Many fans may not recognise Adelaide's second selection from the 2010 National Draft, but he’s a face of the future.

Jarryd Lyons was taken in the fourth round at pick 61 after an impressive year with the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup.

While fellow draftee Brodie Smith has donned the tri-colours on 14 occasions this season, Lyons is yet to make his AFL debut.

However, his head remains high despite admitting to being slightly disappointed at missing out so far this season.

“I am little bit (disappointed) but I didn’t expect too much this year,” said Lyons, who at 19 is the Club's youngest player.

“I’ve only been playing good footy for the last two years at a high level so I didn’t expect too much but I started getting really close, which is definitely a bonus."

Lyons has had a case to push for selection in the second half of the year after finding his feet in his first season of SANFL.

Selected by Glenelg in the local league's mini draft, he has grown into his position in the Tigers' senior midfield.

The leap from playing alongside teenagers in TAC Cup football, Victoria’s premier under 18 competition, to mature men in the SANFL was no mean feat.

Lyons describes the difference between the two leagues as a "huge gap".

“The body sizes of players are a lot bigger, playing against older more mature players,” he said.

“Playing against kids you feel more confident so coming up against blokes who can be 30, 35 years old makes it a bit tough."

There’s a lot to like about his game as he brings footy smarts, a ball-winning ability and a strong set of skills to the table.

His past month with Glenelg has been particularly consistent averaging 17 disposals, three marks and three tackles a match.

But the teenager has also faced challenges in adapting to the AFL way of life, namely regular training and more running.

“Just the intensity of training and the frequency, and always having to be at the club five or six times a week, which is always different,” he said.

Helping him to settle in has been a host family who Lyons says has lifted his load.

“They look after all my washing and food and cooking so that definitely helps a lot and makes life a little bit easier.”

At the Club, Lyons has a "few blokes" he looks up to and has found a guide in Brad Symes.

“He’s been really good to me and we get along really well and he definitely helps me through and knows how I’m feeling,” he said.

But perhaps his biggest mentor is his dad, Marty Lyons, who played 27 games for Melbourne in the VFL from 1975 to 1977.

Young Lyons, who used to barrack for St Kilda, fondly remembers watching old footage of his father.

“I used to love watching Dad’s tapes, he always had them tucked away on the shelf so I used to watch them every now and again when I was growing up,” he said.

Despite the mixed allegiances in the family, Marty was pleased to see his son head to South Australia.

“He was extremely happy and had a couple of tears in his eyes as well,” Lyons said.

“He was very proud and definitely embraced it as well, as much as I have."

For now Lyons is looking forward to a SANFL finals berth - pending the Tigers make it - and has a big pre-season in his sights.

He’s one to keep an eye on.