Ex-AFL star, gun recruits feature in SANFL squad for Gather Round state game

The SANFL have named a 26-man squad for the upcoming state game against the VFL in Tanunda on Saturday.

Up to nine players could make their state debut, with a mix of fresh faces and gun recruits getting an opportunity to pull on the famous red jumper for the first time.

North Adelaide recruit Angus Schumacher, who played three state games for Western Australia, has earned his place after two dominant performances at his new club, while fellow Roosters newcomer Alex Van Wyk has also been included just two weeks after making his league debut.

Reflecting their strong opening to the season, Roosters Ewan Mackinlay and Dyson Hilder have been rewarded for their good form and could be in line to make their state debut.

Sturt half-back Flynn Perez and West Adelaide midfield star Kobe Ryan are also in the mix to play their first state match after solid starts to the year, while Glenelg trio James Bell, Jonty Scharenberg and Cam McGree have been added to the squad.

Tigers teammates Lachie Hosie, Liam McBean, Matt Allen and Max Proud round out the eight Glenelg players selected in the squad, nearly twice as many as any other club.

Returning AFL-listed stars Jack Hayes and Jarryd Lyons have been brought straight back into the fold at state level and will add crucial experience to the setup.

Last year's dual Fos Williams Medallist Jez McLennan is Port Adelaide's sole member in the squad and could be pushed through the midfield after spending plenty of time there in the Magpies' opening two matches.

Central District mainstays Aiden Grace and Harry Grant will again be in the mix for selection, while North Adelaide's Harrison Wigg has put a strong case to wear the tri-colours again.

Dependable Sturt trio Will Coomblas, Casey Voss and Tom Lewis will be integral members of the state setup again, as will Eagles forward pair James Rowe and Connor Ballenden.

Norwood's horror injury run has been reflected in their offering for the squad, with Billy Cootee and Matt Ling making the cut after impressive performances last year.

The Croweaters will be without injured Redlegs Baynen Lowe and Tom Donnelly, while Central District full-back Brinn Little will not play again this year after an ACL injury in Round 1.

Reigning Magarey Medallist Will Snelling, Ken Farmer Medallist Mitch Harvey, Glenelg star Corey Lyons and last year's state skipper Joe Sinor are among the other major changes from last year's side.

The squad will be trimmed to 23 players on Thursday following a training session at Glenelg Oval, with a new leadership group to be announced along with jumper presentations.

Dual Glenelg premiership coach Darren Reeves will coach the side, taking over from the departed Jade Rawlings.

Set to be broadcast live on 7Mate, the clash will get underway from 2:45pm at Tanunda in the Barossa following the North Melbourne v Gold Coast match at the nearby Lyndoch Reserve.

South Australia will be hoping to maintain their strong recent record against the Vics after winning last year's contest by 13 points.

See the full squad below: