TANUNDA’S Shay Linke is making his presence felt for Central District after being called up for his SANFL debut in June 19’s 18-point win over West Adelaide, with the 18-year-old considered one of South Australia’s most intriguing prospects ahead of this year’s AFL draft.

Linke who stands at 190cm, quickly rose through the ranks this year, averaging nearly 27 disposals and 10 marks in his three under-18 games before making his senior debut for the reserves side in round four.

In six reserves contests, Linke averaged 13 disposals and five tackles to go with a pair of clearances each week, rotating between half-forward, wing and into the centre bounces.

Playing at the highest level he had ever played, Linke announced his arrival to the SANFL with 12 disposals, six tackles, four marks and two clearances while helping the Bulldogs to only their third win of the season so far.

Against a much stronger outfit this past weekend against Norwood, he showed he was not going to shrink in games where his team is struggling, racking up nine tackles to go with his 13 touches, three clearances and two contested marks, displaying a game well-suited to the modern AFL.

Linke said he started to realise he might be a chance at his league debut over the summer when he got his first chance to train with the senior group.

“I think once we all started training as a group, I felt like I fitted in and I wasn’t too far out of place,” he said.

“Going from under-18s into seniors, the biggest learning curve is the structures and exactly how you line up, and they use lots of different terminology which definitely takes a bit of time to wrap your head around.

“In the 18s, it’s kind of just about ‘go and get the footy’ with a little bit of structure, but seniors is on a completely different level.

“In saying that, the coaches have been really good in preparing and teaching us, and even the players, they teach you a lot and they actually want to help you learn.”

Linke, who is draft-eligible at the end of this year, said he had been given advice about what he needs to work on by both Central District coach Paul Thomas, as well as his state coaches.

He said he did not really have time to make regular appearances back at Tanunda, but with so many of his friends playing at the club, and even family members in administrative positions, he is still a Magpie through and through.