AFTER going down in their opening round clash, Central District flipped the script on Sturt to come away 16-point victors in the SANFL Under 18s on Saturday. Having led comfortably for much of the game, six consecutive Double Blue goals brought the margin back to two points with 10 minutes left, but the Bulldogs steadied to prevail 10.15 (75) to 8.11 (59) at Thebarton Oval.

Eight state Under 18 squad members took to the field, and we noted each of their performances.

Sturt 8.11 (59) def. by Central District 10.15 (75)

STURT:

#18 Cameron Kelly
Defender | 180cm | 07/02/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles

Other Sturt defenders filled their boots on Saturday, leaving only 12 touches for Kelly. Of them, 11 were kicks and he often looked to contribute to the Double Blues’ quick ball movement out of the back half. He offered a short outlet from kick-ins and helped form a wall behind the ball, sending it back from whence it came with long kicks. Among his best moments was an intercept mark at the back of a defensive 50 pack in term three.

#36 Harley Barker
Wing | 187cm | 02/05/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 4 inside 50s

Barker took some time to get going but showcased his upside as a tall and rangy wingman. The bottom-ager had a prominent third quarter, retrieving loose balls on the outside and positioning well to contest clearing kicks from both sides. He read the play shrewdly and dropped back to support the defence as any wingman should. He moved nicely once he got his hands on the ball too, shifting around opponents and turning towards goal.

#54 Sam Waltham
Ruck/Forward | 194cm | 05/01/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 17 hitouts

Winning a game-high 17 hitouts, Waltham showcased his aerial prowess by throwing himself at several contests and looking to impose himself there. He looked best when meeting the ball full chested or crashing through opponents, albeit with some awkward or clumsy moments. After taking no marks in the first half, he popped for a couple thereafter.

Others:

The likes of Jett Dahlitz (20 disposals, six marks) and Felix Katsaros (18 disposals) were prominent in the Double Blues’ defence, moving the ball in transition with nine rebound 50s apiece. Kobee Dabinett got busy around the ball, while tall Jasper Maher (two goals) and the competitive Ned Atkinson (three) were viable targets in the forward half.

CENTRAL DISTRICT:

#16 Joshua Reichelt
Defender | 180cm | 18/06/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 7 marks, 3 rebound 50s

A defender who accumulates across the back half, Reichelt got busier as the game wore on. He took on the kick-in duties and mostly looked to go by foot throughout the day, but was also quite neat by hand. Operating on a high line, the bottom-ager began to chain possessions and carry the ball in term three while getting length on his kicks to launch into more dangerous areas.

#20 Dyson Sharp
Midfielder | 188cm | 23/05/2007

Stats: 32 disposals, 9 marks, 7 clearances

Already a known quantity and one of the top prospects for next year, it was another very Sharp-like performance. The big-bodied midfielder was near impossible to take down at stoppages, standing up in tackles and dishing the ball off calmly while absorbing contact. His handling was clean and disposal efficient, never rushed under pressure. Sharp also rested forward after doing the tough stuff on-ball but couldn’t quite prise a goal. When his tail was up, so were the Bulldogs.

#30 Tallan Rosenzweig
Tall Forward | 197cm | 08/09/2006

Stats: 7 disposals, 2 goals, 3 behinds

After a four-goal haul last week, Rosenzweig again chalked up a high number of scoring shots but could only muster two majors this time out. He was utilised as the main marking target inside 50, booting both his goals at one end of the ground – including the sealer from a set shot in term four. Plenty of chances came his way, but the left-footer’s finishing could have been sharper.

#33 James Noack
Ruck | 198cm | 24/11/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 4 marks, 16 hitouts

Noack was Centrals District’s primary ruck and had plenty of centre bounces rise to his advantage. He backed up his 16 hitouts with some skilful work around the ground and helped his side form a wall to lock the ball into its attacking half. For a 198cm player, his ball use was quite neat and he provided two goal assists in the first half.

#37 Charlie Nicholls
Tall Forward | 197cm | 08/06/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 7 marks, 2 goals

The Bulldogs’ attacking centrepiece was at his best on Saturday, presenting up the ground and joining in on open play. He looked nimble as a marking target and got off the leash when leading, showcasing fluent mechanics and fundamental skills. Nicholls became Centrals’ first multiple goalkicker with his set shot conversion in term three and was the best looking tall prospect afield.

Others:

Along with Nicholls and Rosenzweig, Enrique Mazzeo got on the board with two goals as another tall target inside 50. Ryan Lane-Ellis had claims for being best afield, racking up 36 touches and 10 marks in a massive shift through midfield and defence. Fellow on-ballers Tom Cochrane (18 disposals, one goal) and Brodie Wills (19 disposals, nine marks) also dug in.