Eagles win 2024 SANFL U18 Grand Final

By ZAC MILBANK

Woodville-West Torrens produced a stunning comeback to win the 2024 SANFL U18 premiership with a fighting four-point win against Central District at Adelaide Oval.

In a highly entertaining title-decider, the Eagles trailed by as much as 33 points 19 mins into the second term before piling on the next six goals in succession to snatch the lead in the ninth minute of the third quarter.

Earning their first flag since 2021 and fourth in seven seasons under master coach Shane Reardon, the fourth-placed Eagles charged into the most important match of the season on the back of wins against Sturt and Glenelg in the major round.

And it was this momentum which propelled them to such a memorable victory as captain Jett Hasting claimed the Alan Stewart Medal as best afield with 20 disposals, six marks, four clearances, seven tackles and a goal.

Scores were locked on 59 apiece at the final change and both teams went goal for goal as Aidan Schubert tied things up in the 14th minute after converting his mark on the lead from 40m.

The Dogs, who had earned direct entry to the Grand Final, then edged in front with consecutive behinds kicked by Dougie Cochrane and Schubert.

But then tall Eagles forward Logan Hughes took centre stage when he turned off one step to snap truly from 35m, kicking the match-winning major with nearly six minutes to play.

The Eagles were then able to hang on through some nervous moments as Rome Burgoyne (27 disposals), Jack Cook (25 disposals) and Harry Dodd (19 disposals) found plenty of the Sherrin.

Strong-marking Charlie West finished 17 disposals, five clearances and two goals for the Eagles as fellow forward Jack Gray hit the scoreboard with four majors.

Chasing its first SANFL U18 flag since 2003, Central was able to steady early on after ruck James Noack left the field inside the opening 30 seconds after being copping a knock in the centre square.

Twin towers Tallan Rosenzweig (11 disposals, four goals) and Charlie Nicholls (15 disposals, eight marks, two goals) were active early as they joined Schubert in helping get to a 19-point lead at quarter-time.

But the Bulldogs were unable to take their opportunities when it mattered most during the frantic final stages of the fourth quarter.