South Australia's Under-16 team has followed in the footsteps of the State's Under-18s, claiming the 2014 National Championships.
The undefeated SA Under-16 side beat West Australia by 14 points in their third and final game of the Championships on the Gold Coast on Friday to take out the title. It is the third time SA has claimed the AFL Under-16 National Championship after the Croweaters earned victories in 2010 and 2011.
Prospective Crows Father-Son recruit Ben Jarman, son of Adelaide and Hawthorn champion Darren, kicked two goals from 15 possessions in the win over WA. In SA's first game against Vic Country, the 172cm, 63kg, forward/midfielder gathered 16 disposals (13 contested), laid six tackles and kicked a goal.
Darren played 121 games for the Crows, including starring roles in the 1997 and 1998 premierships.
Prior to that, the skilful forward played 109 games for the Hawks between 1991-95 and was part of the Club's 1991 flag. Because Darren played in excess of 100 games for both Adelaide and Hawthorn, Ben is eligible for Father-Son status at either club.
Ben, 16, made his Under-18 debut for North Adelaide this season, kicking three goals from 14 disposals and laying six tackles.
Crows National Recruiting Manager Hamish Ogilvie said Jarman had been “lively” in his two games at the Under-16 National Championships.
“Ben might still be small at the moment but he certainly has some skill, which shouldn't come as any surprise considering his bloodlines,” Ogilvie said.
“He missed the second game of the Championships because of illness, but he did some really nice things against WA and Vic Country. Ben has clean hands and good goal sense. He also chases and tackles, which is important as a small forward these days. He is a ripping kid and we know he's from a great family.
“We'll definitely be keeping an eye on Ben to see how he continues to develop in the next couple of years.”
The triumph comes after the SA Under-18 team won its second AFL Under-18 National Championship in Geelong last week.
Ogilvie said taking out both the Under-16 and Under-18 titles was testament to South Australia's talent pathway.
“It's great recognition for the program the SANFL has put in place, led by Brenton Phillips and Darel Hart,” he said.
“I think we'll see plenty of South Australian kids drafted out of their system over the next few years.”