That is the opinion of Matt Rendell, recruiting manager for the Adelaide Football Club.

Rendell based his judgment after watching Waldhuter represent South Australia at last week’s national under 16 championships in Sydney.

The Australian Football League (AFL) hope to introduce a West Sydney team to their competition some time after the 2010 season.

They would follow another new franchise, Gold Coast, already in existence through a youth team, and which will join the main competition in 2011.

Rendell said as part of West Sydney’s development, in 2010 they would be able to select 12 young players before they were eligible for the draft.

“On what I’ve seen, Josh would be a standout for that group,” Rendell said.

“He’s got a strong body, is hard at it and an impressive footballer.”

Waldhuter was named in the best players for South Australia in their three games in Sydney which resulted in wins over Western Australia and Vic Metro.

Last Friday they suffered a 50-point loss to Vic Country but get the chance for revenge on AFL grand final day, Saturday, September 26 when the two sides clash again in the championship final.

Rendell was also impressed by Angaston’s Steve Rusca during the championships.

“Steve was very good in the first game against Western Australia and also had a good carnival.”

Scott Stevens, development manager for Central District Football Club, was not surprised both Waldhuter and Rusca had attracted the attention of the AFL recruiters at the carnival.

“They are both good young players who attack the ball well but have to work on the defensive aspects of their game,” Stevens said.

Rendell also had good words for another Angaston youth, Jack Hannath who played for SA in the recent under 18s championship.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he is picked up in the National Draft later this year. He was one of few ruckman who impressed in the under 18s.”