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Balyn O’Brien had an outstanding U18 season for Norwood, as well as South Australia in the National U18 Championships.

The 187cm defender from the club’s Regional Zone of the Eyre Peninsula played just eight matches for the Redlegs U18s side, represented SA in the National Championships on all four occasions, and had a taste of senior football at Norwood in the latter stages of the season.

O’Brien played the last six matches in the Redlegs League side, debuting in Round 17 against West Adelaide and didn’t look out of place, even throughout Norwood’s finals run which came to a close in the Preliminary Final.

Norwood Football Club Talent Manager Craig Roberts said O’Brien was an incredibly tough defender to play on, and a highly professional footballer.

“Balyn is an ultra competitor, he can play on small and tall players, as he displayed in the SANFL finals contest,” Roberts said.

“Don’t be deceived by his stats tally, the numbers don’t jump off the page, but he never gets beaten in a one on one contest.

“His U18 year was great, he took on the best forward whether being small or tall and shut them out of the game.

“His attitude is great, he is so coachable and would slip into an AFL system seamlessly. He’s ready to go.”

Standing at 198cm, Sam Ainsworth is one of the premier big men in the 2025 AFL Draft, and has proven throughout this year that he can play forward, defence and in the ruck.

Hailing from the Tea Tree Gully Football Club in Norwood’s Metro Zone, Ainsworth started the year as a key defender, but quickly headed into the ruck where he took incredible strides in his development.

Ainsworth ended up being the All-Australian Ruck from the 2025 National U18 Championships, averaging 15 hitouts, 16 disposals, five clearances, three marks and two tackles from his four matches for SA.

He starred for Norwood’s U18 side, playing nine matches in 2025, before getting a taste of Senior Football, playing five Reserves games for the Redlegs. To further show his ability to play at either end of the ground, Ainsworth played Reserves as a forward, and kicked 11 goals from his five games, including three consecutive games of three goals.

Norwood Football Club Talent Manager Craig Roberts was impressed with Ainsworth’s ability to take on the different roles in 2025.

“Sam took on a new role in the ruck in 2025 and probably exceeded everyone’s expectations,” Roberts said.

“Previously a key defender, Sam adapted to the new ruck role so quickly which elevated him into the SA squad. To end up the All Australian ruck and one of the best big men in the draft is a credit to his attitude and ability.

“If Sam continues to follow his 2025 trajectory who knows what is in store for him.”

Norwood father-son Jim Kelly had a very consistent season in 2025, playing as a midfielder and winger.

Son of current NFC CEO Richard Kelly (81 games for Norwood), Jim also played all four matches for South Australia in the National U18 Championships, as well as nine for Norwood’s U18s and five in the Reserves.

Kelly had a great National Championships, averaging 18 disposals, two tackles and two clearances, mainly playing on the wing.

For the Redlegs U18s, Kelly played as a midfielder and averaged 24 disposals, four tackles and four clearances, whilst kicking six goals across his nine games before heading up into the Reserves for the final five games of the season.

Norwood Football Club Talent Manager Craig Roberts was impressed with Kelly’s ability to play multiple roles through the midfield.

“Jim is a very polished, skillful midfielder who can play inside and outside, and spent a lot of time on the wing,” Roberts said.

“He is very clean below his knees, a good decision maker and doesn’t panic under pressure. He also has a great ability to hit the scoreboard and be involved in scoring chains.”

Charli Hazelhurst is eligible for the 2025 AFLW Draft, which will be held in December.

Hazelhurst has been an outstanding member of Norwood’s SANFLW side for the last three seasons, making her debut in 2023 when she was just 16 years old.

The key defender has played 31 League matches for the Redlegs, and represented SA in the National U18 Girls Championships this season, playing three matches.