GLENELG has set itself apart atop the AAMI Talent League ladder after defeating West Adelaide for the second time in three weeks. The Bays saluted by 17 points in their Round 4 clash at Richmond Oval on Saturday afternoon, leading at every break over the inaccurate Bloods to win 14.10 (94) to 10.17 (77).

Westies were made to rue missed opportunities as their late charge fell short. A run of four straight goals got them back within five points with four minutes left on the clock, but they spent all their petrol tickets getting there. The result means Glenelg is the league’s only remaining undefeated team in 2026.

We took note of the top prospects and performers on either side.

WEST ADELAIDE 1.7 | 3.14 | 5.14 | 10.17 (77)
GLENELG 3.1 | 5.2 | 8.9 | 14.10 (94)

GOALS:
West Adelaide: P. Burgoyne 4, L. Andriani, C. Bradford, N. Dessmann, A. Hooper, T. Lush, J. Millard
Glenelg: K. Gibson 4, B. Fox 3, J. McNicol 3, B. Copping, H. Croker, J. Jarrad, C. Mander

BEST:
West Adelaide: M. Perin, P. Burgoyne, L. Andriani, T. Lush, A. Hooper
Glenelg: K. Gibson, H. Raidis, J. McNicol, J. Wakelin, H. Croker

WEST ADELAIDE:

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 5 marks, 8 clearances, 1 goal

Andriani continues to go from strength to strength after another powerhouse performance. The industrious running machine did all he could to put West Adelaide on his back, but couldn’t quite drag the Bloods to victory. He leant on his work rate to find space and accumulate around the ground, while also being highly effective as a burst player out of the centre. It was pleasing to see Andriani drive his legs or step around opponents to allow for more effective and penetrative disposals on the run. While not always pinpoint, the bottom-ager blasted home an audacious long goal in term four and was lively all day.

#30 Charlie Bradford
Tall Forward | 192cm | 08/02/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

Having been shut out by state teammate Franz last time out against Glenelg, Bradford worked hard to get into the game. His marking acumen held up, as did his ability to get loose on the lead further afield. Bradford’s mobility allowed him to keep Franz accountable when presenting up the field, and he would get dangerous by wheeling around to use his foot skills. He ended up with 1.2, converting when the game got close late. One of his best moments came after dropping an uncontested mark and being caught in possession, only to chase down Franz holding the ball in term two.

#34 Percy Burgoyne
Forward | 186cm | 10/06/2009

Port Adelaide F/S

Stats: 14 disposals, 6 marks, 4 goals

Burgoyne had a day out in front of goal, bagging 4.3 and having a wealth of opportunities fall into his lap inside 50. He already boasts a good bit of size and used his frame to get on top aerially, taking the ball cleanly overhead or on the lead. Burgoyne made a habit of sneaking out the back and was supplied well by teammates to make Glenelg pay on the scoreboard.

GLENELG:

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 10 marks, 5 tackles, 3 goals

Arguably the form player of the competition, McNicol produced his fourth game of over 20 disposals and three goals in as many starts. He worked into proceedings with strong pressure acts and covered good ground to get his hands on the ball, utilising his sharp foot skills on the move. Some of McNicol’s best work was done during his forward rotation, where his speed and wickedly clean handling made him difficult to contain close to goal. He was clinical on the snap too, despite finishing with 3.2, and his third major helped ice the game late on.

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

Stats: 29 disposals, 7 marks, 4 clearances, 4 goals

Gibson made a red-hot start to proceedings, picking up 11 touches in the opening term. He covered the ground brilliantly, popping up in both arcs during single passages and helping his side connect through the corridor. Gibson’s transitional running was combined with creative kicking to connect the lines, proving a skilful operator at his best. Inevitably, Gibson also impacted the scoreboard, booting three of his goals in the final quarter including one on the full time siren.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 7 marks, 4 clearances, 1 goal

Another of Glenelg’s class acts in midfield, Croker had little trouble finding the ball on both sides of midfield. He showed he was switched on early, swooping on West Adelaide errors to snap his only goal, and assist McNicol for another. Croker’s one-touch handling was a highlight throughout the day and he proved poised when distributing out of traffic. He also showed a bit of burst to win a crucial late clearance and got good purchase on his left-foot kicks.

#25 Jobe Janeway
Ruck | 206cm | 04/01/2008

Stats: 8 disposals, 4 tackles, 24 hitouts

Coming in for his first game of the season, Janeway acquitted himself nicely in the ruck. With an 11cm heigh advantage on his direct opponent, he had little trouble getting first hand to the ball and showed good craft to direct it down nicely to his midfielders. Perhaps more impressively, Janeway was incredibly clean and nimble below his knees, scooping up half-volleys with ease and flick away handballs. He was also prepared to tackle as part of his follow-up duties.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Franz once again got the Bradford matchup and was kept more accountable this time, but still had his moments. At 193cm, he showed terrific speed and mobility in open play, stepping around opponents and utilising his kicking ability to get Glenelg moving forward. While guilty of trying too much at times, his composure and confidence with ball in hand were impressive for a tall player.