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.

5. Ewan Mackinlay (SANFL, North Adelaide)

Another young member of the SANFL squad, Mackinlay, could be a player to catch the eye if given the chance to show his value in the front half.

The midfield-forward hybrid is likely to slot into an attacking role in coach Darren Reeves' plans given the midfield riches the SANFL side is home to, with Mackinlay set to wax with champion Glenelg pair Lachie Hosie and Liam McBean as well as Central's Aiden Grace.

Mackinlay had a strong finish to last season that is sure to have aided his selection chances for the early-season state game for what will be the young attacker's debut in representing the SANFL.

The 21-year-old has had a steady start to his 2025 campaign, booting a goal per game from this mean of 16 disposals, while offering plenty of pressure on the defensive side, laying 4.5 tackles per game.

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