Round 18 SANFL U18 Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

Central District stormed into the major round of the SANFL U18 competition with a rampaging 140-point win against Glenelg at X Convenience Oval. 

Needing a victory to ensure a spot in the top four, the Bulldogs made an emphatic statement by keeping the Tigers goalless on the back of a 48-22 inside 50 advantage.

AFL Draft prospects Cameron Nairn (31 disposals, one goal) and Aidan Schubert (20 disposals, one goal) were again prominent for the Dogs while Jack Gordon (27 disposals, one goal) was also influential.

Tigers Travis Wilson, Gabe Patterson and Harvey Croker collected 49 disposals between them but were unable to stem the hosts’ significant momentum.

West Adelaide ensured it will take confidence into the finals series after eclipsing minor premier Sturt by 25 points at Thomas Farms Oval.

The Bloods, who led at every change, were in control of the contest as they made the most of their significant ascendancy at the stoppages with a 36-23 clearance count in their favour.

Exciting forward Mitchell Marsh shone with 20 disposals, 11 marks and three goals while Bloods’ teammates Lincoln Pitt (16 disposals) and Fletcher Dillon (21 disposals, eight marks) also played important roles.

Sturt officials rated captain Noah Roberts-Thomson (24 disposals), Will Ekberg (12 disposals, 11 tackles) and Blake Thredgold (18 disposals, eight marks) highly.

South Adelaide overcame its inaccuracy in front of goal to record a solid 12-point victory against Woodville-West Torrens at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

Despite not kicking a goal in the opening term, the Panthers slowly clawed their way back into the contest with a commanding 49-29 inside 50 advantage.

Panthers Harry Wadewitz (34 disposals, 12 marks, 10 clearances), Archie Van Dyk (29 disposals, one goal) and Elliott Duffield (24 disposals, nine marks) finished their 2025 campaign on a high.

Eagles Joel Hill (24 disposals), Jensen Frantz (16 disposals) and Jack Mumford (12 disposals, three goals) did their best to keep their side in the contest.

North Adelaide ended its 2025 campaign in positive fashion with a comfortable 56-point triumph against Norwood at The Parade. 

Restricting the Redlegs to just one goal in the opening half and just four for the match, the Roosters had less of the ball but engineered 29 more inside 50 entries.

North ruck Ethan Herbert impressed with 21 disposals, eight marks and two goals while Joshua Casey (23 disposals, one goal) and Wil Brown (20 disposals, three goals) were also pivotal in securing the premiership points.

Norwood captain Darcy Speyer continued his tireless efforts with 31 disposals and a goal while receiving solid support from teammates Levi Johnston (23 disposals) and James Van Wyk (23 disposals, eight clearances).