WOODVILLE-West Torrens sent a statement to the SANFL Under 18 competition by knocking off ladder leader Sturt in their Round 11 clash. The reigning premiers jumped into second spot with the 25-point victory at Unley Oval, still three points shy of the Double Blues with seven rounds to play.

Remarkably, six of the eight Eagles to kick goals scored multiples in what was their side’s biggest total for the season – 16.10 (106). The Double Blues couldn’t find an answer for the scoreboard pressure, especially after conceding seven majors in term two to head into the main break 30 points adrift.

Only a handful of state Under 18 squad members featured at the level, with Sturt fielding onballer Noah Roberts-Thomson and tall defender Blake Thredgold, who returned from a hand injury. The former was among the eight players from either side to feature in this week’s Scouting Notes.

STURT 3.2 | 6.4 | 9.6 | 12.9 (81)
EAGLES 4.2 | 11.4 | 13.6 | 16.10 (106)

GOALS:
Sturt: R. Davies 3, I. Wilkinson 3, J. White 2, E. Davies, G. James, N. Roberts-Thomson, L. Werts
Eagles: J. Mumford 3, J. Russell 3, J. Hall 2, L. Russel 2, L. Sands 2, F. Wilson 2, M. Farrugia, J. Marks

BEST:
Sturt: N. Roberts-Thomson, I. Wilkinson, J. Moody, A. Huxtable, T. Turnbull
Eagles: J. Russell, M. Farrugia, L. Sands, J. Hill, J. Hall

STURT:

#6 Will Ekberg | Midfielder
Stats: 18 disposals, 7 tackles, 6 clearances, 6 inside 50s

Ekberg had the ability to burst through stoppages for fun. His power and core strength meant he was able to get past opponents.  He was clean and quick with his hands, while he was able to send the ball inside forward 50 for his forwards.  When the opposition had the ball, he turned the aggressor, tackling, and wrapping up the ball carrier. 

#26 Noah Roberts-Thomson | Midfielder
Stats: 23 disposals, 11 tackles, 5 clearances, 1 goal

The complete game for a midfielder. Roberts-Thomson won clearance after clearance and was able to drive the ball inside forward 50. Much like Ekberg, he was also able to run down opposition with his tackling. Around goal, Roberts-Thomson knows how to use the ball with maximum damage. He kicked a wonderful goal from the boundary line as he proved his class at Thomas Farms Oval. 

#46 Ivan Wilkinson | Forward
Stats: 10 disposals, 5 marks, 3 goals

The most dangerous forward on the ground, able to take marks or crash and bash packs in the air. However, once the ball hit the deck, Wilkinson was also able to recover the ball and impact positively for the Double Blues. Wilkinson ventured outside the forward 50 too, and was able to deliver the ball for his fellow forwards. 

#58 Julian Dawson | Ruck
Stats: 6 disposals, 4 marks, 32 hitouts

While Ekberg and Roberts-Thomson won first possession, Dawson was the one who got the tap for his midfielders. He dominated in the ruck, and aside from his tap work, he was able to get around the ground and present well for Sturt. Three of his four marks for the day were contested, indicating great aerial strength. 

Others:

Jackson Moody (21 disposals, six clearances) was also incredible with his consistent ball winning ability for the Double Blues. Ryan Davies (11 disposals, three goals) offered a dangerous option up forward, as he was able to win the ball both in the air and on the ground. State squad member Blake Thredgold (nine disposals, four marks, six rebound 50s) was also great in defence upon his return from a broken hand.

WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS:

#2 Jamie Russell | Midfielder
Stats: 25 disposals, 10 tackles, 8 clearances, 3 goals

Russell was incredible, winning the ball from the centre and proving a massive reason for the Eagles getting the points. Russell demanded the football on both the inside and outside, and offered scoreboard pressure with three goals. His forward stoppage work was great to watch as he lost his direct opponent and won the ball. Russell also sent the ball inside 50 to the advantage of his forwards and tackled hard all day.

#15 Lachlan Sands | Midfielder
Stats: 23 disposals, 7 tackles, 8 inside 50s, 2 goals

Russell’s partner in crime, Sands was a willing sidekick. With two goals of his own, Sands presented as he won the ball outside and helped drive it inside 50. He managed to be the link for the Eagles as they transitioned the ball from defence and generated end-to-end scores.

#18 Jack Mumford | Forward
Stats: 10 disposals, 6 marks, 4 inside 50s, 3 goals

The Eagles’ key forward was excellent. Mumford was able to terrorise the defence as he flew for the football. He also wasn’t afraid to get up the ground, but was most damaging when he was leading at his midfielders, demanding the ball inside 50.  Mumford stayed engaged to impact when the football hit the ground, and was able to use his agility to create chances. 

#21 Frederick Wilson | Ruck/Forward
Stats: 11 disposals, 4 marks, 11 hitouts, 2 goals

Wilson’s ruck work is already well documented, but he has added the ability to hit the scoreboard in recent weeks. He was able to take a good marks inside forward 50, and had nice positioning as he won the aerial battle. On two of three occasions, he kicked truly to slot major scores.

Others:

Max Farrugia (20 disposals) fed the ball out to his teammates and was also able to break forward to kick a goal. Jake Hall (15 disposals, two goals) also offered plenty of run on the outside, while Luke Russel kicked two goals for the game.  Hunter Rowe provided drive off half-back for the Eagles, as he had seven rebound 50s for the match. 

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STATE SQUAD MEMBERS

Kodah Edwards (South Adelaide) – 27 disposals, 6 marks, 8 clearances, 1 goal
Ethan Herbert (North Adelaide) – 23 disposals, 5 marks, 20 hitouts, 10 clearances
Noah Roberts-Thomson (Sturt) – 23 disposals, 11 tackles, 5 clearances, 1 goal
Blake Thredgold (Sturt) – 9 disposals, 4 marks, 6 rebound 50s
Archie Van dyk (South Adelaide) – 24 disposals, 10 marks, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

ROUND 11 RESULTS

Sturt 12.9 (81) def. by Woodville-West Torrens 16.10 (106)
South Adelaide 14.18 (102) def. Norwood 4.8 (32)
North Adelaide 11.10 (76) def. West Adelaide 8.10 (58)
Glenelg 4.7 (31) def. by Central District 15.9 (99) 

SANFL U18s LADDER

1. Sturt | 8-2-1 | 56.7%
2. Woodville-West Torrens | 7-4 | 51.1%
3. Central District | 6-5 | 55.8%
4. Glenelg | 6-5 | 48.2%
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5. North Adelaide | 5-6 | 46.9%
6. West Adelaide 4-6-1 | 46.9%
7. South Adelaide | 4-7 | 53.5%
8. Norwood | 3-8 | 40.9%