Round 15 Torrens University SANFL U18 Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

South Adelaide has emerged as a contender for the Torrens University SANFL U18 minor premiership after eclipsing Central District by 33 points at Flinders University Stadium.

Now level with the second-placed Bulldogs on 18 premiership points, the Panthers were super impressive in the second half to suddenly stake a claim for the competition’s top billing.

Prolific Panthers midfielder Tom Wheaton starred in the middle with 24 disposals, eight clearances and a goal while teammates Jacob Sheean and Taylor Goad played significant support acts in the vital victory.

Central’s strongest performers may not have been at the top of its stats sheet but the Bulldogs’ officials recognised Nathan Johnson, Samuel Sibbick and Liam Fawcett for their efforts.

Sturt remarkably overcame a goalless first half to register a 23-point win against top-placed Woodville-West Torrens at Thebarton Oval.

Managing just nine behinds up to half-time, the Double Blues were fortunate the Eagles were also incredibly inaccurate in their 5.17 (47) to 2.12 (24) victory.

Dynamic Sturt rover Kobe McEntee continued his red hot form by racking up 28 disposals and five tackles while Henry Maerschel (21 disposals) and Ned Atkinson (20 disposals) also made a positive impression.

Top ball-winners for the Eagles Darcy Hudson (24 disposals) and Callum Fairall (29 disposals) tried to will their side across the line while Tate Delmenico added noteworthy support.

Glenelg accumulated valuable percentage when it easily accounted for West Adelaide by 86 points at Hisense Stadium.

Mounting a late charge for the major round, the Tigers have now won their past four in succession since snapping a five-game losing streak in Round 12.

Selecting best players would have been a headache for the visitors’ coaching staff, who opted for Ben Ridgway (29 disposals, two goals), Kallan Bevan (28 disposals, two goals) and Conor Gluyas (three goals).

The Bloods managed to win the tackle count but it wasn’t enough as Bailee Gilbert (18 disposals), Jack Hutton (two goals) and Sam Burbridge (25 disposals, one goal) refused to give in.

Norwood remained in the major round shuffle when it overwhelmed North Adelaide by 42 points at The Parade.

Just three wins behind the top-placed Eagles despite sitting in seventh place on the ladder, the Redlegs led at every change as they earned victory despite having four fewer inside 50 entries.

Such was the evenness of the hosts’ performance, not one player reached the 20-disposal mark as Noah Daw (19 disposals), Jacob Newton (19 disposals, two goals) and Jay Polkinghorne (five goals) had a huge say in the result.

North’s charge was led by Jed Dignan (26 disposals, one goal), Tom Stevens and Tom Tasker (31 disposals), the son of former Rooster and Crow Sean Tasker.