Five Mid-Season Draft prospects to watch in the SA vs WA State Game

Saturday's State Game between South Australia and Western Australia is set to play host to a number of AFL Mid-Season Draft prospects.

Last year's State Game included Richmond Mid-Season Draft recruits Jacob Blight and Luke Beecken, who joined Richmond and Brisbane, respectively.

This year's selected sides both boast talent that could make the step up to the AFL by the end of the current season.

Here are five potential Mid-Season Draft prospects who could strengthen their case for an AFL spot on Saturday.

Michael Sellwood (Peel Thunder/WA)

The Thunder defender was on the Mid-Season Draft radar last year, with Peel teammate Jacob Blight the favoured option of the two as the latter enjoyed a strong start to his 2024 campaign.

Sellwood was a solid contributor for the Thunder early last year but found his groove in the second half of the season, rekindling AFL interest ahead of the national intake.

To start 2025, the 186cm backman has had no issue finding the ball at half-back from his half-dozen WAFL appearances, averaging 23.7 disposals per outing - going under 20 just once.

Sellwood also averages 7.5 marks and 3.33 tackles per game this year, with the 21-year-old among the youngest named for the Black Swans this week.

The Peel flanker played in last year's State Game defeat, managing the 11 touches, with a step up expected this weekend.

Matt Ling (Norwood/SA)

The former Sydney-listed backman is another who has fetched AFL interest over the past 12 months, having enjoyed a consistent run of form with the Redlegs last year.

The 26-year-old has started this year on the right foot also, going at over 20 disposals and close to five rebound 50s and four marks per game in 2025.

A second chance in the top flight for Ling would see the Geelong product potentially add to his four appearances for Sydney across 2020-2021, with the flanker enduring an injury-hit time in New South Wales.

Expect to see Ling wax and weave along the backline with Stury's Casey Voss and Glenelg talent Jonty Scharenberg as a key piece in exiting the defensive half for SA.

Jack Watkins (Port Adelaide/SA)

Watkins will be known to Port Adelaide's close watchers, with the former North Melbourne VFL captain having trained under Ken Hinkley over the summer as a Supplemental Selection Period.

His bid for an AFL breakthrough fell short, with local footballer Josh Lai handed the last open list spot at Alberton for the 2025 season.

Watkins has since signed with the Port Adelaide Magpies and has flourished in the SANFL, leading the competition for disposals and top five for ranking points.

Able to play midfield and in attack, Watkins is averaging 29.5 disposals, 4.0 clearances, 3.5 inside 50s and 5.2 marks per game in his first year with the Magpies.

Archer May (Subiaco/WA)

The youngest player in the Western Australian side, May has been rewarded with a spot in Adam Read's team after a promising start to life with Subiaco.

The 20-year-old has booted 12 goals in his six games with the Lions after crossing from Richmind's VFL program over the off-season.

A 198cm forward, May is set to combine with Subiaco teammate Ryan Borchet in attack for the Black Swans, with the pair totalling 27 goals between them to start the year for the undefeated Lions.

May has fetched interest from AFL clubs thanks to his hot start in the WAFL, with a string enough performances against South Australia potentially rubber-stamping his promotion to the top flight.

Jordan Lukac (Woodville-West Torrens/SA)

The 22-year-old has been named as the Croweaters' ruckman to take on East Perth veteran Scott Jones in what shapes as a match that could see Lukac catch the attention of AFL scouts.

AFL clubs are often keen to assess the ruck market via the Mid-Season Draft, and Lukac could be a high-upside option as a raw prospect.

Standing at 198cm, Lukac may be a little undersized as a ruckman for the AFL, but he has the strength to compete at the contest, much like reigning Magarey Medal winner Harry Boyd, who stands at an equal size.

Picked head of fellow SANFL ruckmen Lachie McAndrew, Oliver Northam and Kobe Annan, among others, the State Game selection adds to a big rise for Lukac, who spent most of last year at the reserves level for the Eagles.

He has played six games for Woodville-West Torrens under former AFL ruckman Sam Jacobs this year, averaging 12.5 disposals and 20.8 hitouts per game.