GLENELG has turned it on in the premiership quarter to set up a 31-point win over West Adelaide in Round 2 of the AAMI Talent League. A tight first half saw the Bays lead by two points at the main break before kicking away with five goals to one in the third term. The 13.9 (87) to 8.8 (56) result sees Glenelg sit just behind reigning premier Sturt as one of two undefeated sides to start the new campaign.

We took note of the top prospects from either side, before a look around the grounds.

>> Scouting Notes: 2026 AAMI Talent League – Round 1

WEST ADELAIDE:

#1 Laurence Andriani
Midfielder | 171cm | 19/08/2009

Stats: 45 disposals, 9 marks, 6 clearances, 1 goal

It’s never a surprise to see Andriani top the disposal charts, but to do so with 45 in 100 minutes of gametime is impressive. The diminutive midfielder was everywhere, hunting the ball at stoppages before spreading hard up and back. He was often on hand to support West Adelaide’s defensive transition and popped up at the other end with a set shot goal in the second quarter. Andriani found space through sheer work rate, but when afforded none, would poke the ball forward with repeat efforts and clearing kicks. The bottom-ager already has claims on being the competition’s most consistent volume ball winner.

#7 Dean Hatedakis
Defender | 179cm | 14/01/2009

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles

While his team was more competitive in the first half, Hatedakis was arguably more effective after the main break. His most notably early contributions were defensive efforts, competing in one-on-one situations to split the contest both aerially and at ground level. He became more impactful with ball in hand as the game wore on, advancing up the corridor to help drive the play forward in waves of possession. Hatedakis was also frequently sighted on the last line where he set up the play from kick-ins and navigated ways through Glenelg’s press.

#23 Anthony Long (Adelaide NGA)
Forward/Midfielder | 184cm | 23/03/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 1 goal

Long was in the wars at times but shook off what looked to be a hamstring concern to run out the game. He played on the edge, laying punishing tackles which bordered on slings and consistently flying the flag for teammates. The rising Adelaide NGA prospect also had presence with ball in hand, proving difficult to tie down and powerful in the air. Long pushed up to join stoppage as a forward and also had a run on-ball, hitting the scoreboard with a set shot in the final quarter. He looked dangerous when able to take ground or as a lead-up target inside 50, possessing serious power.

Others:

Westies wingmen Max Perin (20 disposals, six marks) and Tyce Lush (19 disposals) provided plenty of drive on the outside, while Jack Mrozowski (20 disposals, five marks) partnered with Hatedakis to move the ball out of defence. Calvin Jones was a solid piece down back, clunking six marks alongside Andrew Crispe. Up the other end, tall target Charlie Bradford showcased his foot skills and ventured up the field with limited opportunities inside 50, while Josh Bell produced exciting moments of speed. Both forwards managed a goal each.

GLENELG:

#5 Jacob McNicol
Midfielder/Forward | 178cm | 28/06/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 6 marks, 6 clearances, 3 goals

Arguably best afield in terms of impact and effectiveness, McNicol provided a threat both in midfield and deep inside 50. His crumbing ability and sharp turn of foot formed the crux of his game, reading the ball off hands before collecting cleanly and setting off. McNicol’s back-to-back goals in the second quarter helped Glenelg build a brief buffer and highlighted his ability to stay involved on rotation. Evasive with a slick finishing touch, the top-ager caused frequent headaches for West’s defenders and shapes as an early riser in the South Australian crop.

#10 Kobe Gibson
Forward/Midfielder | 178cm | 09/07/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 10 marks, 2 goals

Gibson made a bright start to proceedings, snapping the opening goal after a crafty bit of work to escape a tackle. He was clean in the contest, but looked most dangerous when able to work into space on the outside or inside 50. The over-ager is quite natural up forward and knows where to lead or crumb. The latter was exhibited with his third quarter goal, which he finished with a checkside on the run. His lateral movement and spread put him in good stead once again.

#11 Harvey Croker
Midfielder/Wing | 184cm | 15/08/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 marks, 4 clearances

Croker led Glenelg for disposals in the first half with 13 and continues to show development as an onballer. He spent time rotating to the wing but was capable as a first possession winner, often dishing off by hand or looking to swing onto his left foot to clear. The Mount Gambier native can continue to work on his execution under pressure, but made terrific supporting runs without always being used and looked to work together with teammates at stoppage.

#16 Jack Wakelin
Defender | 189cm | 12/12/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 6 marks, 10 rebound 50s

Wakelin was an all-round force in the Bays’ backline, often retrieving the ball and relieving pressure. He showcased genuine spring and athleticism to not only launch at aerial intercepts, but land on his feet and take off on the rebound. Wakelin was gutsy in those situations and used his turn of foot to forge a way forward. Not afraid to fend, step, or take the game on, he produced some of the more eye-catching passages amongst a rock-solid defensive unit.

#29 Harry Franz
Key Defender | 193cm | 27/11/2008

Stats: 26 disposals, 12 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Franz was once again outstanding as Glenelg’s defensive rock. He effectively shut down fellow state academy member Charlie Bradford with a one-on-one masterclass, clunking several intercept marks with his vice-like hands and strong bodywork. The resolute backman was impossible to pass close to his own goal, but also looked to make reads and intercept up the ground. With ball in hand, his skills were generally sound and he filled his boots with plenty of composed kick/mark play.

#35 Joey Ottoson-Crossling
Wing/Midfielder | 177cm | 26/08/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 8 marks, 6 tackles, 1 goal

Ottoson-Crossling started out on the wing but also got a run on-ball and was more than handy for the Bays. His early tackling efforts were noticeable, dropping back to support the defence and making opponents pay for their indecision. His coverage work was terrific in those instances, and he consistently provided an outlet for the Bays to move forward out of the back. Ottoson-Crossling began to find more forward-half possessions as the game wore on, including a quick snap goal in the third term. Shortly after, he was sighted taking a strong intercept mark at the other end.

Others:

Glenelg had plenty of contributors in another even team performance. Smooth moving midfielder Jimmy Hele was again terrific with 28 touches and a goal, backing up his strong Round 1 showing. The likes of Tim Cain and Hudson Browne provided great rebound from defence, while Rishabh Arcot and Brody Fox were dangerous in the front half. Speaking of, bottom-age tall forward Josh Jarrad showcased terrific aerial craft and finishing for his three goals. Rucks Connor Ramm and Ian Thomson were also prominent in the air and snagged a goal each.

WEST ADELAIDE 3.0 | 6.3 | 7.5 | 8.8 (56)
GLENELG 3.3 | 6.5 | 11.7 | 13.9 (87)

GOALS:
West Adelaide: N. Dessmann 2, L. Andriani, J. Bell, A. Long, R. McAulay, T. Seager, J. Wooldridge
Glenelg: J. Jarrad 3, J. McNicol 3, K. Gibson 2, B. Fox, J. Hele, J. Ottoson-Crossling, C. Ramm, I. Thomson

RMC BEST:
West Adelaide: L. Andriani, A. Long, D. Hatedakis, C. Jones, J. Bell
Glenelg: J. McNicol, H. Franz, J. Wakelin, J. Ottoson-Crossling, H. Croker

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Round 2 got underway on Friday night as Central District hosted Norwood. Both sides came off losses in the opening week, but it was the visitors who came away with a breakthrough victory, winning 10.11 (71) to 9.8 (62). The Redlegs trailed at every break, but stormed home with four goals to one in term four.

Without fellow state academy member Kai Ivins by his side, Norwood midfielder Charlie Best fronted up with 23 disposals and seven tackles in the win. Thomas Gribben (20 disposals) and Tom Waugh (18 disposals, two goals) also impressed in the upset road win under lights.

It was no surprise to see Centrals skipper Jack Gordon in the thick of the action, amassing 32 disposals, 11 marks and nine clearances. Angus Pringle (29 disposals, eight tackles) and Tony Marrone (27 disposals, two goals) also stood tall along with speedster Jake Eime (24 disposals).

Over at Alberton on Saturday, South Adelaide’s nine-goal opening quarter set the platform for a 14-point win over North. The Panthers were on fire early, but added just two goals to their rally after half time as the Roosters responded. In the end, they fell short, losing 12.3 (75) to 13.11 (89).

Bottom-age midfielder Hudson Boal ran the show for South, collecting 28 touches, 14 tackles and seven clearances in the absence of Kodah Edwards. Cain Florance (21 disposals, nine marks, one goal) and Ben Dittmar (15 disposals, six marks, three goals) also notched strong numbers in the win.

North Adelaide’s Sam Tassone again impressed out of defence with a team-high 29 disposals and nine rebound 50s. Big man Ethan Herbert did his stocks no harm with 22 touches, 28 hitouts and nine clearances, while Anthony Zerella popped up with a bag of four goals.

Sturt shot its way atop the ladder with a convincing 47-point win over Woodville-West Torrens at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval. The Double Blues shook off a first half deficit to run over the top with nine unanswered goals out of the main break, saluting 14.13 (97) to 7.8 (50).

Livewire forward Lachie Werts caught the eye once again with four goals, while Jack Nelson (29 disposals, six clearances, two goals) bossed the midfield. NT native Ben Barnard (25 disposals, seven marks) was also prominent along with bottom-age gun Taj Garrett (24 disposals, nine marks, one goal).

ROUND 2 RESULTS

Central District 9.8 (62) def. by Norwood 10.11 (71)
South Adelaide 13.11 (89) def. North Adelaide 12.3 (75)
Sturt 14.13 (97) def. Woodville-West Torrens 7.8 (50)
West Adelaide 8.8 (56) def. by Glenelg 13.9 (87)

AAMI TALENT LEAGUE LADDER

1. Sturt – 2-0, 68.7%
2. Glenelg – 2-0, 62.5%
3. North Adelaide – 1-1, 52.5%
4. South Adelaide – 1-1, 50.7%
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5. West Adelaide – 1-1, 46.5%
6. Norwood – 1-1, 46.3%
7. Central District – 0-2, 37.1%
8. Woodville-West Torrens – 0-2, 34.8%

ROUND 3 FIXTURE

Glenelg vs. Norwood
Wednesday April 1, 7:50pm @ Alberton Oval

Central District vs. West Adelaide
Friday April 3, 12:00pm @ X Convenience Oval

Sturt vs. North Adelaide
Friday April 3, 12:00pm @ Thomas Farms Oval

Woodville-West Torrens vs. South Adelaide
Friday April 3, 2:40pm @ Maughan Thiem Kia Oval