High-impact South Adelaide midfielder-forward Gus White remains a player on the AFL Draft radar less than two weeks out from November's intake.
White played in last year's Under-17s Futures game on the MCG after showing promise in the Under-16s National Championships before an ACL rupture at the start of 2026 sidelined him for the season.
The competitive, goal-scoring livewire has garnered late interest from multiple clubs, including Port Adelaide, which is set to hit this year's draft hard after matching a bid for Dougie Cochrane and remains a player with upside, having entered the year as one of the state's most celebrated junior talents.
“Those thoughts and doubts cross your mind, but I've tried to stay as positive as I can, and obviously those things are out of my control, so I'm focusing on what I can do and what's in my control," White told Zero Hanger.
"I've tried to not think about that sort of thing and having belief I've done enough and that I will be able to put in the work and get back to not even be where I was but be better than before."
The hard-working teenager suffered the setback in Round 2 after landing awkwardly in a marking contest.
White, who has spent time at Port Adelaide's facilities during his rehabilitation, is confident he will be back part of full training in January and will almost certainly be ready to play Round 1 next year.
“Gus is very powerful – an inside mid who can push forward – and he's worked hard over the last 12 months on driving his legs from the inside to outside,” Panthers coach Brett Hudson said.
“He was starting to show that at the back end of last year, and he's put on size to help him with one-on-one forward craft he's got in his game. He's a very good ball-winner on the inside and has started to progress to drive his legs.
“Gus is an impactful footballer, not necessarily a high numbers guy.”
He averaged 12 disposals, four tackles and three clearances last year as an x-factor forward and believes the silver lining of the setback is marrying his skillset with a stronger mindset.
“I had a phone call with a respected person from my local club, and he told me setbacks are a set-up for a comeback and that stuck with me: knowing if you put in the work and stay disciplined and determined, you'll be back better,” White said.
“I've built a lot of resilience this year, but it has pushed me more than anything to control what I can on and off the field, and I have been able to put energy where I can off the field.
“It has given me a chance to work on the balance side of my football, which is important too. Stepping away and spending time with family and friends has also been good.”
