Round 8 SANFL U18 Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

North Adelaide responded to a late surge from Norwood to hold on for a gritty 10-point win at The Parade in Round 8 of the SANFL U18s.

Leading by nine points at the final change, the Roosters suddenly found themselves trailing by eight points midway through the final term.

But the visitors booted the last three goals of the game to escape with victory as Josh Koster (23 disposals, one goal), Zackariah Young and Lachlan Gardner performed strongly.

Chasing their second win of the season, the Redlegs listed James Van Wyk (19 disposals, one goal, eight clearances), Ethan Pugsley (20 disposals) and Ryan Penna as their top players.

Sturt was saved by the bell as it hung on for a dramatic four-point win against Woodville-West Torrens at Thomas Farms Oval.

The Double Blues seemingly had the game under control while leading by 27 points early in the third term, only to have the Eagles boot four of the final five goals of the contest.

An eye-catching five-goal haul and another sensational mark punctuated the performance of Sturt’s Sam Waltham while his teammates Kobee Dabinett and Sam White also contributed well.

The Eagles – who kicked the final goal of the game with two seconds on the clock – rated James McGorman, Griffyn Hansen (20 disposals, 13 marks) and Jack Hankins (15 disposals) highly.

Glenelg maintained its place at the top of the premiership table with a workmanlike 40-point win against West Adelaide at Hisense Stadium.

Despite being plagued by inaccuracy in front of goal, the Tigers’ superior efficiency with ball in hand resulted in 12 more inside 50 entries while having just one more kick than the Bloods for the match.

The Bays’ Oliver Betterman led the way with 33 disposals, seven marks and a goal while Kallan Bevan (23 disposals) and Emerson Forbes (three goals) also caught the eye.

The endeavour of West’s Ayden Hodgson (30 disposals, two goals) cannot be questioned this year while his teammates Hamish Dow (19 disposals, 11 tackles) and Ben Jeffries also battled hard.

Central District’s hot start to the 2024 season rolled on after it eclipsed South Adelaide by 30 points at Flinders University Stadium.

Now joining ladder-leading Glenelg at the top of the table with a 7-1 win-loss record, the Bulldogs weren’t troubled as they dominated the clearance count 39 to 23.

Beau Ryan was a standout for the visitors with his 30 possessions, 10 marks and a goal while teammates Mitch McDonald (23 disposals, 10 clearances) and James Noack also drew plaudits from their coaches.

The Panthers – now with a 2-6 win-loss record – had Cohen Shortridge (27 disposals, one goal), Jesse Nye and Brayden Nicholls lead their charge.