SIX potential Mid-Season Draft contenders to watch in SANFL vs VFL state game

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.

Mutaz El Nour (VFL, Richmond)

The Tigers defender was named in the extended squad for last year's state game and this year will get his chance to pull on the Big V in the Barossa.

El Nour has been flagged as a name on the radar of AFL clubs for multiple years now, dating back to his breakout with the Northern Bullants.

The 192cm interceptor's 2025 campaign to date has seen him flourish under new coach Jake Batchelor, with El Nour putting in a stint last weekend against Brisbane's attack that earned him best-a-field plaudits and coaches' votes.

His athleticism and ability to read the ball, coupled with his transition work, will have clubs in need of key defensive reinforcements weighing up El Nour at the end of May.

Liam McMahon (VFL, Carlton)

The former Collingwood tall looks set to spearhead Zane Littlejohn's attacking unit that will consist of Williamstown's Brodie McLaughlin, Frankston's Corey Ellison, Geelong addition Nathan Kreuger and Box Hill recruit Kye Declase.

McMahon is coming off a stellar second season with the Blues, having booted 45 goals in 16 games - managing multiple majors in every appearance for the year.

This weekend's contest will be McMahon's first since March 21, with the athletic forward hoping to add to his strong four-goal outing and place himself back on the radar of AFL clubs.

With opposition in Max Proud and Dyson Hilder awaiting, a dominant display against some of the SANFL's premier defenders will only buoy his chances.

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.

Kobe Ryan (SANFL, West Adelaide)

The West Adelaide ball magnet will be one of the youngest on the field come Saturday's game while concurrently being one of the form players representing the Croweaters.

Ryan, 21, was first draft eligible in 2022 but fell short of a selection, instead remaining with the Bloods for the following season where he would go on to claim the 2023 Breakthrough Player Award.

He has since been a staple in West Adelaide's engine room, with Ryan enjoying a stellar campaign last year despite the club's woes towards the bottom of the ladder.

Ryan has begun the current SANFL season as he ended 2024, averaging 27 disposals, 7.5 tackles and 8.5 clearances per game.

He came close to representing the SANFL last year also, having been named in the extended squad for the league's state game against the WAFL, with Saturday's outing to be his first in representing SA at the senior level.

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.

Jez McLennan (SANFL, Port Adelaide)

The former Gold Coast flanker was one of the major movers during the SANFL's off-season, swapping the blue, white and red of Central Districts in favour of a venture to Alberton.

McLennan is well-versed on the state game stage, having taken out both Fos Williams Medals in the SANFL's two outings against the VFL and WAFL last year.

Set to work in a defensive third alongside fellow half-backs Matt Ling and Flynn Perez, McLennan could be the focal point in switching defence into attack for the Croweaters.

Saturday's showcase game could be the needed reminder McLennan sends to AFL scouts to prove he has what it takes to return to, and thrive at, the top level.