Round 1 SANFL U18 Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

Sturt’s superior accuracy proved pivotal as it opened the SANFL U18 season with a six-point win against reigning premier Woodville-West Torrens at the Summit in Mount Barker. 

Trailing by a goal entering time-on of the final quarter, the Double Blues drew level when tall utlility Blake Thredgold kicked truly in the 22nd minute.

The hosts then hit the front in dramatic fashion when Ben McArthur converted his set shot, after earning a free kick for holding the ball, with less than a minute on the clock.

Sturt was then able to bottle up the ball in its back pocket as the final siren sounded, earning two valuable premiership points to kickstart its campaign.

Noah Roberts-Thomson was outstanding for Sturt with 20 disposals and three goals while Kale Matthews-Hampton (20 disposals, eight marks) and Jett Dahlitz (33 possessions) also had an impact.

The Eagles, who booted an inaccurate 8.19 (67), had strong contributions from Jack Cook (37 disposals, seven clearances) and Jevan Phillipou (31 disposals, nine marks).

A powerful second-half showing propelled Norwood to an impressive 25-point win against South Adelaide at The Parade.

Leading by just one goal at the main change, the Redlegs put down the accelerator after half-time, booting 7.6 to the Panthers’ 4.5.

Norwood coaches rated the performances of Balyn O’Brien, Micah Kretschmer (17 disposals, one goal) and Darcy Speyer (19 disposals, one goal) highly.

South Adelaide trio Jesse Nye (28 disposals, one goal), Harry Wadewitz (19 disposals, seven marks) and Archie Van Dyk (27 disposals) fought bravely.

Glenelg announced itself as a genuine contender with a bold 43-point victory against reigning grand finalist Central District at The Summit in Mount Barker.

The Tigers effectively shut the Bulldogs out of the contest in the first half, slamming on 8.7 to just 1.3, earning a commanding 46-point lead at the main change.

Tiger Gabriel Patterson starred with a match-high four goals to go with 16 disposals while Jimmy Hele – son of Bays great Simon – and Rex Jones were also recognised by their coaches.

The Bulldogs managed six goals in the second half but it was too late to claw back into the match despite the efforts of highly-touted trio Aidan Schubert (21 disposals), Josh Reichelt (30 disposals) and captain Matt LeRay (17 disposals).

West Adelaide got its 2025 campaign off to a positive start with a 29-point triumph against North Adelaide at Hisense Stadum.

Impressive Bloods tall forward Mitchell Marsh was at the forefront of his team’s success, booting four goals to go with his 11 disposals and eight marks as the hosts booted six majors in the pivotal second stanza.

West teammates Fletcher Dillon and Archie Walsh (21 disposals, seven marks) were also strong architects in the win.

North’s midfielders Memphis Webb (32 disposals, one goal) and Sam Cumming (31 disposals) found plenty of the Sherrin but were unable to haul their team across the line.