Glenelg wins 2025 Reserves Premiership

By ZAC MILBANK

Glenelg has won its third SANFL Reserves premiership in five years after cruising to a comfortable 25-point win against Sturt in the 2025 title-decider at Adelaide Oval. 

Adding to their successes in 2021 and 2023, the Bays set the tone early and controlled the contest throughout with sharp ball use and an advantageous inside 50m count of 48 to 31.

Coached by Jared Millington, the minor premier asserted its authority through the impact of Bob Lee Medallist Ben Ridgway in the centre square and forwards Latrelle Pickett and Darcy Scott in attack.

Ridgway, who racked up a game-high 30 disposals to go with 11 clearances, seven tackles and four marks, was a fitting choice as best afield such was his performance across all four quarters.

Livewire Pickett, invited to the SA State Combine in October, showed why he is attracting attention from AFL scouts after hitting the scoreboard with 4.1 from his eight disposals, including a crafty dribbler along the ground in the third term.

Scott tallied 2.3 from his 16 disposals and eight marks while Cooper Horsnell (21 disposals) and Jake Walker (18 disposals) also had an influence through the middle.

Tasmanian pair Isaac Hyatt, who was the Tigers’ captain, and Liam Jones made their presence felt with 17 disposals each while Jones also booted two important set shot goals.

Sturt’s Kobe McEntee relished the slippery conditions to rack up 20 disposals and boot two goals while Luca Slade (20 disposals) and Heath Wingard (19 disposals) found their fair share of the Sherrin.

Defender Willa Taylor was the Double Blues’ leading disposal-winner with 23 while Morgan Ferres contributed four goals from five kicks as the Blues fell short of the crown after rising from fifth spot.