2023 Hostplus Glenelg Pocket Profile

SANFL’s ZAC MILBANK breaks down all you need to know about the Tigers heading into the 2023 Hostplus SANFL League season.

Friday March 3
Sturt 9.10 (64) d Glenelg 9.7 (61) at Thebarton Oval

Saturday March 11
Glenelg 14.4 (88) d Central 13.2 (80) at X Convenience Oval

Saturday March 18
Adelaide 19.9 (123) d Glenelg 12.9 (81) at Thebarton Oval

Delisted Sydney Swan has James Bell hasn’t wasted time in turning heads during the trial match period.

Using his explosive running power, the 24-year-old – who played 28 AFL games – projects to be a standout recruit in the 2023 Hostplus SANFL League.

Recruited by former Swan and current Tiger Toby Pink, Bell won’t hold back in his attack on the footy while he divides his time between half-forward and the centre square.

”I’m a Sydney supporter so I have followed him closely the last few years,” Glenelg coach Darren Reeves said of Bell, who measures in at 183cm and 81kg.

”He’s a terrific young kid, I cannot speak more highly of how engaged he’s been within our group and how engaged he’s been in helping the young kids around him.

”He’s a very talented player who we see playing through the midfield and forward with his tremendous attributes.

”His ability to be able to run and impact games at high speed is really impressive.”

One Bays youngster in particular hasn’t wasted any time in making an impression on his first senior coach, Darren Reeves.

”The standout for me has been Archie Lovelock,” Reeves said without hesitation about the skillful 18-year-old.

”He’s been sensational. He’s been arguably our best player through the three trial games from a consistency basis.

”He can play through the midfield, he can play forward and we just love his running power.

”He’s tough over the ball, he’s clean with his hands and just laps up any any information so he can learn.”

Measuring in at 178cm and 74kg, Lovelock was equally consistent for SA’s U18 team in similar roles at last year’s AFL National Championships.

Considered unlucky not to land a berth on an AFL list, the Sacred Heart College graduate could again attract the attention of scouts with a strong start to the Hostplus SANFL League season.

Torrens University SA U18 coach Tony Bamford profiles the Tigers’ players in 2023

Ashton Moir
Ashton is a highly talented footballer who also possesses elite athletic traits.

He is in the AFL National Academy and has also completed a full preseason with Glenelg’s senior program.

Ash got to experience the AFL U18 National Championships last year as an U17 player in our last two games, playing as a medium forward. He is a very focused and motivated young man who will most likely play multiple senior SANFL games for Glenelg, testing himself against men and proven SANFL defenders.

Ben Ridgway
Ben is one of the hardest workers in this age group from what we have seen so far.

He has also experienced a senior preseason with Glenelg.

Ben plays as an inside midfielder, high forward, where he can use his strong contest work and high-speed running ability to benefit his team.

He has also been a willing on-field leader for a few years now. Ben is working hard to fine tune his kicking skills under pressure.

He was captain of the Glenelg’s U18 premiership team last year, while completing his Year 12 study. He has now moved into University, where he is studying Teaching.

Bodie Ryan
Bodie is the cousin of Glenelg U18 premiership player and current Collingwood AFL player, Jakob Ryan. He is also a very similar player to Jakob, playing as a high intercept defender.

He can beat his direct opponent often while also getting back to the ball to assist and out-number his opponents.

He is currently working on improving his clean hands in close, under pressure. Bodie played as an U17 player in the Glenelg U18 premiership team last year. He is doing Year 12 at Sacred Heart College and will also be a key player in Hearts’ First 18 Team.

Harry Francis
Big Harry has had a solid preseason and is looking to transfer that into game-day performance.

Harry is a developing tall player who can really jump and mark the ball at its highest point.

He is still learning how best to position himself as a key-position player at both ends of the ground. He has also been challenged to improve his competitiveness and contest work.

Harry played as an U17 player in the Glenelg U18 premiership team last year.

He is completing Year 12 at Sacred Heart College and will also be a key player in their First 18 Team.

Bowen Payne
Bowen is a classic wingman who runs really good patterns in general play and transition.

In 2022, as a bottom age player, it was his kicking efficiency that helped him stand out against other wingers.

He is currently working on improving his game impact in contest and team-defence areas.

Bowen played as an U17 player in the Glenelg U18 premiership team last year. He has finished his schooling at Sacred Heart and is working part-time.

Eli Redman
Eli played nine games at U18 level for Glenelg last season, commuting up from his home at Mt Gambier, where he was working as an apprentice plumber.

He has since re-located to live and work in Adelaide so he can now train full-time with Glenelg.

Eli is a versatile player who has shown he can perform well in all three areas of the oval.

His best footy at SANFL U18 level has been as a medium-sized forward where he can use his body work, strengths and smarts to manipulate his opponent in marking contests.

Eli is committed to improving his defensive impact, along with his athletic capability to work at high speeds for longer.