Round 1 SANFL U16 Match Wraps

By TOM WYMAN

Glenelg proved too good for West Adelaide by claiming a 62-point victory to open the SANFL U16 season at Hisense Stadium.

The Tigers took a 22-point lead into the half-time break, but put the foot down in the second half by extending the margin late in the contest.

Max Atkin was dangerous inside-50 for the black-and-gold, finishing with 4.3 from his 22 disposals.

Tigers Harvey Croker (33 disposals and four clearances) and Jacob McNicol (33 disposals and 10 inside-50s) found plenty of the football, as did Bloods on-baller Ryan McAulay (21 disposals and eight clearances).

Sturt reversed last year’s SANFL U16 grand final loss by defeating reigning premier Central District by 21 points at X Convenience Oval.

A five-goal first quarter laid the foundations for the victory, and an even spread of contributors ensured the Double Blues ran out comfortable winners.

Sturt’s Ryan Davies was threatening in attack while booting three goals, while teammates Taj Garrett (22 disposals and 10 marks) and Will Ekberg (18 disposals and six clearances) were busy throughout.

Talented Bulldog Dougie Cochrane had the ball on a string, accumulating 35 disposals, 11 marks, nine clearances and six inside-50s in a standout display.

North Adelaide made light work of Norwood to open its season in style, running out victorious by 47 points at Memorial Oval in Port Pirie.

The Roosters traveled to the heart of their regional zone and wasted no time in putting on a show, kicking the first 12 goals of the game and holding Norwood goalless in the first half.

The Roosters were strong across the board, but Memphis Webb stood out with his 28 disposals, nine marks, nine tackles and a goal.

Webb benefitted from the tap work of ruckman Ethan Herbert, who was dominant with 34 hit-outs and two goals.

Mason Tambe kicked three second half goals for Norwood, while midfielders Charlie Best and Kyran Cole-Manolis both managed 19 disposals and a goal.

South Adelaide got its season off to the ideal start by defeating Woodville-West Torrens by 22 points at Flinders University Stadium.

The Panthers’ midfielders put on a show, with Archie Van Dyk gathering 41 disposals and 11 tackles, Kodah Edwards collecting 38 disposals and a goal and Cain Florence contributing with 36 possessions and 10 marks.

The damaging trio combined for 21 clearances as South Adelaide led from start to finish, with forward Zemes Holmes kicking a game-high three goals.

Jack Leys battled hard for the visiting Eagles, gathering 29 disposals and working hard around the ground to take 12 marks.