Four Panthers Named in 2019 Under-18 State Squad

Four young Panthers have been selected in the 2019 SA U18 State Squad.

The SANFL today announced a 36-player squad that will represent South Australia at the AFL U18 National Championships later this year.

Representing South Adelaide are ruckman Damon Freitag (198cm, 103kg, Wisanger - KIFL), key forward Daniel Sladojevic (192cm, 88kg), small forward Darnell Tucker (174cm, 70kg, Happy Valley - SFL) and composed backman Zac Dumesny (186cm, 77kg).

Tucker, who has also tasted League football this season, has been included in the side as an overage player, while Dumesny will also be eligible for U18 State selection again in 2020.

Both Freitag and Sladojevic have enjoyed strong starts to the season playing with the Panthers Reserves.

A familiar face will lead the charges, as former Panthers Talent Manager, Tony Bamford continues in his role as SA U18 coach.

The Croweaters played two trial matches against WA during a five-day AFL Academy camp last week and will continue to ramp up their preparations ahead of the National Championships in June.

The SA U18 team will train chiefly at Thebarton Oval, while also spending time at the SA's AFL facilities of Adelaide and Port Adelaide.

Three trial matches will be played, including the final one against the SA U20 side ahead of Game 1 of the AFL U18 National Championships to be played against WA at Perth's Optus Stadium on Saturday June 15.

Just one match will be played on home soil, against arch-rival Victoria Metro at Alberton Oval on Saturday June 22, before final matches are played against Victoria Country at Geelong on Friday June 28 and the Allies at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday July 3.

View the full selected squad below. Underage prospects are highlighted in yellow. Overage talent in red.