By ZAC MILBANK
Two SANFL players have been selected in the 2023 AFL Mid-Season Draft, with Glenelg’s Matt Coulthard and Eagle Mitch Hardie getting their chance at elite level.
Coulthard, who was playing just his third Hostplus SANFL League game on Saturday, had his name called first by Richmond at pick No.4.
After undertaking a massive pre-season campaign, Woodville-West Torrens midfielder Hardie was rewarded by his selection to reigning premier Geelong at pick No.7.
Electric small forward Coulthard needed to play his third League match against the Bulldogs to qualify for selection and the 22-year-old certainly didn’t disappoint.
Measuring in at just 176cm and 69kg, Coulthard booted a match-defining four goals in the challenging conditions at X Convenience Oval.
It marks a stunning, sudden rise for the First Nations goalsneak, who only played six games for Port Noarlunga last year and five Reserves games for South Adelaide in 2021.
Originally from the Leeton Whitton Crows in the AFL Riverina League, Hardie has been in exceptional touch for the Eagles this year.
The 25-year-old is averaging just under 26 disposals a game at an impressive efficiency rate of 85.7 per cent.
This ensured the strongly-built onballer – who is also averaging 6.4 tackles – earned his first selection in the West End State team which defeated the WAFL at Adelaide Oval.
Five SANFL players were selected in the 2019 AFL Mid-Season draft, four were chosen in 2021 before a record six were taken last year.
SANFL clubs are provided with $10,000 compensation for each player selected.