One season ago, six talented SANFL players were selected by AFL clubs and given a second chance at top-level football.
While many players have impressed in this SANFL season, AFL sides will be looking closely at age and list needs. In 2022, the average age of Mid-Season draftees was 21 years old.
Several promising footballers have stood out as strong fits for struggling lists, while several undrafted youngsters have backed up their strong under-18 seasons.
Here are six of the best SANFL prospects to keep in mind ahead of the AFL Mid-Season Draft.
After a best-on, six-goal performance against Norwood on Anzac Day, Noah Casalini's name has been commonly mentioned in Mid-Season Draft discussions.
The 21-year-old forward stands at 190cm tall and catches the eye with his athletic jumping and speed.
While the forward has struggled to make the same impact in recent weeks, his age and skills make him enticing to a struggling list, or one lacking in forward prospects.
Casalini previously spent time in the Sydney Swans Academy, before stints at GWS and North Adelaide. His penetrating left foot and history of goalkicking make him a promising key player option.
There were doubts over Kobe Ryan's kicking efficiency in his draft year, but the 19-year-old has cleaned up his disposal as a senior player.
Ryan narrowly missed out on draft selection last year after a promising SANFL and State campaign, but has proven his ability to win possession in midfield in 2023.
The long-haired midfielder is averaging 21 disposals at 84% efficiency for West Adelaide, and impressed with a 28-possession, 16-tackle performance against Norwood in Round 6.
Ryan's skills have clearly transferred from junior to league football, and at his young age, could be on the radar of a few AFL clubs after declaring for the Mid-Season Draft.
Sturt's Martin Frederick is one familiar name who has already put his name up for selection.
The former Power defender has starred in the Double Blues' undefeated side, adding pace and attacking threat from the wing.
Frederick played 14 AFL games before being delisted at the end of 2022, but has since played himself into form at Sturt.
The 23-year-old is averaging just under 20 disposals in the SANFL and backed his selection in the recent State Game as one of South Australia's best.
Another of Sturt's young guns, Tom Lewis has been massive in the Double Blues' midfield this year. The 23-year-old tackling machine is one who clubs could look at as a defensive midfield option.
In six SANFL rounds, Lewis has averaged an amazing 14.2 tackles per game. That enough would catch scouts' eyes, but the big-bodied midfielder is also finding the ball with a 22-disposal average.
Lewis' fine work has rewarded him with selection in the SANFL state team, and will keep him on the radar of clubs as he enters the Mid-Season Draft.
One of the SANFL's best ruckmen, Billy McCormack is one to watch for clubs lacking depth in ruck stocks.
The 22-year-old is undersized for his position at 199cm, but has impressed with his follow-up work and sharpness at ground level.
A two-goal, 20-possession game against West Adelaide in Round 5 highlighted McCormack's dynamic playstyle, which could be attractive as a secondary AFL ruck option.
The season-ending ACL of Mitch Georgiades has left Port Adelaide with a list spot, which it may use to elevate Jed Hagan onto its AFL rookie list.
The talented 175cm speedster has been building form this season after missing out on selection in last year's National Draft.
Hagan was particularly impressive in a win against South Adelaide in Round 6, finding 19 touches and covering the ground well.
At 18 years of age, the Western Australian could be snatched as a long-term prospect by another AFL club, unless Port Adelaide uses its pick to secure his talents.