The Talented Player Pathway in South Australia crosses several age groups and consists of 7 State Talent Programs. These programs provide opportunities for both Metropolitan and Country Footballers to develop into Elite Players for their SANFL Local Club.

SANFL Under 15 Intra State Championships
Conducted during the July School Holidays and allows both Metropolitan and Country players an opportunity to represent their league club for the in a State Based competition.

Under 16 Country Talented Player Squad 
Program comprises of 2 camps in January and April, where the 36 most talented country players around SA are nominated by SANFL clubs. This allows country players to be exposed to elite coaching and resources prior to playing in the SANFL U16 competition.

SANFL/SSSSA McDonald's Under 16 State Team
Is a collaborative effort between the SANFL and the South Australian Secondary Schools Sports Association. The team competes in Division 1 of the National Championships against Western Australia and both Victoria Metro and Country. In 2009 the National Championships will be held in West Sydney.

SANFL Under 17 AAMI Youth Championships
Previously know as the Country Youth Championships and allow talented 17 year old players the opportunity to represent their local SANFL Club in a state competition. The main aim from this championship is to identify players that will progress into the SANFL McDonald's Under 18 team for their local SANFL Club.

SANFL McDonald's Under 18 Academy
The Academy provides coaching staff with the opportunity to assist in the development of young footballers to ensure career longevity and success. Coaches are able to monitor player’s development by one on one feedback sessions, SASI fitness testing and trial matches. The Academy includes 1 camp and 1 week of training with concludes with an internal trial match. Players then return to their SANFL Clubs where SANFL Academy coaches will monitor them in the lead up to selection in the SANFL McDonald's U18 State Team.

SANFL McDonald's Under 18 State Team
Competes in the Under 18 National Championships each year and as a result, over the years, has had many players drafted to AFL Clubs straight out of these championships. 5 National Championship Matches are played with the best performing team being crowned U18 National Champions.

SANFL Under 20 State Team
Was introduced back in 2000 to play the U18 State Team in a trial game to assist in their build up to the National Championships. It also provides an excellent opportunity for SANFL Players in the 19 to 20 years age group to showcase their talents to AFL Recruiting Staff.