Sid Draper has been awarded the 2023 Jack Collins-Alan Schwab AFL Life Members scholarship.

The $10,000 scholarship will assist with Draper’s education and personal development.

First presented in 1989, previous winners include Joel Selwood, Luke Hodge, Nic Naitanui, Lachie Whitfield, Sam Walsh, Darcy Parish and Ben Ainsworth. Top draft prospect Harley Reid was the recipient in 2022.

A powerful midfielder and forward, 17-year-old Draper was a standout for South Australia as a bottom-age player at the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys.

He averaged 24.8 disposals, 12 contested possessions and 3.8 tackles across four matches to claim South Australia’s MVP award and was named on the half forward flank in the All-Australian Team.

A product of the Willunga Football Club, Draper made his SANFL senior debut for South Adelaide during the 2023 season and averaged 14 disposals in three appearances.

He also played a leading role in steering South Adelaide to the 2023 SANFL under 18 grand final, with his side to face Sturt at Adelaide Oval this Sunday, September 17.

Draper was presented the scholarship by Des Tuddenham at an AFL Life Members function held at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday.