South Aussie Select

SA U18 Coach Tony Bamford reviews 2025 AFL Draft

Episode Summary

Seven first-round picks and 14 selections overall.  It was a massive 2025 AFL Draft haul from a SANFL perspective as a record was set for most first-round choices from South Australia. And for the last time this year, SA U18 coach Tony Bamford provides great insight into the Croweaters now training with their clubs at elite level. Speaking on South Aussie Select, Bamford said Sam Cumming (Richmond) and Dyson Sharp (Essendon) would have excellent opportunities to thrive in their respective midfield units. He was chuffed that three Bulldogs - Cameron Nairn, Aidan Schubert and Matt LeRay - all landed at Hawthorn, hinting that AFL clubs recruiting multiple players from the same club could become more common in future. Adelaide fans will be eager to hear of his thoughts on Mitchell Marsh's fit with the Crows, likening his initial link up role to that of former Crow Tom Lynch, such is his impressive aerobic capacity. He offers sage advice to Swans draftee Jevan Phillipou while hailing the standard of the Hostplus SANFL League in having three classy mature-agers - Latrelle Pickett (Melbourne), Billy Cootee (Sydney) and Angus Anderson (Collingwood) - selected. Bamford also provides a look forward to the crop of 2026, giving listeners an idea of the players to watch next year including Dougie Cochrane, Kodah Edwards, Archie Van Dyk, Ethan Herbert and Gabe Patterson.