AN ANZAC Day special clash sees Glenelg taking on Sturt down at the Bay in what should be an intriguing contest for both sides. The ladder-leading Tigers are strong favourites given their form, but have shown some vulnerability over the last few weeks, while Sturt remains a competitive force, albeit in seventh spot.

FORM

Both these sides are coming in off a win after Glenelg shook off a determined Eagles side in the second half last week, making it back-to-back wins since a disappointing loss to South Adelaide. Sturt has had an inconsistent 2024 season, but grabbed the points last round against cellar dwellers North Adelaide. Incredibly, if the Double Blues got up, they would temporarily sit fourth spot – and possible even third – indicating just how close the ladder is this season.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Glenelg: 6
Sturt: 6
Draw: 1

These teams could not be more even over the years, with each side having won six matches, along with the Adelaide Oval draw back in Round 6 of the 2021 season. Since that draw, neither side has won consecutive matches. With Glenelg beating Sturt by 26 points earlier this year, is a Double Blues upset on the cards to keep the run going?

TEAMS

Glenelg:

B: Renee Wurfel (3), Alex Walker (24)
HB: Ellen Tyminski (18), Marie Martino (15), Lauren Edwards (34)
C: Sam Franson (5), Lucy Armitage (8), Mel Hinge (1)
HF: Madi Freeman (2), Jorja Eldridge (33), Jordan Horne (11)
F: Shay’Lee Dayman (4), Jess Searle (23)
R: Alex Pearce (30), Violet Patterson (6), Jess Bates (29)
INT: Jo Miller (32), Poppy Scholz (20), Grace Duffy (10), Tamsyn Morriss (12), Eloise Mackereth (9)

Sturt

B: Lily Whitcombe (24), Sarah Wallace (37)
HB: Sophie Thredgold (17), Winnie Thornquest (25), Tahlia Walker (18)
C: Claudia Edmonds (22), Kate Harris (23), Summer Ross (42)
HF: Monique Bessen (16), Georgia Swan (3), India Rasheed (6)
F: Abby Pengelly (7), Georgia King (55)
R: Millie McCarthy (1), Alisha Gepp (15), Isobel Kuiper (2)
INT: Grace Powell (11), Isabella Drew (28), Amy Brooks-Birve (44), Ruby Cunningham (5), Hannah Prenzler (20), Jaimee Wittervan (35), Molly Fletcher (31)

CHANGES

Glenelg has made the two changes from last week with Round 7’s late withdrawal Tamsyn Morriss returning alongside Grace Duffy, as Shae Partington and Alice Bradley drop back to emergencies.

AFLW DRAFT WATCH

Both sides have plenty of AFLW Draft talent highlighted by three of the best top-agers this season. Glenelg duo Poppy Scholz and Violet Patterson will no doubt cross paths with Sturt ball magnet India Rasheed at some stage, while fellow Double Blue Monique Bessen is one of a number of bottom-age prospects including teammates Sophie Thredgold and Edwina Thornquest, and Bays Eloise Mackereth and Jordan Horne

STATS THAT MATTER

Glenelg generates more scoring shots than any other side, and limits the amount of scoring shots the opposition has at the same time,. The Bays’ accuracy is what hurts though, ranked seventh in the competition, though only one place behind Sturt. The Double Blues are better in the marks category, while both sides are ranked top three in clearances which means it is likely to be decided around the source.

PREDICTION

History says it is Sturt’s time to get up, though Glenelg is in much better form. Being at the Bay, it is hard to tip against the ladder leaders, though the Double Blues are always a side that can surprise, and are generally good at reducing opponent’s from scoring.