Round 17 Torrens University SANFL U18 Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

West Adelaide’s second win of the season – by 26 points at Stratarama Stadium – has put a major dent in Glenelg’s Torrens University SANFL U18 finals hopes.

The Bloods not only snapped the Bays’ five-game winning streak but also ensured their rivals must beat fourth-placed Sturt in Round 18 to snare a spot in the major round.

Eighth-placed West managed just five behinds in the first quarter but slowly wrestled control of the contest after half-time by booting 5.5 to the Tigers’ 2.2.

Important Bloods midfield trio Charlie Haysman (30 disposals, one goal), Bailey White (25 disposals, 11 tackles) and Sam Burbridge (24 disposals, 11 clearances) were major difference-makers as Jonty Koehne booted three goals.

The hosts were well-served by midfielder Ben Ridgway (37 disposals, 10 tackles, 10 clearances), Izayah Kean (21 disposals, one goal) and Kallan Bevan (20 disposals, 11 tackles).

North Adelaide provided Woodville-West Torrens with a late-season hiccup after producing a six-point upset at Prospect Oval.

With scores level at half-time, the Roosters broke clear with a defining third term which yielded 6.1 to the Eagles’ 3.2 to earn a 17-point lead at the final change.

The visitors came within five points in the 16th minute of the fourth quarter thanks to a third goal from Oscar Pearce but were unable to creep across the line.

North’s Jed Dignan (25 disposals, two goals), Angus Tully (22 disposals, eight clearances) and Luke Harvey, the brother of Roosters’ premiership veteran Mitch Harvey, all had a major say in the victory.

Consistent Eagles midfielder Callum Fairall was again one of his side’s best with 24 disposals, eight clearances and eight tackles while Pat Toole and Izaac Niemann collected 16 disposals each.

Sturt held onto fourth-place on the ladder with a thrilling two-point win against Central District at Wigan Oval. 

Still needing to defeat Glenelg in Round 18 to play in the major round, the Double Blues all but gained the vital premiership points when Noah Prenzler nailed his third goal in the 20th minute of the final term.

Sturt’s Kobee Dabinett (21 disposals, eight tackles), Lachlan Boscence (23 disposals, one goal) and Cameron Kelly all produced fine performances to secure the victory.

The Bulldogs’ versatile tall Jayden Matz continued his consistent campaign while Mitchell McDonald (21 disposals, 10 tackles) and Tallan Rosenzweig (four goals) provided strong support.

South Adelaide shut the door on Norwood with an outstanding defensive effort earning a 40-point win at Flinders University Stadium.

Setting up victory in the second term by booting 4.5 to the Redlegs’ one behind, the Panthers were able to restrict the visitors to just 2.6 (18) for the afternoon.

Star South midfielders Phoenix Hargrave (25 disposals, one goal) and Sid Draper (21 disposals) were key drivers behind the triumph while Dakota Sterzl (19 disposals, one goal) was also lauded.

The defensive efforts of Norwood’s Grant Catalano and Anthony Mustaca couldn’t be questioned as they laid 14 tackles each as they were joined by teammate Luke Scott in trying to reel the Panthers in.