South Australian forward Cameron Nairn had significantly strengthened his case for this year's AFL Draft after being "an absolute nightmare for defenders" on Sunday in booting seven goals against Western Australia

The Central District product enjoyed a day out at Alberton Oval to shoot into the lead of the goalkickers column at this year's U18s Boys National Championships, having kicked one goal in both of South Australia's other two wins against the Allies and Vic Metro.

His SA teammates Aidan Schubert (eight goals) and Mitch Marsh (seven) sit in second and third for goals at this year's carnival thanks to their undefeated start, while no other team has played more than two matches.

March and Schubert have made their case known as first-round draft options thanks to strong campaigns to date, with Nairn's latest performance following suit after he already booted 14 goals in seven games to open his U18s SANFL season.

Speaking on this week's episode of Craft of the Draftanalyst Jonty Ralphsmith said Nairn's outing at the national level was a performance that is "going to get you drafted".

"Cam Nairn is that 189cm hybrid who is able to get you in the air, makes defenders panic and is dynamic at ground level as well," Ralphsmith said.

"Seven goals at the National Championships level, it's usually going to get you drafted. You look at Matt Jefferson a few years ago, that was a statement game for him.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Cameron Nairn of South Australia kicks during the Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Allies and South Australia at Blacktown International Sportspark on June 01, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Cameron Nairn of South Australia kicks during the Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Allies and South Australia at Blacktown International Sportspark on June 01, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

"Cam Nairn has had some solid performances at SANFL U18s level, but I don't think anyone expected him to come out and do what he's done.

 Sunday, June 22 
Bulldogs WON BY 79 POINTS
Marvel Stadium
WB   
135
FT
56
   RICH

"With SA as dominant as they have been, that certainly helps him. All credit to him, because kicking seven goals is no mean feat and he was an absolute nightmare for defenders."

Nairn was impactful from the start of Sunday's affair, booting three goals in the opening term and five by the main break.

His positioning, marking and clean kicking combined to form the goalkicking display, with Nairn ticking plenty of boxes in his standout game.

"It was good marking and clean kicking," Craft of the Draft's Mitch Keating said.

"He went at 100 per cent efficiency, which isn't hard when all of them are sailing through the big posts anyway.

"He still got into the right spots and read the flight of the ball really well to position himself perfectly to get his hands on the ball."

You can watch this week's Craft of the Draft episode via the player below, or on Zero Hanger's YouTube channel.

SA Dominate, Assessing 2024's Draft Class | Craft of the Draft AFL