Top-rated AFL Draft prospect Sam Cumming will make his SANFL debut for North Adelaide this weekend off the back of a stellar U18s National Championships with South Australia.
A talented midfield-forward who is firmly in considerations as a first-round selection this year, Cumming played in all four of the Croweaters' wins, averaging 17.0 disposals, 3.3 inside 50s, 3.5 marks, 3.3 tackles and 1.0 goals per game at the carnival.
That run followed a bright start to the year in the SANFL U18s with the Roosters, with Cumming a high impact player in the front half of the field.
He would roll forward in his most recent match at the level, booting four goals, seeing him feature in his side's best in all five of his appearances.
An ability to play as a forward target or through midfield, Cumming has earnt comparisons to Sydney's Isaac Heeney.
"He's become really explosive and has put himself on a good platform to launch," Cumming's North Adelaide U18s coach Mitch Clisby told Craft of the Draft of Cumming in May.
"He's got this penetrating kick which forward of centre is quite damaging, his contest work is excellent and he's a hard matchup one-on-one because of his ability to mark overhead.
"I think he's ready to compete and have an impact at the next level.
"There's obviously water to go under the bridge, but we expect him to land at an AFL side next year and have an immediate impact."
Cumming's SANFL debut will come on Saturday when the Roosters head to Unley to face Sturt, who sit atop the ladder with 11 wins in as many games.
North Adelaide are outside of the finals frame, having managed just four wins so far in 2025 to sit in seventh.
