WITH the National AFL Under 18 Championships kicking off this week, South Australia’s Under 18s side had a victory over West Adelaide Reserves, while other prospects stood out across the three levels of the South Australian National Football League (SANFL).

SA UNDER 18

Things are getting serious now for our Under 18 SA hopefuls with a final trial held on the weekend against West Adelaide Reserves side. With the first game of the National Championships coming up this Sunday, coach Tony Bamford needed to see his best side play together and narrow the final selection down.

South Australia Under 18 10.15 (75) defeated West Adelaide Reserves 5.4 (34)

Goals: Munn 4, Lukosius 3, Cox, Rankine, Valente
Best SA: Hately, Rozee, Gould, Valente, McLennan, Sparrow, Chapman

It was a solid hitout for the SA lads, and the quality rose to the top in this game, with midfielder Jackson Hately adding to his impressive season with a best on ground performance. Big forwards Hugo Munn and Jack Lukosius hit the scoreboard, while the class of Connor Rozee was on full display.  Now fully recovered from injury, Rozee looks ready for an absolute cracker of a campaign and can’t wait to see him on the big stage.

The SA team’s leadership group was finalised this week with Norwood’s Luke Valente appointed captain amongst an outstanding group of leaders with Tom Lewis, Jackson Hately, Jez McLennan and Jack Lukosius acting as deputies.

The South Australian boys are to set to take on Western Australia at 11am in Alberton this Sunday and no doubt starting the campaign with a win would be a good start for this talented bunch. 

 SANFL LEAGUE

With all top end youngsters engaged in SA state duties, it was a quiet week on the SANFL front. But players like South Adelaide’s, Liam Fitt, who debuted earlier this year and former St Kilda listed player Terry Milera who is a consistent goal sneak for Glenelg continued their good start to the season.

SANFL RESERVES

In North Adelaide’s big win over Port, Rooster Boyd Woodcock was impressive and won plenty of hard footy. Youngster and 2019 prospect Brady Searle debuted in the Glenelg reserves side and was well at home slotting three goals in the Tigers victory over Sturt. James Rowe again dominated for the Eagles collecting 39 possessions in an easy win over South.

SANFL U18S

Despite a host of players missing, the Under 18s competition is showing it is very even for most teams. The Eagles continued their dominance and accounted for second placed South Adelaide by 51 points, with all round efforts from Jackson Mead and Trent Burgoyne the stand outs. Centrals have some real depth this year and easily beat Norwood by 75 points while Jordan O’Brien was clearly best afield with a whopping 13 clearances. Jed Spence again showed form for Norwood with 32 disposals, 16 of which were contested.  North smashed a young Glenelg side and again Bailey Coleman-Oakes clocked up 38 disposals, and big man James Langley was amongst the best. Casey Voss also starred with 30 possessions and helped to secures Sturts win over West Adelaide.

COLLEGE AND SCHOOL FOOTY

Sacred Heart (SHC) easily accounted for Immanuel in their clash, with a 117-point victory. Key forward Darcy LeCornu slotted another six goals and Zac Dumensy bagged seven majors to help secure SHCs win and save them from relegation. In the clash of the round, Prince Alfred College (PAC) snuck over the line against Rostrevor by four points in a high scoring hitout.

Immanuel and St Michaels will be relegated from the Premier League competition.