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.