CENTRAL District has set up a top-of-the-table clash with Glenelg in the final SANFL Under 18s home-and-away weekend, after beating third place Sturt in Round 17. In what was effectively an eight-point game among the top three, the Bulldogs saluted by 21 points to go a game clear in second spot.

Centrals trailed at the first break but got going with four goals to one in term two, before going on to prevail 13.9 (87) to 10.6 (66) at X Convenience Oval. The Bulldogs remain a win and percentage adrift to ladder leader Glenelg, who they meet in the ultimate round – potentially to snatch the minor premiership.

It was no surprise to see bottom-age star Dyson Sharp lead all comers with 29 disposals, seven marks and as many clearances. Cameron Nairn booted four goals from 10 marks for the Bulldogs, while Matthew LeRay was also prominent with 23 touches, 11 marks and two goals in the win.

Sturt, which now sits a game off Central District, is still in the hunt for a top two berth pending next week’s results. Kobee Dabinett led the effort with 24 disposals and 11 clearances, and Double Blues tall Alex Dodson (20 disposals, 32 hitouts) continues to prove his case as 2024’s leading ruck prospect.

Meanwhile, Glenelg put one hand on the minor premiership with a thrilling three-point win over North Adelaide, also dampening the Roosters’ finals hopes in one fell swoop. The Bays trailed by a goal or less at each break but took the lead twice in term four and held firm with mature play at the death to salute.

Kallan Bevan starred with 28 disposals and eight clearances for the Tigers, while Riley Shepherdson (four goals) and Conor Gluyas (three) impacted the scoreboard. North duo Oliver Francou (36 disposals, 14 clearances) and Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier (27 disposals, three goals) were also prolific.

Elsewhere in the Under 18s competition, Norwood booted nine of its 13 goals at one end of Flinders University Stadium to beat South Adelaide by 45 points. Despite the result, the Redlegs remain last on the ladder while the reigning premiers boast only one more win in sixth place.

Woodville-West Torrens was the round’s other winner, after defeating West Adelaide by an even four goals. The Eagles’ eight-goal third quarter proved vital as they took the lead and kicked away. Fate is in their hands with a game against South Adelaide left to play, as they occupy the last finals position.

Up at League level, Eagles youngster Kade Herbert made his return from a hip injury with 14 disposals and four tackles against Port Adelaide. Power father-son hopeful Louie Montgomery turned out in the same game and managed nine touches as he continues his audition in front of club recruiters.

Similar could be said for Adelaide-tied forward Tyler Welsh, who had eight disposals in the Crows’ 68-point win over West Adelaide. Meanwhile, South’s Phoenix Hargrave contributed 15 touches and two goals in his side’s heavy loss to Norwood. Fellow Panther and state captain Sid Draper was managed.

A trio of Panthers also turned out in the Reserves grade over the weekend. Namely, they were Dakota Sterzl (13 disposals, four marks), Under 18 captain Jacob Sheean (10 disposals, six tackles), and Port Adelaide Next Generation Academy member Benny Barrett (eight disposals).