WHILE South Australia’s representative stars underwent one final trial before next week’s National Championships opener, the SANFL Under 18s competition rolled on. Some players had plenty to prove, as others enjoyed a rise in responsibility across the latest round of action. We recap all four fixtures in this week’s wrap.

>> Scouting Notes: SA Under 18s vs. Under 20s

Woodville-West Torrens 12.7 (79) def. Central Districts 3.8 (26)

Woodville-West Torrens earned its third win of the season with a comprehensive victory over Central District at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval on Thursday night. Three goals to Eagles forwards Hunter Carter and Declan O’Dea helped their side go a game clear of Centrals at the bottom of the ladder.

Talented tall Patrick Weckert played just his third game for the season and performed strongly, having spent most of his time with Prince Alfred College. He took nine marks to go with 17 disposals and two goals, while Jedd Thomson accumulated 27 possessions and eight marks. Jacob Battle (23 disposals and six marks) and Brody Mair (23 disposals, eight marks and nine tackles) were other Eagles to impress.

Austin McDonald was a rare shining light for the Bulldogs, dominating through the midfield to finish with 35 possessions, six marks, seven tackles and a game-high nine clearances. In a feel-good story for Centrals, over-ager Shay Linke returned to football after breaking his arm and fracturing his sacrum in a freak boating accident just weeks before last year’s National Draft. Clubs will have been impressed to see Linke gather 18 disposals, four marks, six tackles and three clearances despite the loss. Consistent bottom-ager Trent Tattoli managed 25 disposals, seven marks, eight tackles and booted one of only three goals for the ‘Dogs.

Norwood 13.18 (96) def. West Adelaide 5.10 (40)

Norwood made a statement by easily eclipsing West Adelaide under Friday night lights at the Parade. Will Rowlands starred for the Redlegs, booting four goals from 17 possessions. Taj Rahui caused headaches for the Bloods defenders all day, but finished with 1.3 in front of goal. Josh Bradford accumulated 25 disposals, six marks and six clearances, while Jacob Jones managed 21 touches, six tackles, four clearances and six inside 50s. Beau Baldwin booted three majors for the home side in a win which saw Norwood leapfrog the Bloods into the top four.

Tom Scully returned to the Bloods’ set-up after missing last week’s game due to state football commitments. He was wayward in front of goal, booting 2.3, but created excellent separation on the lead and looked dangerous playing as the deepest forward. Scully took eight marks to go with his nine disposals. Tyson Coe once again led the Westies midfield, racking up 21 possessions, four tackles and eight clearances, while school teammate Darcy Minchella was good in a variety of roles, winning 22 hit-outs while also laying eight tackles and finishing with five rebound 50s.

Sturt 11.7 (73) def. Glenelg 11.10 (76)

Glenelg showed plenty of spirit to fend-off a fast finishing Sturt to stay in touch with North Adelaide atop the Under 18s ladder. Despite conceding the lead late in the final term, two goals to Jayden Davis gave Glenelg the three-point win.

Davis finished the game with four goals, playing a pivotal role for the Bays alongside Harvey Lambert (nine disposals and two goals) up forward. The Glenelg engine room was strong all game, with Ollie McInnes (25 disposals, four marks, five inside 50s and four rebounds), Hayden Brokensha (23 possessions and eight tackles) and Ben Ridgway (22 disposals, six tackles, four clearances and a goal) leading the way alongside returning Sacred Heart on-ballers Charlie Hildyard, Bowen Payne and Jake Pavia-Amato. Talented utility Ashton Moir was kept to just 10 touches in the win.

Sturt full-forward Chad Reschke threatened to win the game off his own boot by kicking five goals and three behinds from his 12 disposals and five marks. Consistent performers Cormac Dwyer and Luca Slade were both effective for the Double Blues, notching up 21 disposals each. Dwyer’s clearance work was particularly noteworthy. Kobe McEntee managed 19 disposals of his own, to go with six tackles and four clearances in the tough loss.

North Adelaide 18.8 (116) def. South Adelaide 6.6 (42)

North Adelaide continued its stunning form by dominating South Adelaide at Prospect Oval. Ethan Walker was the star of the show for the Roosters, booting a game-high five goals. Oliver Dignan booted four and Jed Dignan chipped in with two of his own as the Roosters boosted their percentage.

With a number of stars missing the game due to state commitments, skipper James White led from the front, managing 28 disposals, six tackles and nine clearances through the middle. Hughen Wissman collected 23 disposals, 11 tackles, seven inside 50s and two goals in a well-rounded performance, while Henry Wicks and Harper Montgomery also featured among North’s best.

Angus Bradley was a lone hand for the Panthers, winning 30 disposals, six marks, seven tackles, six clearances, five inside 50s and two goals in a scintillating showing. In a game where no other Panther managed more than 20 disposals, Bradley was everywhere for the visitors. Shade Evans and Jordan Hooper booted two goals apiece, while Blake Rodrigues and Cameron Kirkland were others who performed well in trying circumstances.