THE LADDER leading Sturt has survived an almighty challenge from Central District, who slipped out of the top four for the first time since the conclusion of Round 3 in the SANFL Under 18 competition.  

The Double Blues led by 19 points with 10 minutes to go, but goals to William Cameron, Cameron Nairn, Cameron again cut the margin to just one point with under 30 seconds to go.

Needing a quick clearance and goal from the restart, Central District would fail to get the ball out of the centre and fell agonisingly short of a crucial upset victory, instead sliding to fifth spot.

With just three games left in the minor rounds and a logjam quickly forming on the ladder, small margins may be the difference between wrapping up in August, and playing on the Adelaide Oval in September.

CENTRAL DISTRICT:

#21 William Cameron | Forward
Stats: 10 disposals, 2 marks, 3 goals

Cameron played as a deepest forward for a lot of the day. He has strong aerial abilities and impacted in that domain despite only clunking two marks. When the ball hit the deck, he was quick to react and showcased good goal sense. He has a traditional set shot routine and gave himself the best opportunity in front of the big sticks, converting two late goals to give his side a sniff at victory.

#27 Jack Gordon | Midfielder/Defender
Stats: 31 disposals, 7 tackles, 6 clearances, 1 goal

Since the championships started, Gordon has found another level in his game and his upturn in form has caught some eyes. Against the Double Blues, he was able to win the ball in and under by swooping onto the loose ball, or by getting the football on the outside running from half-back. He has great disposal efficiency and can make the appropriate decisions under pressure. His versatility makes him a valuable prospect, one who will be integral for SA at next year’s national carnival.  

#32 Matthew LeRay | Midfield/Forward
Stats: 22 disposals, 10 tackles, 11 clearances

Speaking of versatility, LeRay can play as a tall resting forward or as a midfielder. Spending a majority of the game as an onballer, the rangy Bulldog was willing to get down and dirty to win the ball, while using his running ability to break from stoppage. To compliment the physical traits which allow him to be that taller midfielder, he also has an elite running capability to play on the wing.  

#39 Aidan Schubert | Ruck/Forward
Stats: 24 disposals, 35 hitouts, 8 clearances, 1 goal

Schubert has been in dominant form since exploding onto the representative scene with South Australia. His ruck craft was brilliant as he was able to work his way to the front. He has great hands above his head and can take the ball at the highest point, taking five marks for the game. Schubert runs hard both ways and is often involved in plays that surge the ball forward. 

Others:

Joshua Reichelt (19 disposals, six marks) drove the ball forward with his elite kicking skills off half-back in another productive outing. Jack Ryan (16 disposals, 22 hitouts) provided a good second option to Schubert, while Dougie Cochrane (14 disposals) won some good football inside forward 50, however his inaccurate finishing led to just one goal from four scoring shots.

STURT:

#23 Noah Mennillo | Forward
Stats: 8 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

Playing up forward, Mennillo exhibited an excellent goal sense. He is agile and has lots of speed that he uses to find the ball on the outside. His small forward craft looks promising as he works well at stoppage. He has the potential to play midfield, which has been seen at times, utilising a great running capacity.

#26 Noah Roberts-Thomson | Midfielder
Stats: 26 disposals, 7 marks, 6 clearances, 1 goal

Outside, inside, or caught mid-tackle, the reliable Roberts-Thomson consistently prised possession for the Double Blues. He has a strong core and is able to work the ball forward by any means. A clever player, Roberts-Thomson has a high footy IQ that wins him the football via his positioning. He can be used in a link-up chain, as he did by penetrating both 50m arcs on Saturday.

#30 Louis Kellaway | Midfielder
Stats: 24 disposals, 5 tackles, 7 clearances

The Tigers father-son hopeful has been giving Richmond fans plenty of reasons to glance across the border. Kellaway is willing to get in and under and use his hands to win the ball out. He’s also explosive through his legs, and is able to get away from stoppages and opponents with the football.

#57 Tadhg Brophy | Ruck
Stats: 15 disposals, 6 tackles, 18 hitouts

Brophy positioned himself well at the ruck contests to give his midfielders occasional use of the football. He does the read the play well and was able to mark the ball at the back or inside forward 50. His work around the ground was another positive as he was able to help his team out in general play. When the ball hit the deck, he was able to win the football in the centre and get it moving forward for the Dogs. It was a tough ask against the Dogs’ ruck combination of Schubert and Ryan.

Others:

Jett Dahlitz (19 disposals, seven rebound 50s) was able to intercept the football in defence and get it moving forward, while Sam White (17 disposals, 10 tackles) wrapped up the opposition with his strength in the contest. Griffin James (8 disposals, two goals) was able to provide a good option with his aerial ability up forward, while in defence, Kale Matthews-Hampton (15 disposals, four rebound 50s) helped distribute the ball efficiently.  

AROUND THE GROUNDS

West Adelaide continued its ascent up the SANFL Under 18 ladder, slotting into third place after defeating North Adelaide by 48 points. The Bloods got going after a scoreless opening quarter to pile on four goals in each of the following terms, running out 12.12 (84) to 5.6 (36) winners.

It was an even team performance from Westies, with top prospect Mitchell Marsh booting 1.3 from 14 disposals and nine marks. Henry Martinella also took nine grabs, but instead kicked 3.2 in the win. Tahi Brain (20 disposals, seven clearances, one goal) was again in the thick of the action.

The Roosters’ loss came despite star performances from state squad members. Skipper Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier led all comers with 27 disposals, while tall defender Bryce Sanders (22 disposals, nine marks) and ruck Ethan Herbert (15 hitouts, six clearances) were also prominent.

Woodville-West Torrens saluted to the tune of 57 points against an inaccurate Norwood to sneak into fourth spot. The Eagles led at every break and kept their opponents goalless at one end of Maughan Thiem Kia Oval, beating the undermanned Redlegs 11.17 (83) to 2.14 (26).

A pair of Eagles were outstanding in the victory. Lively midfielder-forward Zane Peucker booted three goals from 31 touches and seven inside 50s, while Ethan Ashley led all comers with 35 disposals. Tall forward Logan Hughes also did the damage with a game-high four majors.

Glenelg was the round’s other winner, remaining clear in second spot and a mathematical chance of surpassing Sturt for the minor premiership. The Bays beat South Adelaide by 22 points on the road, powering away with five third-quarter goals and holding on despite going without one thereafter.

Jacob McNicol amassed 38 disposals, eight marks, 10 clearances and a goal for the Tigers, flexing his muscle around the ground. Jimmy Hele (26 disposals, one goal) also filled his boots, while Ned McCarthy hit the scoreboard with three goals from 17 touches and seven marks.

Bottom-ager Archie Van dyk continued his prolific ways in the loss, racking up 27 disposals, 10 marks and a goal for South Adelaide. Panthers skipper Jesse Nye was also amongst the action with 25 touches, nine marks, and six clearances, while Kodah Edwards booted two goals.

>> Up the Grades: Redlegs quartet steps up to Reserves grade

ROUND 15 RESULTS

West Adelaide 12.12 (84) def. North Adelaide 5.6 (36)
Woodville-West Torrens 11.17 (83) def. Norwood 2.14 (26)
South Adelaide 7.9 (51) def. by Glenelg 11.7 (73)
Central District 8.5 (53) def. by Sturt 8.6 (54)

SANFL U18 LADDER

1. Sturt | 11-3-1 | 23 points | 57.1%
2. Glenelg | 9-6 | 18 points | 50.0%
3. West Adelaide | 8-6-1 | 17 points | 49.5%
4. Woodville-West Torrens | 8-7 | 16 points | 51.3%
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5. Central District | 7-8 | 14 points | 54.6%
6. North Adelaide | 6-9 | 12 points | 45.9%
7. South Adelaide | 5-10 | 10 points | 50.7%
8. Norwood | 5-10 | 10 points | 41.1%