SOUTH Adelaide has moved to an even 3-3 record after thumping an undermanned Glenelg side by 41 points at Magain Stadium on Saturday. The Panthers accelerated with five goals in term two, setting up a 26-point buffer at the main break before heavy rain made scoring tough thereafter.

With the SAAS school football season getting underway, several top prospects were unavailable for Round 6 of the AAMI Talent League, but seven state Under 18 squad members took the field across both sides. We took note of the top prospects and performers, with several of them among that group.

SOUTH ADELAIDE 3.4 | 8.6 | 11.10 | 12.12 (84)
GLENELG 2.1 | 4.2 | 6.3 | 6.7 (43)

GOALS:
South Adelaide: C. Florance 4, C. Knowles 2, J. Cleggett, M. Clifton, H. Davey, K. Edwards, E. Sheppard, K. Shortridge
Glenelg: L. Bordignon 2, J. Jarrad 2, B. Copping, K. Sumner-Pickett

BEST:
South Adelaide: C. Florance, H. Boal, K. Edwards, M. Clifton, D. Shearer
Glenelg: H. Croker, L. Bordignon, K. Gibson, R. Arcot, J. Janeway

SOUTH ADELAIDE:

#1 Kodah Edwards
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 25/07/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 tackles, 5 clearances, 1 goal

Edwards bounced back to his best with a powerful performance in midfield, driving the ball forward with intent. His clean handling and strong frame held up in wet conditions, as the National Academy member often swooped on the ball before wheeling around and blasting long inside 50. His kick penetration was on show all day, most notably with a set shot goal late in the third term from over 50m out. His explosiveness, punchy foot skills, aerial nous, toughness and ability to hit the scoreboard all point towards being this year’s regeneration of Sam Cumming.

#4 Kody Shortridge
Forward/Midfielder | 180cm | 11/04/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

In tandem with Florance, Shortridge provided a reliable link in the chain as South Adelaide transitioned from end-to-end. He presented up to the wing and looked to hurt Glenelg on the way back to goal, proving difficult to tie down at speed. Shortridge provided his teammates with plenty of scoring opportunities off the bat and snared a goal from the pocket in the opening term, judging the wind beautifully. He got a run in midfield too, made to use his craft and agility in tight spots.

#9 Cain Florance
Small Forward | 176cm | 13/03/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 5 marks, 7 inside 50s, 4 goals

Florance set himself apart with three first-half goals, putting the Panthers on top before the rain set in. He worked up the ground throughout, providing a connective option down the line and out of defensive 50. From there, Florance used his speed and foot skills over the back, while proving just as slick in front of the big sticks. His touches of class were clear to see, finishing with a pair of soccer goals which suited the conditions. He was superior in the way of decision making.

#13 Hudson Boal
Midfielder | 177cm | 16/10/2009

Stats: 27 disposals, 10 tackles, 8 clearances

While only small in stature, Boal is a giant around the contest with his ability to win the ball and hunt opposition midfielders. The bottom-ager was supremely clean and quick when necessary, but mostly impressed with his ability to remain poised as the traffic moved around him. His distribution by hand was second to none, utilising efficient steps to work into space, or applying a stand-and-deliver method to releasing teammates. Like Florance, his class stood out amid stifling conditions, while like Edwards his tackling application suited the flow of the game.

GLENELG:

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 8 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Given the highly contested nature of the game, particularly after half time, Gibson’s clean handling and flashy skills were invaluable at the coalface. He looked to rove the ball on the move, making good use of Janeway’s hit craft to gather cleanly before flicking out creative handballs at all angles. The Bays’ skipper tended to dispose of the ball quickly, even if it meant hacking forward by foot, but completed some crafty bits of play under pressure. When Glenelg was able to chain together outside possession, he contributed well to running waves in the attacking phase.

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

Stats: 36 disposals, 5 marks, 7 tackles, 6 clearances

With Jacob McNicol among a slew of outs this week, Croker stepped up to lead all comers in midfield. The left-footer leant on his running power to accumulate in all parts of the ground, most notably dropping back to support his side’s defensive transition. Croker was also highly involved at the contest where his clean hands and quick thinking came to the fore, immediately catching the eye with the game’s first two centre clearances. He tended to trust his foot skills and covered plenty of ground throughout the day, never lowering his colours despite the margin or conditions. He can be prone to rushing under pressure, but is usually full of class on the outside.

#19 Kai Edwards
Key Forward/Ruck | 195cm | 13/02/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 9 hitouts, 2 clearances

One of Glenelg’s two inclusions to the state squad, Edwards has made his name as a key forward but again chopped out as a secondary ruck. That’s where he arguably had his best moments, showcasing a spring-heeled leap to rise high and win his share of hitouts. Edwards was also able to showcase his skills in open play, distributing the ball well by foot and staying upright after the initial ruck contest. It wasn’t a marker’s kind of day, so those contributions were important.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 30 hitouts

Janeway once again imposed himself on the ruck contest, winning a game-high 30 hitouts and proving asserting around the ground. He showed nice craft to not only get first access to the ball, but place it into dangerous drop zones for Glenelg’s active midfielders to swoop on. Outside of the stoppages, Janeway stood tall in packs and was a viable marking target down the line, often seen roaming between the arcs where he clunked three contested grabs.