SANFL U16 Preliminary Final Match Wrap

By TOM WYMAN

West Adelaide advanced to the SANFL U16 Grand Final after easily accounting for South Adelaide by 44 points in the Preliminary Final at Thomas Farms Oval.

South made the fast start with early goals to Jayden Jamison, Joel Wigzell and Darcy Campbell-Kearney, but West soon found its groove.

Ruckman Calvin Jones goaled to get the Bloods off the mark and it triggered an astounding run of 10-straight red-and-black majors.

South had no answers as it struggled to contain the West forward line, which turned a six-point quarter-time lead into a 34-point advantage at the main break.

The Panthers finally broke the drought through Wigzell at the 12 minute-mark of the third term, but the Bloods refused to let South back into the game and found answers whenever challenged.

Bloods ball-magnet and recently crowned SANFL U16 Best and Fairest, Laurance Andriani, was at his influential best, gathering 30 disposals, nine clearances and a goal.

West forward Percy Burgoyne booted four goals in a strong display, while teammates Dillon Marks and Samuel DePalma both kicked two.

The Bloods will now face Central District in Sunday’s title-decider from 9.20am at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

On a disappointing day for South, utility Zemes Pilot collected 25 disposals and nailed two late goals and ruckman Deklan Warren won 27 hit-outs.