STURT has rocketed back into top spot on the AAMI Talent League ladder after thumping Glenelg in Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash. The Bays’ unbeaten start to the season was snapped in brutal fashion, as the reigning premiers poured in 10 goals to two after half time to win by 65 points at Glenelg Oval.

The Double Blues turned a 16-point advantage at the main break into their eventual winning margin on the back of more effective avenues inside attacking 50. While Glenelg tended to break down across half-forward, Sturt found ways through with link-up play to forge a plus-25 inside 50 count.

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

GLENELG 1.1 | 5.4 | 6.6 | 7.8 (50)
STURT 5.2 | 8.2 | 12.5 | 18.7 (115)

GOALS:
Glenelg: H. Croker 2, J. McNicol 2, L. Allen, R. Arcot, J. Jarrad
Sturt: I. Wilkinson 6, R. Davies 3, L. Werts 2, B. Beaven, O. Dixon, T. Lindsay, K. Matthews-Hampton, A. Mills, N. Mitchell, N. Ricciuto

BEST:
Glenelg: J. McNicol, H. Franz, T. Cain, L. Allen, L. Bordignon
Sturt: A. Ryan, J. Lagana, A. Mills, J. Nelson, I. Wilkinson

GLENELG:

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

Stats: 37 disposals, 5 marks, 5 clearances, 1 goal

McNicol ran riot in Glenelg’s losing effort, comfortably leading all comers and racking up possessions in all parts of the ground. He had his flawless run of kicking at least three goals per game broken – settling for two – but broke new ground in disposals. The midfielder spread forward hard and snuck free inside 50 to kick two first half goals, while also dropping back to support Glenelg’s defensive transition. He went by foot 33 times and showed good kicking power throughout the day, albeit without being as pinpoint as he would have liked at times. Nonetheless, McNicol’s sheer work rate and eye-catching lateral movement were prominent all day long.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 2 goals

Croker helped front Glenelg’s second quarter response, booting two quality long goals to apply some scoreboard pressure. He wheeled and stepped around opponents to free up his raking left foot on both finishes, showing the class he possesses. Having started on the wing, Croker also spent time on-ball where his quick and clean hands were quite useful. Like McNicol, he drifted into good spots during Glenelg’s attacking phase to keep the play flowing forward.

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

Stats: 11 disposals, 3 marks, 3 clearances, 31 hitouts

Backing up his maiden top-age appearance last week, Janeway imposed himself in the ruck with nearly triple the hitouts of his direct opponent. He was effective with them too, either turning to shield and guide his hits down to the rovers, or clearing the pack with a strong fist. Janeway also made an aerial impact around the ground with two terrific contested marks, getting his knee up in packs and extending overhead. He was surprisingly nimble and poised with ball in hand, playing the basics well to feed the Bays’ runners. At 206cm, that’s not always so straightforward.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 marks, 8 rebound 50s

It was another strong marking game from Franz, who matched Janeway to take an equal game-high two contested grabs. He was reliable in aerial contests, either standing tall in packs or going back with the flight of the ball. His strong hands would also have put Glenelg at ease when Sturt sent the ball in long. Further to that, Franz’s safe and efficient ball use held up on the way out of defence.

Others:

The likes of Josh Jarrad (five marks, 1.2) and Lachlan Allen (16 disposals, six marks) provided a connection point heading forward for Glenelg, along with skipper Kobe Gibson in midfield (19 disposals, four clearances). At the other end of the ground, Jack Wakelin (21 disposals, nine marks) and Harvey Raidis (18 and 10) had their hands full while attempting to hit back on the rebound. Kai Edwards chopped out in the ruck from his usual key forward post, while fellow state squad inclusion Ben Copping laid six tackles and got a run through midfield.

STURT:

#8 Lachie Werts
Small Forward | 175cm | 17/01/2008

Stats: 9 disposals, 2 tackles, 2 goals

While not overly prolific, Werts made his chances count with a couple of clinical finishes on goal. His slick steal and snap made for his first scoreboard impact, before a classy dribble over the back made it two majors. Outside of those moments, Werts showed great evasive skills to step or slip out of tackles, while being willing to work up the ground to find possessions. The small forward tends to swoop on the loose ball like few others can, but could perhaps find it a little more often.

#22 Taj Garrett
Wing | 183cm | 05/01/2009

Stats: 23 disposals, 9 marks, 6 inside 50s

Sturt’s running machine was up to his usual tricks on the wing. He dropped back to intercept and provided an outlet option as Sturt exited defensive 50, while also peeling forward to become a link in the attacking chain. His work rate saw him accumulate possessions with ease throughout the day, showing great speed and a good set of hands while operating at full tilt.

#25 Jack Nelson
Midfielder | 186cm | 29/09/2008

Stats: 29 disposals, 8 tackles, 5 inside 50s

Nelson continued his imperious start to the season and lifted when his side needed to make a statement out of the main break. The midfielder had his hands on everything coming out of the centre, putting his foot down with ruthlessly efficient stoppage exits. Nelson’s quick and clean hands, along with silky smooth lateral movement made him look a level above at times, showcasing great poise with ball in hand. He helped start scoring chains at the source, whether sharking first possession or driving forward as a receiver. Arguably best on ground for Sturt.

#35 Kale Matthews-Hampton
Defender | 187cm | 19/05/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 marks, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

Matthews-Hampton was a menace across half-back, often venturing high up the ground and as a surging overlap runner. He looked most dangerous when bounding forward and unleashing long kicks, although was guilty of blazing away at times. The National Academy representative launched a terrific goal from the centre square to showcase his kicking power, and is always a threat around the forward corridor area. He looked a little peeved when not used on the handball receive, although that was probably fair given the kind of damage he proved capable of doing.

Others:

Ivan Wilkinson filled his boots with six goals, including four consecutively within a seven-minute patch in term four. Small mid-forwards Angus Mills (25 disposals, one goal) and Mitchell Brook (23 disposals, five clearances) got their hands on it, benefitting from the work of mobile ruck Jonah Lagana (12 hitouts, seven clearances). Nick Ricciuto, the son of Adelaide champion Mark, also had his moments of strength with 15 touches, five marks and a goal. State squad member Hugo Jaeschke was similarly resolute down back, impressing in one-on-one battles, while bottom-ager Harvey Chapman racked up 10 rebound 50s as a reliable distributor.