Round 17 SANFL U18 Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

Glenelg maintained its place at the top of the SANFL U18 ladder with a thrilling three-point win against North Adelaide at Stratarama Stadium.

Neither team led by more than a goal at any of the breaks as the Bays’ Riley Shepherdson booted two key goals in the final quarter to edge his team in front when it mattered most.

Finishing with four goals for the match, Shepherdson was joined by teammates Kallan Bevan (28 disposals, one goal) and Angus Welsby high in the Tigers’ best players list.

North midfielders Oliver Francou (36 disposals, 14 clearances) and Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier (27 disposals, three goals) were strong influences for their team, together with Trey Luteria, who initially gave the Roosters a four-point lead in the last term.

Central District took a significant step towards earning the finals double-chance when it eclipsed Sturt by 21 points at X Convenience Oval.

The Bulldogs’ 13th victory of the season edged them one win ahead of the Double Blues, pushing them into second spot on the ladder behind Glenelg.

Central’s Cameron Nairn was a major factor in the result, kicking four goals from his 19 disposals and 10 marks while Brodie Wills (16 disposals), Ryan Lane-Ellis (27 disposals) and Dyson Sharp (29 disposals, seven clearances) found plenty of the Sherrin.

Sturt midfielder Kobee Dabinett collected a team high 24 possessions and 11 clearances while emerging ruckman Alex Dodson finished with 20 disposals and 32 hit outs.

A momentum-swinging third quarter proved pivotal in Woodville_West Torrens’ 24-point victory against West Adelaide at Hisense Stadium.

Trailing by five points at half-time, the Eagles suddenly built a commanding 33-point lead by the final change as they slammed on eight goals without a miss while holding the Bloods to just 1.4.

Eagle Zac Schwarz booted two of his five majors in the defining period before finishing with 21 disposals and five marks while Jett Hasting (28 disposals) and Jack Hankins were also prominent for the visitors.

West’s prime movers Sam Burbridge (26 disposals, seven clearances) and Ayden Hodgson (27 disposals, two goals) did their best to put the Bloods in a position to win.

Norwood denied South Adelaide possession as it constructed an impressive 45-point win at Flinders University Stadium.

Hauling in a whopping 40 more marks than the Panthers, the Redlegs also made the most of their 56-37 inside 50 advantage while keeping the hosts to just one goal in the opening half.

Norwood’s Darcy Speyer (29 disposals, seven marks), Jack Michalanney (24 disposals) and Jake Hill (26 disposals) were important architects in their team’s third win of the season.

The Panthers, out of finals contention, were well served by Oliver Goss (28 disposals, 12 clearances), Jay Chapman and Cohen Shortridge (21 disposals, one goal).