Round 5 SANFL U18 Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

A six-goal first quarter laid the foundation for Central District’s 43-point win against North Adelaide at X Convenience Oval in Round 5 of the SANFL U18s.

Welcoming back star midfielder Dyson Sharp from Hostplus SANFL League duty, the Bulldogs led comfortably at every change while dominating the air with 94 marks to 34.

Bulldogs Cameron Nairn (18 disposals, three goals), Josh Reichelt (30 disposals, one goal) and Dusty Geister (18 disposals, three goal) were influential as was Sharp, who finished with 27 disposals and seven clearances.

North’s Bradley Rogers (15 possessions), Ben Francou (20 disposals, one goal) and Mason Klenner were lauded for their efforts in trying to reel the Bulldogs in.

A captain’s goal from Glenelg’s Tim Alver was the difference in his team’s six-point victory against South Adelaide at Magain Stadium.

With scores tied in the 19th minute of the fourth quarter, Tigers’ ruck Tom Amber used his body at the boundary throw in to handball to Alver in space who finished nicely with an impressive snap.

It capped a memorable performance for Alver, who was rated as the Bays’ best with 18 disposals and two goals while Rebuen Brookes (19 disposals) and Mason Hall were also strong contributors.

The Panthers’ skipper Jesse Nye worked tirelessly for his 28 possessions and 13 marks while teammates Thomas Simpson (24 disposals) and Harry Wadewitz (23 disposals, 10 marks) could also hold their heads high.

Sturt has emerged as the early pacesetter in the SANFL U18s after a 52-point win against Norwood at Thomas Farms Oval.

Sitting on top of the table after securing three wins and a draw from five starts, the Double Blues were rarely troubled as they piled on 9.6 to 3.3 in the first half.

In-form Sturt skipper Noah Roberts-Thomson led the way for the hosts with 22 disposals and two goals while unheralded pair Hugo Jaeschke and Harry White played their roles to perfection in the triumph.

Norwood’s Noah Daw found plenty of the Sherrin to tally 29 disposals and 10 marks while receiving solid support from Archie James (17 disposals) and Jonty Thompson (15 disposals, one goal).

West Adelaide’s fast start proved decisive in its 13-point victory against Woodville-West Torrens at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

Booting the only three goals of the first quarter, the Bloods were then able to hold the Eagles at bay by leading at every change despite having 17 fewer inside 50 entries.

The hosts were fuelled by influential performances from Lincoln Pitt (15 disposals, six marks), Harper Ryan (22 disposals, six marks) and Mitch Marsh (16 disposals, nine marks, two goals).

Red hot Eagle Jack Cook continued his fine form with 37 disposals and 12 tackles while teammates Dougal Ashby (17 disposals, eight marks) and Jensen Frantz (14 disposals) were also praised by the coaching staff.