Thompson, who plays for Sturt under 19s, and Jones, who plays in the Sturt reserves side, were both selected for outstanding form in their first five matches of the SANFL season.

The boys were also both part of the State under 18 academy squad, which since December has conducted trail games, training sessions and camps in the lead up to State selection.

They will now undergo a hectic regime with the rest of the State 30-man squad, involving 23 extra trainings and two trial games in the next two months.

From there 17-year-old Thompson and 18-year-old Jones hope to be selected to play three games against interstate rivals in South Australia, before a squad of 25 players travels to Victoria for the remaining two games.

Both players said they were hoping they could make it to the 22-man side to play in South Australia and the 25-man squad to travel to Victoria. “I’m pretty confident we can make it,” Thompson said.

“We want to play good footy, do all the team things and go as far as we can,” added Jones.

Thompson, from Ramblers, and Jones, from Mypolonga, have previously represented South Australia at under 16 level.

Both play a grade higher than what they could be at Sturt, with Jones playing reserves while still eligible for under 19s and Thompson playing under 19s while still eligible for under 17s.

Jones said playing at a higher level was a good challenge and would improve his chances of reaching his biggest dream.

“I committed myself over the pre-season with the Sturt seniors to give myself the best opportunity to play at the highest level, “he said.

“The ultimate goal would be to get drafted (into the AFL).”

AFL scouts have already been keeping a close eye on Thompson and Jones.

“We had seven AFL scouts at the (Sturt) game last week,” Thompson said.

There is a possibility both players could soon join Tyson Edwards, Martin Mattner, Adam Thomson, Adam Cockshell and Brodie Martin as players from the local area who are currently on AFL lists.

Jones said it did not matter what club drafted him, as long as he could play at the game’s highest level.

“I wouldn’t care what club, I would go anywhere,” he said.

Despite thier similarities Thompson and Jones have different playing styles on the field, with Jones a hard running key position defender and Thompson a tough on baller that can also play on the forward or half back flank.