This weekend's state game between the SANFL and VFL will set the stage for Mid-Season Draft hopefuls and ex-AFL names to make their case in front of AFL scouts just over a month out from this year's mid-year talent intake.
Last year's clash, which saw the South Australians claim a 14-point victory, featured now-AFL-listed quartet Ben Jepson, Jack Henderson, Harry Boyd and Ned Long, with the latter earning a top-flight reprieve via last year's Mid-Season Draft.
While all of Jepson, Henderson and Boyd were left to wait until the following summer's Supplemental Selection Period, their outings in the showcase game added to career-best campaigns at the state league level that would eventually earn them AFL contracts.
Fellow SSP train-ons Dom Brew, Brayden Crossley and Baynen Lowe also played in the 2024 game.
This year's clash between the VFL and SANFL will again see some of the country's best non-AFL-listed talent flex their value on a higher platform, with some already having AFL experience and others looking to build their case in the hope of a promotion to the top level.
Here we've previewed six of the lesser-known players to keep an eye on during Saturday's game at Barossa Park ahead of the 2025 Mid-Season Draft.
3. Flynn Gentile (VFL, Coburg)
The 22-year-old has been a key figure for the Lions since debuting in 2022, with the classy midfielder a leading ball winner in the VFL who has continued to do damage with his disposal.
Gentile was recognised for his prolific impact with Coburg in 2024, earning a spot in the VFL Team of the Year while also being listed as a finalist for the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal.
He averaged 26.6 disposals, 5.9 clearances and 6.3 inside 50s in a struggling side last year, while 2025 has seen him start strong, managing at least 26 touches in all three games to start the year.
It'll be hard to cement a large role in midfield this weekend, but if Gentile gets his chance to have an impact, he'll be one to attract.
