Allies defeat Torrens University SA U18 team

By ZAC MILBANK

A spirited second-half fightback wasn’t enough for the Torrens University SA U18 team after it succumbed to a well-drilled Allies outfit by 16 points at Thebarton Oval.

Trailing by as much as 49 points early in the third term, the Croweaters then banged on 8.2 to the visitors’ 2.3 to nearly steal victory in their opening AFL National Championships match.

Smooth-moving SA midfielder Sid Draper found some meaningful support after the main change as Jack Delean hit the scoreboard with four goals.

But the damage had been done in the opening hour as the Allies ran hard through corridor while producing great link-up play with skillful use of the football.

Draper – who is eligible for the 2024 AFL Draft – was SA’s only genuine contributor across four quarters, finishing with a team-high 23 disposals, eight inside 50s and six tackles.

Defender Alex Holt collected nine disposals, six tackles and five rebound 50s while SA ruck Alex Van Wyk battled hard in the centre square for eight disposals, three clearances and 24 hit outs.

SA had 13 fewer inside 50 entries for the contest which translated to 11 fewer scoring shots, proving pivotal in the final result.

South Australia will now turn its attention towards hosting arch-rival Victoria Metro next Sunday  at Thebarton Oval.

The Croweaters will then hit the road for contests against Victoria Country (June 18) in Melbourne and Western Australia (June 24) in Perth to round out their campaign.

Sunday June 4 at Thebarton Oval

SA  2.0  3.0  7.1  11.2  (68)

Allies  6.2  9.7  10.9  12.12 (84)

BEST – SA: Draper, Delean, Holt, Van Wyk, McAuliffe, McCabe

GOALS – SA: Delean 4, Fawcett 2, Moir, McShane, Holt, Gladigau, Herbert