Round 5 Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – Saturday

Supreme efficiency with the Sherrin was a key catalyst for Woodville-West Torrens in its 25-point win against Port Adelaide at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

As Port Adelaide squandered opportunities early to boot 1.7 in the opening term, the Eagles were making the most of every touch as they led at every change to chalk up their fourth win in succession.

Sam Jacobs’ charges had 14 fewer inside 50 entries but their kick-to-handball ratio was heavily in favour of using the ball by foot with 211 kicks to Port’s 168 as the Magpies chalked up 37 more handballs.

The Eagles also got on top in the clearances as they earned a decisive 38-23 advantage while also controlling the tempo of the game with 31 more marks.

A red-hot Kobe Mutch continued to thrive back in the Eagles’ nest with 29 disposals, six clearances and five tackles while James Rowe was the equal-highest possession winner on the ground with 31.

Max Beattie and Riley Knight each racked up 26 touches for the hosts while defenders Max Litster (24 disposals) and captain Joey Sinor (23 disposals) were also prominent.

Crafty first-year player Jett Hasting booted three majors for the second week in a row while Eagle talls Connor Ballenden and Daniel Sladojevic each kicked two goals.

Port’s Rory Atkins regained touch with 31 possessions and eight marks while Jack Watkins collected 30 disposals, 23 of which were by hand.

Magpie Hugh Jackson booted two goals to go with his 27 disposals while first-year draftee Jack Whitlock kicked three goals in an encouraging display.

Central District eventually shrugged off a pesky South Adelaide to bank a comfortable 54-point victory at X Convenience Oval.

On the back foot early thanks to a fast start from Panther Liam Fitt who kicked the opening two goals of the game, the Bulldogs slowly set about edging their way back into the contest.

Bulldog Aiden Grace booted goals at the bookends of the second quarter as his side carved out a 14-point half-time advantage.

But it wasn’t until the final quarter that Paul Thomas’ side flexed its muscle by banging on 5.4 to just one behind to earn valuable percentage in its fourth win of the season.

Central’s Mani Liddy continued his eye-catching play with 26 disposals and five clearances while Kade Dittmar created plenty of damage with his 19 touches, also chiming in with three goals.

In defence, Rhett Montgomerie impressed with his intercept marking to finish with a total of nine grabs with his 17 disposals while captain Kyle Presbury and utility Luca Whitelum collected 16 disposals each.

Grace finished with four goals for the game while creative forward line trio Jack Gasper, Nick Lange and Anzac Lochowiak each bobbed up with a pair.

South’s Brad Jefferies continues to improve each week with his new club, the Reserves Magarey Medallist registering a team-high 19 disposals and a goal while Elliot Dunkin had 17 touches and Luke Bogle 15.

Fitt was South’s only multiple goal kicker with two, to go with his 12 disposals while Jaiden Magor booted a classy goal to go with his 15 possessions.