AAMI SA U18 All Australian Jack Slattery

AAMI SA U18 forward Jack Slattery is the first to admit he's a late bloomer.  But after his stunning individual campaign at the 2026 Marsh AFL U18 National Championships, the 18-year-old is well-and-truly beginning to blossom. Booting a carnival-leading 16 goals for the Croweaters, Slattery was fittingly rewarded with All-Australian selection as he put his name forward as one of SA's top prospects ahead of this year's AFL Draft. Speaking on the latest edition of the Checkside Chats podcast, the Woodville-West Torrens spearhead details how being initially overlooked for selection as a bottom-ager in the Eagles' AAMI Talent League team acted as significant motivation to improve. Hailing his coaches at Oval Avenue for his rapid development - inclusing Hostplus SANFL League mentor Sam Jacobs and AAMI Talent League coach Shane Reardon - Slattery said he had moddelled his game on Brisbane forward Logan Morris and Hawthorn veteran Jack Gunston. Measuring in at 192cm, Slattery said he had worked hard on refining his set shot kicking routine whilst also having a natural ability to snag a goal with a snap from ground level. Originally from the South Clare Football Club, Slattery's Dad Chris, currently the SA U12 coach, and uncle Luke Slattery, who played 115 SANFL games for Port Adelaide, have also been strong influences on his fledgling career.