SA U16 team defeated by Western Australia in Game 1

By ZAC MILBANK

South Australia is on the back foot in its Marsh AFL U16 National Championship campaign after succumbing to Western Australia by 12 points in Game 1.

Despite banging on two early goals to lead at the first change, the Croweaters couldn’t manage another major until the final quarter amid the extremely wet conditions in Perth.

The Sandgropers also battled to pile on the scoreboard pressure but ultimately, having 18 scoring shots to 11 painted the picture.

SA captain Harvey Chapman was outstanding throughout the contest while his team was consistently under siege while fellow defender Dene Hatedakis was also highly-rated.

Athletic SA forward Zemes Pilot and hard-running Croweaters vice-captain Taj Garrett kicked a goal each while also being rated among the visitors’ best performers.

After facing the Sandgropers, SA will head to Queensland for clashes against Victoria Country at People First Stadium on Tuesday July 15 and Victoria Metro at Fankhauser Reserve on Friday July 18.

Western Australia  0.2  2.7  3.13  4.14 (38)

South Australia  2.1  2.2  2.6  3.8 (26)    

BEST – SA: Harvey Chapman, Dene Hatedakis, Zemes Pilot, Taj Garrett, Thomas Gribben, Zane Rooney

GOALS – SA: Taj Garrett, Brayden Whimpress, Zemes Pilot

At HIF Health Insurance Stadium, Joondalup, Perth