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.
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.
22 Oct 2026
Dougie Cochrane
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.
16 Oct 2026
South Adelaide's Kodah Edwards
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.
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