SANFL U18 Preliminary Final Match Wrap

By ZAC MILBANK

A stunning second-half performance catapulted Woodville-West Torrens towards a dominant 49-point win against Glenelg in the SANFL U18 Preliminary Final at Stratarama Stadium.

With scores locked together at half-time, the Eagles powered towards a berth in the Grand Final by piling on 9.7 to the Tigers’ 1.6 across the final two terms.

Shane Reardon’s charges were irresistible as they overwhelmed the minor premier, particularly through the midfield while earning 19 more kicks, 50 more handballs and 15 more inside 50 entries.

Storming into next Sunday’s SANFL U18 title-decider against Central District from fourth spot, the Eagles had SA U18 trio Jett Hasting (29 disposals, five clearances), Rome Burgoyne (27 disposals) and captain Harry Dodd (28 disposals) find plenty of the Sherrin.

The class of Hostplus SANFL League wingman Kade Herbert (26 disposals) has been a bonus in the major round as Jack Cook (23 disposals, eight marks, one goal) was rated best by the Eagles’ coaches.

Eagles forward Jack Gray hit the scoreboard with 4.5 from his nine shots on goal while Logan Hughes and Zac Schwarz chimed in with two goals each.

Glenelg’s Jack Wisneske worked hard for his team-high 26 disposals while James Dutton (16 disposals) and tall utility Harry Ramm also found themselves in the best players.

Bays co-captain Charlie McAuliffe was his team’s only multiple goal kicker with two while composed distributor Angus Clarke had 19 disposals and a goal.