By ZAC MILBANK

There’s no better sight for a South Australian footy fan than seeing the striking red guernsey representing our state with pride against Victoria or Western Australia. 

And while the Vics and Sandgropers prepare to do battle at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday night in the highly-anticipated return of State of Origin, it doesn’t mean the Croweaters can’t have their slice of the attention.

That’s why SANFL has selected its dream line-up of AFL stars to be drafted from the premier State League competition in Australia.

As announced on SANFL socials earlier in the week, Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson will lead the side with Port Adelaide skipper Connor Rozee as his deputy.

Collingwood premiership mentor Craig McRae is a natural selection as coach, as he looks to emulate South Aussie greats such as Graham Cornes, John Cahill and Neil Kerley while taking charge of the Croweaters.

Dawson forms a dynamic starting centre square combination which includes Port Adelaide superstar Jason Horne-Francis and Brisbane Lions premiership skipper Lachie Neale roving to the experienced Swans ruckman Brodie Grundy.

Hawthorn’s Will Day provides plenty of versatillity on one wing while Collingwood’s Beau McCreery brings the speed on the other.

Plenty of pace features inside SA’s attacking 50m arc with First Nations stars Izak Rankine, Tyson Stengle and Kysaiah Pickett nipping at the heels of Crows tall forward targets Riley Thilthorpe and Darcy Fogarty.

While Pickett is lining up for WA on Saturday, we are backing ourselves in to entice him back into the chrished red guernsey he wore while representing SA at the U18 AFL National Championships before being drafted to the Demons from Woodville-West Torrens.

His former Melbourne teammate Alex Neal-Bullen will be a steadying presence in attack with an ability to push further up into the midfield if required.

SA will have plenty of counter-attacking opportunities with North Adelaide premiership defender Rozee, St Kilda superstar Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Essendon’s Mason Redman streaming out of the back half.

Tall backs will be led by Saints leadership group member Callum Wilkie alongside emerging Crow Max Michalanney and Docker Brennan Cox.

Selectors opted for a balanced five-man interchange bench with Brisbane’s Sam Draper the relieving ruckman and Carlton’s George Hewett a key midfield rotation.

Gold Coast Sun Charlie Ballard provides cover in defence while new Blues recruit Will Hayward can play multiple roles inside 50m.

Experienced Crow Rory Laird can be injected into the midfield combination or be used as a rebounding weapon across half-back.

The SANFL selection panel comprised of Executive General Manager Football Matt Duldig, Head of Talent & Football Operations Sean Toohey, State League Competitions Specialist Daniel Joyce, Football Operations Administrator Nick Bremner and Senior Media Producer Zac Milbank.