SOUTH Australia’s perfect form in the Under 18s continued with a good win over the WWT Eagles without a number of stars including Jack Lukosius and Izak Rankine. Meanwhile there was plenty of top-age and over-age talent performing across all levels of SANFL on the weekend.

South Australia Under 18s

South Australia 9.20 (74) defeated WWT Eagles 5.5 (35)

Goals: Hugo Munn 2, Job Colwell 2, Boyd Woodcock 2, Oscar Chapman 2, Kade Chandler.
Best:  Martin Frederick, Kade Chandler, Connor Rozee, Luke Valente, Oscar Chapman, Finn Betterman, Jake Tarca

South Australia’s Under 18 state squad had a hit-out on the weekend and provided some players an opportunity to push for selection and some of top end talent were rested and some released to SANFL sides.

The game was marred with poor kicking, especially in the last term with nine points kicked by the SA side. The SA side was rotated in game, with some players only playing a half as coach Tony Bamford looked to give opportunities for others to push for selection. Martin Frederick performed strongly all game, and Finn Betterman and Kade Chandler pushed their chance for a call up for the next match.

South Australia will again start favourites in their home match against Vic Country to be played Sunday, June 17 at Adelaide Oval commencing at 11am.

SANFL LEAGUE

West Adelaide regained Izak Rankine for their match against Norwood, and the youngster slotted three goals, but did cause some last quarter free reversals and Norwood ended up winning by one-point. South Australia squad member James Siviour played his first League game for the Redlegs.

Port Magpies recorded a solid win over Centrals and AFL players Lindsay Thomas and Dom Barry continue to push for a Power call-up. WWT Eagles defeated Adelaide easily and James Rowe earned a SANFL Breakthrough player nomination in only his third League game.

Glenelg went down in a narrow loss to League leaders North Adelaide, young debutant for Glenelg, Jack Yates was impressive, while former Crow Keenan Ramsey finished with three goals for the Roosters. South pipped Sturt by eight points and South’s Nathan Krueger who missed being drafted in 2018 was good with three goals while 2018 South Australian Under 18 state squad member Tate Coleman finished with 12 disposals.

SANFL RESERVES

Centrals continued their good season with a win over Port Magpies. Youngster Rhett Montgomorie proving best with 22 disposals, while Malachai Ahmatt-Lovett played his first Reserves game and finished with three goals. Jack Strange was best for the Magpies.

Norwood was no match for West Adelaide and lost by 65 points. After a league debut last week, Elliot Dunkin was best for the Bloods with a classy 21-disposal game.

Sturt easily defeated South, and consistent ball magnet Ed Allan was best for the Double Blues, while for South underage talent Daniel Sladojevic debuted for the Panthers and finished with three goals. Glenelg secured a close four-point win over North and underage talent Brady Searle again showed poise with a two-goal haul for the Tigers. South Australian 2017 state squad members Alex Martini and Sam Davis were also solid for the Bays.

SANFL U18S

Sturt managed a victory over a young South Adelaide side by 50 points. Anzac Lochowiak (brother of Mihail) was good up forward finishing with four goals from 12 possessions. South’s Tom Sparrow again was hard in and under finishing with five tackles, and Sacred Heart College (SHC) youngster Zac Dumensy showed absolute poise and class finishing with five goals for the Panthers in a lone hand.

Glenelg struggled against North Adelaide, despite some College players back in the team. Bailey Coleman-Oakes again found plenty of the ball with 27 disposals and eight tackles, while Luke Edwards (son of Tyson) was Glenelg’s best.

For the Bloods in their seven-point win over Norwood, SHC student Ethan Moore was a standout in the midfield finishing with 11 tackles while forward Noah Hannagan was excellent with four goals. Norwood’s talented Jacob Kennerley continues his improvement and again was best with 32 disposals and one goal.

COLLEGE AND SCHOOL FOOTY

All Colleges had the week off from footy with all players released back to SANFL clubs.  This weekend sees the first round of Premier League after promotion and relegation with Westminster and Scotch College pushing into the Premier League with Immanuel and St Michaels dropping out. The next six weeks will determine the State Champions with Prince Alfred and Rostrevor favourites, but no doubt Sacred Heart and St Peters keen to make their way in the second half of the year.