Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – First Semi-Final

Glenelg produced a character-filled finals victory full of heart as it ended Sturt’s season with a 31-point win in the First Semi-Final at Adelaide Oval.

In an incredibly tense, pressure-packed contest, the Tigers were able to withstand everything the Double Blues threw at them before powering away in the final quarter.

And this was without Ken Farmer Medallist Lachie Hosie, who was not deemed fit to return, and with the late drama of Will Gould pulling out during the warm-up.

Sturt looked set to edge ahead when Joel Thiele intercepted a defensive pass and snapped truly late in the third quarter to give his side a six-point lead at the final change.

But this would be the Blues’ last goal of the match as the Bays piled on 6.2 to Sturt’s one behind in the final quarter to book a berth in the Preliminary Final next Sunday.

With 2023 premiership captain Max Proud absolutely outstanding in defence, the Tigers managed to find plenty of energy in the final 30 minutes as star utility Matt Allen sprang to life.

With just 11 disposals at the final change, Allen kicked a goal and had a strong influence in his team’s finish as James Bell (19 disposals) and Cole Gerloff (19 disposals) continued their great finals form.

Ultimately, the Bays had very few passengers as Corey Lyons (18 disposals) was solid in the middle and captain Liam McBean and Luke Reynolds booted four goals apiece.

Proud (24 disposals and eight marks) led a solid back six as Jonty Scharenberg (21 disposals), Nick Stevens (17 disposals), Alex Martini (16 disposals) and Oscar Adams all played their roles.

Gould ambled from Adelaide Oval after experiencing back spasms in the warm-up, causing Bays coach Darren Reeves and Football Manager Paul Sandercock to quickly call upon Liam Wisdom from the grandstand.

Sturt’s painful loss ensured it would exit the finals series in straight sets, after winning 13 matches in succession during the minor round.

Midfield trio Tom Lewis (26 disposals, nine tackles), Will Snelling (26 disposals, nine tackles) and James Battersby (23 disposals, eight clearances) again won their share of the ball but the Blues were unable to put enough of their 45 inside 50s to use on the scoreboard.

Sturt wingman Steven Slimming collected 21 disposals in his last game for the club after announcing his retirement, along side fellow premiership veteran Guy Page, who had 11 disposals in his last outing.

The Blues were also hampered by the absence of Angus Anderson after quarter-time, after he finished the game with his thigh strapped up in a brace.