustrations due to a troublesome back injury - which effectively wiped out the first half of his 2026 campaign - pale in comparison.
Revealing he's had a sudden growth spurt to reach 190cm this year, the big-bodied ball magnet has modelled his game on Crows captain Jordan Dawson while also idolising two of his Power favourites in Connor Rozee and Ollie Wines.
The Port Noarlunga product gained plenty from his two Hostplus SANFL League appearances late in the season while also putting all of his impressive attributes on display whilst claiming the Bob Lee Medal as best afield in the 2026 Reserves Grand Final.
An extremely keen surfer who has taught himself how to play guitar, Van Dyk has been tipped to be selected in the second or third round of this month's AFL Draft.

Perspective is something South Adelaide's Archie Van Dyk has a very firm grip on in life. Each time the Panthers midfielder steps on to the field, his boots display the initials of two of his closest friends. Khai Cowley, who tragically passed away in a shark attack, shared a love of Port Adelaide with Van Dyk while Tom Landrigan passed from an aggressive form of cancer. On the latest edition of South Aussie Select, the 18-year-old declared he has more than enough inspiration as he continues to play in their honour. And it's also why his frustrations due to a troublesome back injury - which effectively wiped out the first half of his 2026 campaign - pale in comparison. Revealing he's had a sudden growth spurt to reach 190cm this year, the big-bodied ball magnet has modelled his game on Crows captain Jordan Dawson while also idolising two of his Power favourites in Connor Rozee and Ollie Wines. The Port Noarlunga product gained plenty from his two Hostplus SANFL League appearances late in the season while also putting all of his impressive attributes on display whilst claiming the Bob Lee Medal as best afield in the 2026 Reserves Grand Final. An extremely keen surfer who has taught himself how to play guitar, Van Dyk has been tipped to be selected in the second or third round of this month's AFL Draft.

South Adelaide's Archie Van Dyk

Ethan Herbert is a top-of-the-class student in more ways than one. 
The emerging North Adelaide ruck loves nothing more than studying the best bigmen in the AFL, particularly their craft at the centre bounces.
And as an avid Crows fan who attends every home match at Adelaide Oval, he has enjoyed watching the sudden rise of Lachlan McAndrew in 2026.
Fremantle star Luke Jackson is another he has observed closely, aiming to emulate the Melbourne premiership player with his exceptional clean hands at ground level.
Off the field, Herbert - preparing for his Year 12 exams at St Peter's College - has his sights set on reaching an ATAR in excess of 95 so he can pursue a degree in Law and Commerce.
It sums up the high-achieving AAMI SA U18 vice-captain, who relished going head-to-head with highly-rated Victorian ruck prospect Harry Van Hattam at the AFL National Championships.
Working closely with Roosters U18 coach Nick Liddle, Herbert has also been refining his craft as a tall marking option inside attacking 50m.
It is this flexibility which he hopes will ensure he has his name called at the AFL Draft on November 19-20, potentially by his beloved Crows in the mid 30-40s region.

Ethan Herbert is a top-of-the-class student in more ways than one. The emerging North Adelaide ruck loves nothing more than studying the best bigmen in the AFL, particularly their craft at the centre bounces. And as an avid Crows fan who attends every home match at Adelaide Oval, he has enjoyed watching the sudden rise of Lachlan McAndrew in 2026. Fremantle star Luke Jackson is another he has observed closely, aiming to emulate the Melbourne premiership player with his exceptional clean hands at ground level. Off the field, Herbert - preparing for his Year 12 exams at St Peter's College - has his sights set on reaching an ATAR in excess of 95 so he can pursue a degree in Law and Commerce. It sums up the high-achieving AAMI SA U18 vice-captain, who relished going head-to-head with highly-rated Victorian ruck prospect Harry Van Hattam at the AFL National Championships. Working closely with Roosters U18 coach Nick Liddle, Herbert has also been refining his craft as a tall marking option inside attacking 50m. It is this flexibility which he hopes will ensure he has his name called at the AFL Draft on November 19-20, potentially by his beloved Crows in the mid 30-40s region.

North Adelaide's Ethan Herbert

Dougie Cochrane is set to be in unique South Australian company but you wouldn't know it. 
The athletic utility is poised to become just the sixth Croweater to be chosen with the first pick in the AFL Draft, joining the likes of Jason Horne-Francis (2021) and Bryce Gibbs (2006).
But the laidback 18-year-old is often smiling and laughing as he waits to almost certainly join Port Adelaide at the AFL Draft on November 19.
Speaking on the South Aussie Select podcast, the 195cm talent declared his knee is ''tracking along well'' as he gets a headstart on pre-season training at Alberton.
In a wide-ranging chat, Cochrane tells of how he dealt with the frustration of missing the majority of the season following his knee surgery, learning plenty about coaching and development in his role as vice-captain of the AAMI SA U18 team.
The son of former North Melbourne and Power utility Stuart Cochrane also speaks openly about the inspiration he has drawn from his father, who has been bravely battling leukemia.
Declaring his dad is the ''most brave person in my life'', Dougie revealed he thought there were times during his childhood that he might pass away.
Boasting an impressive natural leap, ability to read the play and a booming kick, there aren't many eye-catching attributes Cochrane doesn't have.
Stating his best spot is currently as a forward, Cochrane - who paid tribute to Central District for his development as a junior - also revealed his ambition to be a midfielder once he refines his craft in an elite environment.

Dougie Cochrane is set to be in unique South Australian company but you wouldn't know it. The athletic utility is poised to become just the sixth Croweater to be chosen with the first pick in the AFL Draft, joining the likes of Jason Horne-Francis (2021) and Bryce Gibbs (2006). But the laidback 18-year-old is often smiling and laughing as he waits to almost certainly join Port Adelaide at the AFL Draft on November 19. Speaking on the South Aussie Select podcast, the 195cm talent declared his knee is ''tracking along well'' as he gets a headstart on pre-season training at Alberton. In a wide-ranging chat, Cochrane tells of how he dealt with the frustration of missing the majority of the season following his knee surgery, learning plenty about coaching and development in his role as vice-captain of the AAMI SA U18 team. The son of former North Melbourne and Power utility Stuart Cochrane also speaks openly about the inspiration he has drawn from his father, who has been bravely battling leukemia. Declaring his dad is the ''most brave person in my life'', Dougie revealed he thought there were times during his childhood that he might pass away. Boasting an impressive natural leap, ability to read the play and a booming kick, there aren't many eye-catching attributes Cochrane doesn't have. Stating his best spot is currently as a forward, Cochrane - who paid tribute to Central District for his development as a junior - also revealed his ambition to be a midfielder once he refines his craft in an elite environment.

Dougie Cochrane

He's spoken to as many as 16 AFL clubs and has little idea where he sits in the Draft order but that doesn't fuss Kodah Edwards as he continues to make a positive impression. 
South Adelaide's dynamic midfielder was unable to test at the National Combine due to a bout of the flu but he recovered strongly to post personal best times in the 20m Sprint (2.906 seconds) and Agility Test (8.182 seconds) at the State Combine last weekend.
Speaking on the first edition of South Aussie Select for 2026, Edwards revealed his stint in the preseason with Port Adelaide was invaluable as he learned from Zak Butters to fine tune one of his key strengths - breaking away from stoppages.
An Essendon fan, the 18-year-old is confident he can eventually blossom into a clearance-winning midfielder but will likely start his AFL journey as a powerful high half-forward.
The WIllunga product got the perfect insight into this role while in his five Hostplus SANFL League games for the Panthers, in which he averaged 15 disposals, four marks and two clearances while looking comfortable against seasoned opponents.
Leadership has also been a strong suit for Edwards, who has performed roles as the AAMI SA U18 captain and South Adelaide's skipper in the AAMI Talent League this season.
A keen golfer who had his first job at the local course, Edwards is aiming to study teaching alongside whatever he achieves with his burgeoning football career.

He's spoken to as many as 16 AFL clubs and has little idea where he sits in the Draft order but that doesn't fuss Kodah Edwards as he continues to make a positive impression. South Adelaide's dynamic midfielder was unable to test at the National Combine due to a bout of the flu but he recovered strongly to post personal best times in the 20m Sprint (2.906 seconds) and Agility Test (8.182 seconds) at the State Combine last weekend. Speaking on the first edition of South Aussie Select for 2026, Edwards revealed his stint in the preseason with Port Adelaide was invaluable as he learned from Zak Butters to fine tune one of his key strengths - breaking away from stoppages. An Essendon fan, the 18-year-old is confident he can eventually blossom into a clearance-winning midfielder but will likely start his AFL journey as a powerful high half-forward. The WIllunga product got the perfect insight into this role while in his five Hostplus SANFL League games for the Panthers, in which he averaged 15 disposals, four marks and two clearances while looking comfortable against seasoned opponents. Leadership has also been a strong suit for Edwards, who has performed roles as the AAMI SA U18 captain and South Adelaide's skipper in the AAMI Talent League this season. A keen golfer who had his first job at the local course, Edwards is aiming to study teaching alongside whatever he achieves with his burgeoning football career.

South Adelaide's Kodah Edwards

In the last episode of SA Select, Zac Milbank chats to the Advertiser's Andrew Capel with all the last minute draft whispers. He also chats to Tom Debenedictis, High Performance Manager at SANFL, about his thoughts on the NAB AFL Draft Combine.

Finally, Matty Roberts of South Adelaide joins the show to discuss his road to the draft, including some insight on where he may go.

In the last episode of SA Select, Zac Milbank chats to the Advertiser's Andrew Capel with all the last minute draft whispers. He also chats to Tom Debenedictis, High Performance Manager at SANFL, about his thoughts on the NAB AFL Draft Combine. Finally, Matty Roberts of South Adelaide joins the show to discuss his road to the draft, including some insight on where he may go.

South Aussie Select - Episode 4

This is one episode you don't want to miss! SA U18 State Coach Tony Bamford joins Zac Milbank with the inside scoop on all the potential draftees - both on and off field. Woodville West Torrens Premiership Player Luke Beecken also joins Zac in the booth to chat about his dramatic rise up the draft boards through 2021.

This is one episode you don't want to miss! SA U18 State Coach Tony Bamford joins Zac Milbank with the inside scoop on all the potential draftees - both on and off field. Woodville West Torrens Premiership Player Luke Beecken also joins Zac in the booth to chat about his dramatic rise up the draft boards through 2021.

South Aussie Select - Episode 3

Zac Milbank catches up with Hamish Hartlett and Leek Alleer to discuss all things AFL Draft!

Hamish discusses his role through the years with the Torrens University SA State Teams and his new role at West Adelaide while Leek Alleer discusses his record breaking combine effort and his rise up draft boards in 2021.

Zac Milbank catches up with Hamish Hartlett and Leek Alleer to discuss all things AFL Draft! Hamish discusses his role through the years with the Torrens University SA State Teams and his new role at West Adelaide while Leek Alleer discusses his record breaking combine effort and his rise up draft boards in 2021.

South Aussie Select - Episode 2

The topics covered in this episode include:Brenton Phillips:<ol><li>2022 Talent Programs</li><li>Women’s Talent Programs</li><li>Multicultural and Indigenous Talent Programs</li><li>Combine Testing</li><li>Jason Horne-Francis</li></ol>Arlo Draper:<ol><li>Lead up to the Draft</li><li>Pineapple on Pizza?</li><li>Injury Update</li></ol>

The topics covered in this episode include: Brenton Phillips:2022 Talent ProgramsWomen’s Talent ProgramsMulticultural and Indigenous Talent ProgramsCombine TestingJason Horne-FrancisArlo Draper:Lead up to the DraftPineapple on Pizza?Injury Update

South Aussie Select - Episode 1

An in-depth look at the AFL Draft from a South Australian perspective. Join host Zac Milbank and special guests, including SANFL's best draft targets, as they analyse each crop of Croweaters.

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