



NORWOOD-TURNED-ADELAIDE wingman Anthony Wilson's former coach Ben Warren can't imagine anyone in the AFL matching the rookie's leg speed

Wilson shone for the Redlegs during this year's SANFL finals series, helping the club claim a third-straight premiership.

The 22-year-old broke into the senior side on Anzac Day and didn't look back, playing 16 games and kicking 13 goals from half-forward and the wing.

His goal of the match against Adelaide in round seven showcased his blistering pace and incredible agility when he beat his opponent Riley Knight to the ball before turning on a dime to run into an open goal.

Warren, who played 231 SANFL matches, took over as Norwood coach this year from now-Essendon assistant Nathan Bassett, having played in the Redlegs' past two flags.

He told AFL.com.au Wilson was the fastest player in the SANFL and would push for the same title at the next level.

Warren also tipped the slightly built 181cm wingman to develop rapidly in an elite environment.

"You never see him get run down at our level, there's obviously some pretty fast men in the AFL but if you can get the ball to space to him I doubt there would be anyone who could catch him," Warren said.

"Jarman Impey (Port Adelaide) was struggling to catch him in the Grand Final and he's pretty fast.

"His improvement was quite rapid from his first game in the Anzac Day clash against North Adelaide at Adelaide Oval to the Grand Final where he was such an integral part of our team in the end.

"At Norwood he was studying teaching and working part-time so in a full-time environment I think you'll again see some rapid improvement in his game."

But speed is worthless unless a player has the skill to dispose of the ball.

While further work is required to bring Wilson's kicking up to AFL standard, Warren said the development he saw in 2014 suggested he was capable of quick improvement.

"His kicking had improved significantly from last year," he said.

"It's been a real focus for him – his foot skills – running at top speed and then trying to kick drop punts isn't easy.

"He certainly got better, he had a good year and is a terrific young man so I think he'll fit in pretty well at the Adelaide Crows.

"He's very switched on and just wants to improve and be, not only the best player he can be but the best person he can be."