THIS week saw the commencement of the first week of South Australian National Football League (SANFL) finals. We review the notable performances of the SA draft talent, including those invited to combines.

League:

Playing in the Eagles’ 21-point win over Sturt, Jack Lukosius was dominant in the first half when given some space by his opponents and hurt them by hitting up marks across the wing and half forward, then lacing out his teammates with his kicks. And if he couldn’t grab it, he caused a contest. Finished with 18 disposals, including seven marks.

For Sturt, mature-ager Shane McAdam kicked two goals from his 11 possessions, as well as a couple of crucial contested marks.

North Adelaide defeated South by 20 points in the Elimination Final, and for the Roosters mature-ager Cal Wilkie was again solid across half-back with his intercept marking and rebound. Wilkie finished with 19 disposals including eight marks. Connor Rozee was also effective playing between the arcs with his 15 disposals and looked most effective helping the rebound from defence. Boyd Woodcock playing up forward had the nine disposals and was always looking to find space and apply pressure.

For South, Nathan Kreuger started well with a mark and first goal of the day and always looked dangerous, finishing with nine disposals.

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Reserves:

Centrals defeated West by 25 points in the Elimination Final. Jackson Hately for Centrals playing as a midfield/forward was in the best with his 27 disposals, eight clearances, seven tackles and two goals.  However it was his work inside getting his hands on the footy at the clearance and dishing to teammates which was impressive, as well as then being able to slide forward and hit the scoreboard. Teammate and defender Jez McLennan was also solid with his 18 disposals and seven marks. And again it was his composure in getting the footy in the back half and using it well, combined with rebound run which was impressive. Aaron Nietschke with 22 disposals including a goal was solid all day and played an outside role with some poise.

In a game of two halves, North triumphed by 10 points over Glenelg after being down by 25 points at half-time. For the Roosters, forward Oscar Chapman (backing up from his five goals and 10 marks from last week) worked just as hard for his nine disposals including six marks and showed desperation in applying forward pressure.

For Glenelg, small forward Declan Carmody was in the best with his 11 disposals, two goals and eight marks, and it was his contested marking which was a real highlight. Midfielder Tobin Cox was also good with his 22 disposals, seven tackles, seven clearances and one goal, working hard around the ground all day, even after being crunched backing into a marking contest just before half time. Finn Betterman had 13 disposals and was solid, particularly in the first half, getting things done with a minimum of fuss.

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U18s:

In the elimination final, Norwood defeated North Adelaide by 37 points. Norwood’s high possession game was reflected in a number of performances. Under 17 talent, Dylan Stephens was best with his 28 disposals, nine marks, 11 inside 50s and four goals. Winger Jacob Kennerley was prolific with 39 disposals including 14 marks and seven clearances and also managed a goal to also be in the bests. Kade Chandler joined him with his 22 disposals, seven clearances and one goal coupled with his fierce attack on the ball. Isaac Saywell with 27 disposals was effective for the Redlegs and was named in the bests. Jacob Collins had 21 disposals and Ben Jarvis had 13 disposals whilst also pinch-hitting in the ruck and finished with one goal.

The Eagles defeated South by seven points in thriller coming from 19 points down midway through the last quarter. Bottom-agers Jackson Mead and Kozzie Pickett were best, with Mead having 22 disposals and two goals, and Pickett with his 16 disposals and when thrown in the middle in the last quarter sparked the comeback. Kai Pudney also had 25 disposals playing through the middle.

For South, midfielder Tom Sparrow was at his best with 27 disposals (21 kicks), seven clearances and 10 ferocious tackles. Lively small forward Jake Tarca with three goals (and seven frees against) was also named in the bests, whilst Hayden Sampson had 16 disposals mostly contested seven clearances, but looked sore. Tate Coleman had 22 disposals including a goal and six tackles. U17 forward Daniel Sladojevic was also named in the bests with his three goals and eight marks (five of which were contested).

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This weekend’s games:

League: Norwood v Eagles, Sturt v North

Reserves: Norwood v North, Glenelg v Centrals

U18s: South v Norwood, Eagles Bye