Round 15 Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – Sunday

A late fourth-quarter surge ensured Sturt would jump into the top three after a hard-fought 15-point win against North Adelaide at Thomas Farms Oval.

Making the most of the Eagles’ upset loss to Port Adelaide on Saturday night, the Double Blues currently sit third on percentage with four minor round matches to play.

But it was far from a cruisy ride for Maty Mattner’s men, who trailed at every change before powering past the Roosters with a 5.2 to 1.3 last term.

Plagued by inaccuracy in front of goal, Sturt didn’t hit the front until triple premiership goalsneak Josh Hone converted his clever mark, opposed to three Roosters, from a 30m set shot.

Double Blues teammate Tom Emmett then pulled in a strong overhead mark before slotting his third major and the hosts’ second in as many minutes.

Versatile Sturt ruck Amos Doyle then put through the sealer from his set shot after finding space to mark on his own 35m from goal.

Magarey Medallist Will Snelling made a welcome return to chalk up 26 disposals, five clearances, 12 tackles and two goals while captain Tom Lewis was also influential for Sturt with 23 disposals.

Zac Becker, Sam Conforti and Jared Dakin each chimed in for 18 disposals while Glenunga product Isaiah Faddoul had a solid debut with 14 disposals and eight marks.

North appeared to run out of petrol late in the contest but Angus Schumacher (36 disposals), Harrison Wigg (32 disposals) and Cody Raak (29 disposals) did their best to cause an unexpected victory.

Tireless ruck Mitch Harvey had 22 disposals and eight clearances while former Sturt skipper James Battersby collected 19 disposals in his return to Unley wearing red and white.

Exciting North pair Kalan Caputo and Charlie Dickeson continued their promising first seasons with three goals each.

Norwood constructed its vital 13-point win against Central District with a six-goal third quarter burst at The Parade. 

The efficient Bulldogs had the Redlegs on the back foot in the first half, leading by 16 points at half-time.

But the hosts booted six of the next seven majors to suddenly lead by 17 points at three-quarter time as the statistics sheet began to paint the picture.

A determined Central outfit came within a kick of Norwood on two occasions in the fourth quarter before three goals in succession – to Max Hodges, Connor Ling and Charlie Molan – would seal the premiership points for Jade Sheedy’s outfit.

Norwood completely dominated the chief stat categories, earning 135 more disposals, 47 more marks, 10 more clearances and 22 more inside 50 entries.

Nik Rokahr found plenty of the Sherrin as he topped the disposal-winners with 42 and eight clearances while Redlegs’ teammates Kade Dittmar and Cooper Murley (26 disposals each) were also prominent.

Ruck Finn Heard continued his impressive season with 27 disposals, seven clearances and a goal while Norwood skipper Jacob Kennerley had 22 disposals and two goals.

Star recruit Aaron Francis was again a strong presence in defence with 20 disposals and seven marks while Jayden Gale booted four goals for the hosts.

Speedy Bulldog Anzac Lochowiak kept his side in the contest with five classy majors as teammates Josh Fahey and Kai Pudney tallied 23 disposals each.

Central talls Max Monaghan, Tallan Rosenzweig and Jack Tomkinson booted two goals each for Central.

Glenelg maintained its place at the top of the Hostplus SANFL League ladder with a slick 61-point victory against South Adelaide at Magain Stadium. 

Without injured captain Liam McBean (knee), the Bays were still rarely troubled by the Panthers as they made the most of straight kicking in front of goal whilst leading throughout the afternoon.

Earning a 19-point advantage at half-time, Glenelg gained valuable percentage by piling on 11.4 to 4.4 in the second half to celebrate the 100th match of dual premiership defender Brad McCarthy.

Matthew Clarke’s side led the inside 50 count 45 to 33 whilst also displaying great tenacity to win the tackle column 59 to 40.

Experienced Tiger trio Matt Allen (32 disposals, one goal), Corey Lyons (28 disposals, one goal) and Luke Partington (28 disposals, three goals) were major influences for the visitors as Patrick Parnell and Jonty Scharenberg each had 24 touches in defence.

Ken Farmer Medal leader Lachie Hosie slammed through another four majors while swingman Karl Finlay stepped up in McBean’s absence to also kick four goals as Remi Brown added a pair.

Consistent South recruit Harley Sparks accumulated a team-high 28 disposals while captain Oscar Clavarino finished with 25 and 14 marks in defence.

AAMI SA U18 captain Kodah Edwards had an encouraging Hostplus SANFL League debut for the Panthers with 16 disposals, seven marks and three clearances.

Tye Gander was the hosts’ only multiple goal kicker with two.