WEST Adelaide has advanced to the SANFL Under 18 decider after defeating minor premier Sturt in Saturday’s qualifying semi final. The Bloods led at every break in the 13-point victory, breaking out to a decisive lead with the first four goals of the game at Thomas Farms Oval.

The Double Blues will now rely on their double chance, set to host Woodville-West Torrens in Saturday’s preliminary final. West Adelaide will face the winner of that game having secured a spot in the Grand Final on September 13, chasing its first Under 18 premiership in 11 years.

STURT 0.1 | 3.2 | 6.3 | 8.9 (57)
WEST ADELAIDE 3.2 | 6.3 | 9.4 | 11.4 (70)

GOALS:
Sturt: T. Garrett 2, N. Roberts-Thomson 2, J. Lagana, A. Mills, K. Staker, I. Wilkinson
West Adelaide: M. Marsh 3, D. Bueti 2, L. White 2, C. Bradford, O. Charlesworth, G. Downs, L. McCabe

BEST:
Sturt: G. Wakelin, B. Thredgold, S. White, H. Chapman, T. Garrett
West Adelaide: L. Pitt, F. Dillon, J. Raphael, H. Illman, A. Walsh

STURT:

#10 Noah Roberts-Thomson | Midfielder/Forward
Stats: 14 disposals, 6 tackles, 2 goals

The mid-forward was prominent early in the game, starting on the ball and helping clear the first contest with a swift side-step and handball. He also showcased aerial ability, taking an intercept mark on the wing in the first term to continue his strong output. Roberts-Thomson was able to find space and got on the end of a forward entry for his first and Sturt’s third goal of the game. He wasn’t as prominent in the second half but was able to secure a second goal from a front and centre contest, dribbling it through late in the third to keep his side in touch.

#17 Jett Dahlitz | Defender
Stats: 24 disposals, 7 marks, 2 tackles, 3 inside 50s.

The rebounding defender was central to Sturt’s methodical ball movement out of the back half. Dahlitz took advantage of the breeze in the second quarter, launching the ball out of the goalsquare, at one point reaching the centre of the oval with one of his kick-outs.

#24 Jack Nelson | Midfielder
Stats: 18 disposals, 5 clearances, 9 tackles

Nelson could be forgiven for going under the radar after he was brought in as a late inclusion, but the rangy midfielder ably met the intensity of the high-stakes contest. Nelson led the game for tackles and established his aggression early on with a crunching takedown of an opponent. He was rewarded for his hard work late with a shot on goal in the last term.

#30 Louis Kellaway | Midfielder
Stats: 22 disposals, 5 marks, 4 clearances

The Richmond father-son prospect was probably the best inside midfielder on the ground. Kellaway consistently won first possession and distributed cleanly by hand as he has shown all year. He even showed off his bravery in marking contests as he clunked contested marks across the ground, and got back at times to claim intercept marks.

#60 Harvey Chapman | Tall Defender
Stats: 23 disposals, 15 marks, 7 rebound 50s

The 16-year-old defender was aided by Sturt’s kick-mark game style as he finished with the most marks on the ground. He also had the benefit of reach over his opponents and consistently stood tall in aerial contests. Chapman showed some daring late in the game as required, running out of defensive 50 and blasting the ball forward. Considering his impact on this game and his youth, he is an intriguing prospect.

WEST ADELAIDE:

#7 Jaylen Sochaki | Defender/Midfielder
Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Sochaki stood out for more than his showy fluorescent boots. The swift outside runner racked up the most possession for his side and was rightfully entrusted with the kick-outs, using this opportunity to demonstrate his class on the left boot. Sochaki also attended stoppages on the wing, providing an outlet for his mids at the coalface. He even impressed with defensive actions late in the game.

#13 Archie Walsh | Midfielder
Stats: 16 disposals, 8 tackles, 5 clearances

Walsh set the tone for West Adelaide in the first minutes of the game, laying a ferocious tackle that saw him sling his opponent over the boundary. He is a gritty and diminutive inside midfielder who typified his side’s blue-collar ethos throughout the game.

#18 Mitchell Marsh | Tall Forward
Stats: 7 disposals, 3 goals

Despite his reasonably quiet output, the key forward prospect capitalised on his limited opportunities in front of goal. Once again, Marsh proved his superlative set shot kicking, drilling all three of his chances. Marsh kicked his first two goals from marking infringements against Blake Thredgold who at times got the better of him in an engaging back-and-forth battle. And for his third, he legitimately beat his opponent in a one-on-one contest at the start of the fourth quarter. Marsh continued to demonstrate his mobility while leading up the ground and showcasing his evasiveness as he sidestepped an opponent and delivered the ball inside 50 on one occasion.

#40 Hamish Illman | Defender
Stats: 16 disposals, 7 marks, 3 tackles

The tidy left-footer was one of the Bloods’ most crucial contributors. Illman was consistently aggressive defensively, charging forward at the ball to repel opposition entries. His intercept marking was a feature of his game. He also worked forward at one point and launched a ball inside 50 that bounced through for a behind.

#48 Lachlan Pitt | Ruck
Stats: 14 disposals, 6 marks, 23 hitouts

The swashbuckling ruck led the way for his gritty midfield all afternoon. He was the dominant big man on the ground who impressed with his ability to apply second and third efforts at stoppages, where he also was able to collect possession at ground level. Pitt consistently got back in defence to help out his back six, clunking multiple intercept marks. He stood tall all day but particularly in the last quarter, where he claimed a couple of pack marks while Sturt was surging.

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SEMI FINALS RESULTS

Sturt 8.9 (57) def. by West Adelaide 11.4 (70)
Central District 9.9 (63) def. by Woodville-West Torrens 9.14 (68)  

Eliminated: Central District
Double Chance: Sturt
Grand Final: West Adelaide

PRELIMINARY FINAL

Sturt vs. Woodville-West Torrens
Saturday September 6, 11:00am @ Thomas Farms Oval