IT was a bad weekend to be the home side in the SANFL Under 18s, with three of four hosts suffering losses in a round where ladder position counted for plenty. Among the victors, North Adelaide got back on the winners list, while Sturt set up the biggest margin with a huge win over Central District. That, and more in our Round 10 wrap.

>> Caught the Eye: South Australia’s U18s take on NSW-ACT

West Adelaide 8.18 (66) def. by Glenelg 13.8 (86) 

Glenelg recorded its seventh win of the season, defeating a wasteful West Adelaide side by 20 points. With just a point splitting the teams at the main break, West couldn’t make the most of their opportunities, managing just 1.12 in the second half, while the Tigers piled on six goals without reply, to run away winners.  

Jameson Whitbourne (24 disposals, nine tackles, one goal) was one of the best for the home side, while Oscar Talbot (19 disposals and 22 hitouts) was influential through the ruck. Adam Bunworth (19 disposals, eight tackles, four clearances) won a bit of the football and applied himself defensively, while Kade Hilton (19 disposals, one goal) and Liam Westdijk (18 disposals, seven marks) were solid contributors for Bloods.  

For Glenelg, Hayden Brokensha found plenty of the ball across half-back, finishing with a game-high 34 disposals and 13 rebounds from defensive 50. Ethan Murdock (24 disposals, nine inside 50s, two goals) and Jayden Davis (22 disposals, seven inside 50s, four goals) did their best work in front of goal, while Kynan Dunn was competitive in the ruck wit 16 disposals, 14 hitouts and six clearances. Ben Ridgway, Will Trevena, Kalan Shanks and Noah Sims all managed more than 20 possessions in a well-balanced performance from the visitors.  

 Norwood 6.13 (49) def. by North Adelaide 11.8 (74)

North Adelaide got back on the winners list with an impressive second half display against Norwood. After managing just two goals to half time, the Roosters piled on nine second half goals to secure the win.  

Angus Tully (24 disposals, six clearances, nine inside 50’s, two goals) was one of his sides’ best, while skipper James White (22 disposals, nine tackles) was also important through the middle of the ground. Jake Grubb managed 13 rebound 50s from his 19 disposals (all kicks), while Oliver Dignan and Ethan Walker both topped the goalkicking list with three majors each.  

Norwood was well serviced by Josh Bradford (22 disposals, nine clearances, eight inside 50s) through the middle of the ground, while Thomas Laas (16 disposals, three goals) was the only multiple goalkicker for the home side. Alex Van Wyk (12 disposals, 29 hitouts, five clearances) was again influential through the ruck, while Dannen Blacker contributed 14 rebound 50s from his 17 disposals. SA Talent Hub members Taj Rahui and Riley Verrall collected 15 and 14 possessions respectively.

Central District 5.3 (33) def. by Sturt 19.9 (123) 

Sturt held Central District to just a single behind in the second half and piled on 10 goals themselves to cruise to an emphatic 90-point victory. Patrick Tideman (28 disposals, nine inside 50s, four goals) capped off a best on ground performance with 3 last quarter goals.

George Pope (24 disposals, six clearances, six tackles) continued his strong form, while Thomas McCourt (21 disposals, five clearances, seven inside 50s, two goals) and Lachlan Murphy (24 disposals, two goals) were influential for the Double Blues.  

Austin McDonald won plenty of the ball in a losing effort, finishing with a game-high 31 possessions, 13 clearances and eight inside 50s for the Bulldogs. He had some support from fellow midfielder Tresore Ndolimana (18 disposals, seven clearances, six tackles) and Joseph Arnold (11 disposals, 21 hitouts) through the ruck.  

South Adelaide 5.17 (47) def. Woodville-West Torrens 4.4 (28) 

South Adelaide eventually overwhelmed its opponent, recording a whopping 59 inside 50s for just five goals and 17 behinds. With just a two-point lead going into the last quarter thanks to poor accuracy in front of goal, the Panthers kicked away late through two last quarter goals from Koby Cockshell, to record a 19-point victory.  

Jack Delean (21 disposals, 10 tackles, three behinds) was one of South’s best and could have had an even bigger day if he’d made the most of his goal scoring opportunities. Cameron Kirkland (24 disposals, five inside 50s, five rebound 50s) covered the ground well and found plenty of the football, while Benny Barrett (18 disposals, eight tackles, eight inside 50s) and Ryan Pearsons (18 disposals, seven inside 50s, five tackles, one goal) were productive for South Adelaide.  

The Eagles were under siege for most of the contest, with Elex Day working to repel the opposition’s efforts, finishing with 27 disposals (25 kicks) and 16 rebound 50s. Jedd Thomson (35 disposals, eight clearances, six tackles, six rebound 50s) and Bailey Arthur (27 disposals, seven clearances, seven tackles) were pivotal in the contest, while Oscar Pearce (19 disposals, eight rebound 50s) and Jordan Tilbrook (19 disposals, 10 tackles) were also good for the visiting side.  

UP THE GRADES:

Finn Reed hit the scoreboard in Central District’s tough loss to Sturt’s reserves. Reed finished with one goal and two behinds from his six disposals. Koby Cockshell backed up his efforts in the U18s on Saturday, with a debut in the Reserves on Sunday. He collected six disposals and laid four tackles in South’s narrow loss to Woodville-West Torrens.  

Max Michalanney received his Norwood guernsey from father and Redlegs legend Jim ahead of his SANFL League debut. Michalanney battled in tough conditions, winning four possessions and laying three tackles in his sides’ loss to top of the table, North Adelaide.