FRESH off a SANFL Under 18s Grand Final berth in 2024, Central District is primed for another title tilt as its talented junior crop continues to mature. Running defender Joshua Reichelt is among that group, entering his top-age campaign with eyes on breaking through for a state Under 18 debut.

We spoke to Reichelt during Sunday’s SANFL Under 18s preseason testing event.

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PRESEASON Q&A:

Q: Joshua, can you talk me through your earliest footballing memories?

JR: I’ve been playing footy all my life. The youngest I can remember is Auskick at Angaston, I’m from the Barossa. I played all my juniors through at Nuriootpa, and then ended up down at Centrals.

Q: Did you play any other sports growing up?

JR: I played just about everything; soccer, basketball, tennis, cricket. Whatever you can think of I probably did it… I was a high-level basketballer as well, down at Adelaide division basketball.

Q: What has it been like being part of the state squad and getting to play in last year’s Futures match?

JR: They’ve had a big influence. Playing at MCG lets me know how much closer it’s getting and what the big stage is like… [I’ve learned] to just keep grounded and keep working at it.

Q: How has your preseason been so far?

JR: It’s been pretty good. I’ve had a couple of injuries with my hip flexors and stuff. But I’m working through that and got the same 2km time which is good. I’m definitely becoming more of a leader and getting the most out of myself.

Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?

JR: A running half-back. Handball receives, hitting that inside kick, dangerous kick, taking the game on a little bit. That’s what I do.

Q: Building on that, what are the core strengths of your game?

JR: My kicking, my run-and-carry, and then my decision making. 

Q: What are the things you’re still looking to improve on?

JR: My contested game. I’ve been training with the mids most of preseason so that’s definitely developing, which is good. And then probably just the one-on-one defending behind the ball.

Q: Do you watch a lot of footy?

JR: Yeah, all the time… I support the Crows.

Q: Are there any players you try to mould your game on?

JR: There’s a couple. Jack Sinclair from the Saints, his run-and-carry and hitting that dangerous inside kick. Just players like that.

Q: Have you set up any goals for the year?

JR: I definitely want to start off the year playing well and then play some state games. I was a bottom-ager last year in the state program and didn’t get to play any games, so hopefully I’ll do that and build off it.

Q: Are there any state or club teammates you’re backing to have a big year?

JR: I reckon Sam Cumming and Blake [Oudshoorn-Bennier]. They’ve had probably one of the better preseasons among the boys in the academy. Definitely watch out for them.

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