GLENELG has snapped a winless start to the AAMI Talent League Under 18 Girls’ competition with a hard-fought 11-point win over North Adelaide for Round 3. It had been a rough first fortnight for the Bays, having scored a combined 0.2 (2) to 19.15 (129) in losses to Central District and Sturt, but showed they have plenty of potential once they gelled to defeat the Roosters on the weekend, 3.8 (26) to 2.3 (15).

Up forward it was the Sophie Thomas show, with the over-age talent booting all three of Glenelg’s goals at Richmond Oval. She actually opened the scoring in the first term, and was the only one to split the big sticks in the opening 45 minutes, with Glenelg peppering the goals to lead 1.7 to 0.2 five minutes into the third term.

North Adelaide – the only other side in the Talent League yet to take home any premiership points – finally had a reason to celebrate when Lucy Reddaway got on the board in the ninth minute of the premiership quarter. Thomas quickly quietened down those celebrations with back-to-back majors in the space of a few minutes to extend the Bay’s advantage out to 17 points at the final break.

North Adelaide tall Macy Philpott gave her sided a glimpse of hope early in the fourth, and the Roosters did get within 10 points early in the final quarter, but the Bays managed to hold up in defence and even kick the last score of the game – a behind – to enjoy an 11-point win to get on the board in season 2026.

Tori Evans continued her promising start to the season for Glenelg, racking up a game-high 22 disposals and seven marks, while also having four inside 50s. She worked well with the likes of Ruby Rose (19 disposals, three marks, two tackles, two clearances and eight inside 50s) and Ada-Mae Koch (17 disposals, two tackles, five clearances and three inside 50s).

Chloe Spanagel was enormous in defence, finishing with 21 disposals, six marks – one contested – and 10 rebound 50s, while Keira Copeland (12 disposals, two marks, five tackles, two clearances and six rebound 50s) and Iris Newman (12 disposals, two marks, three tackles and five rebound 50s) were also among the best.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

The rampaging Central District side took care of Norwood and made it three wins on the bounce to start the season, coming away with a 10.3 963) to 4.0 (24) victory over the Redlegs. Bottom-age gun Charlotte Maurits (25 disposals, four marks, five tackles, four clearances, five inside 50s and two goals) and top-age talent Demi Holloway (20 disposals, seven tackles, six clearances, three inside 50s and a goal) were again standouts for the Dogs.

They had an even contribution across the board however, with NSW/ACT recruit Aoife Berry dangerous in the front half with 18 disposals, eight inside 50s and a goal, combining well with Izabella Nisbet (19 disposals, four tackles, six inside 50s and a goal). Top-age utility Tara Lord kicked two goals and clunked a couple of contested marks in the win. For Norwood, Ella Anderson found plenty of the ball again with 26 touches, four tackles, seven clearances and three inside 50s, while Mia Wood was prominent too.

Second placed Woodville-West Torrens made it back-to-back wins with a comfortable 34-point victory over West Adelaide. The Eagles ran out 7.6 (48) to 2.2 (14) winners, with all seven goals coming from different players. Anika Tran (21 disposals, four marks, four clearances and six inside 50s) was strong once again, while Lucy Farnsworth incredible start to the year rolled on, with the top-ager amassing 15 disposals, 20 hitouts, three tackles, four clearances and four inside 50s.

For the Bloods, it was League-experienced Molly Petersen who had 17 disposals, two marks, five tackles, five clearances and four inside 50s in the win, while Anabella Walden laid eight tackles from 18 disposals, two marks, two inside 50s and two rebound 50s.

In the last game of the four-match Super Sunday at Richmond Oval, South Adelaide bounced back from its defeat to Central District to post a 15-point win over Sturt. The Panthers also had six individual goalkickers, with top-age talent Hope Taylor kicking a goal upon her return from concussion. Madison Brown was best-on with 25 touches, 12 tackles, four clearances, four inside 50s, four rebound 50s and a goal, while Jaidee-Lee Shortridge (13 disposals, six marks, five inside 50s and a goal) was lively once more.

The only multiple goalkicker in the game was Double Blues forward Jessie Rosser (seven disposals, six tackles and two goals). Richmond father-daughter prospect Saskia Kellaway (18 disposals, three marks, five tackles, two inside 50s and three rebound 50s) was busy all match.