SANFL U18 Grand Final Preview and Teams

By PETER ARGENT

Central District has been around the mark all season – but it’s sure hit its straps at the right time.

But it’s up against another team that is on fire – after spending most of the campaign in the lower half of the table. The Eagles were fifth before edging ahead of North Adelaide and into the top four on percentage in Round 17. They have been on a roll since, knocking over Sturt in the first semi-final, with Jack Gray’s fourth goal decisive in a thrilling three-point triumph before overwhelming minor premier Glenelg by 49 points in the preliminary final.

The Dogs, who had been in a three-way tussle for the minor premiership with the Bays and Blues, were second going into Round 17 but with the same record (12-4) as third-placed Sturt, one win behind Glenelg. But in the last two minor-round games they dismissed Sturt by 21 points, then booted the last three goals to pip the Tigers at the post by four points. The roll continued as the Dogs beat the Bays again two weeks later to gain direct entry into the grand final at Adelaide Oval. No last-gasp heroics were required this time as Central set up a strong 20-point win at the Bay.

The Bulldogs, gunning for their first flag in the grade since their under-19 title in 2003, are coached by Kyle Jenner. The former Central star took over the role after four years in charge at Nuriootpa in the Barossa, Light and Gawler Association, where he engineered the 2022 premiership. A league premiership player in 2010, Jenner is confident of a good showing from his troops. “Our two-week break has given the group the chance to freshen up and manage any sore spots,” Jenner said. “Our message is to enjoy the week – you don’t want the lads to be playing the game in their heads too early.”

One of the Bulldogs’ biggest strengths is their talls are hard to match up on, Charlie Nicholls, Tallan Rosenzweig and Aidan Schubert being 197cm and having produced impressive seasons. “Charlie can also play down back as he has done in the State program and for us on a couple of occasions,” Jenner said. “James Noack has been outstanding all year, predominantly in ruck or even as a key defender. We have won both games against the Eagles this year but they do have a number of players in college programs.”

When the Eagles won the under-16 flag two years ago, beating Glenelg at Adelaide Oval, current under-18 stars Jett Hasting, Kade Herbert and Thomas Luck were leaders.

Shane Reardon has been in charge of the Eagles’ under-18s for 10 seasons. He led South Adelaide to an under-19 flag back in 1995, with current Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin among his charges, and enjoyed titles with the Eagles in 2018-19 and 2021.  This will be his sixth grand final appearance in this period.

“I felt if we could get the full squad available we would compete with the top teams,” said Reardon, who noted one of the Eagles’ strengths was the depth of their squad. “We have plenty of players who are prepared to play their roles and we are pretty even across the three areas of the ground.

“Jack Cook was among our best in both finals, Zac Schwartz has been consistent all year, Ray Sumner brings excitement and speed to the group and Jevan Phillipou (younger sibling of St Kilda’s Mattaes) has shown strong form since returning from an ankle injury. Rome Burgoyne, with class and composure and the way he uses the ball, is another I’ve been looking forward to watching. It will be a highlight for the players and all the support staff, playing this game on Adelaide Oval.”

The midfield battle between Central’s dual sporting talent Matt LeRay – he is also an impressive leg-spinner at Tea Tree Gully Cricket Club – third-generation Bulldog Tom Cochrane and the McDonald lads – Riley and Mitchell – up against Eagles Herbert, Hasting, Harry Dodd and Cook will be pivotal in this decider. It’s looming as an exciting climax to the under-18 season that could go either way.

For the under-18 grand final team lists and preview grab this week’s Football Budget, available at Adelaide Oval.

Sunday September 15

Central District v Woodville West Torrens | 12pm | Live stream on SANFL Now

CENTRAL

F: Nairn, Nicholls, Nettle

HF: Schubert, Rosenzweig, R. McDonald

C: Kurtz, M. McDonald, Ryan

HB: Pyman, Sibbick, Wills

B: Wilton, Giles, Reichelt

R: Noack, T. Cochrane, LeRay

INT: Switala, Lane-Ellis, Rothe, King, Reimann, D. Cochrane, Gordon

EAGLES

F: Phillipou, Gray, Schwarz

HF: Hughes, West, Sumner

C: Sands, Dodd, Edwards

HB: Burgoyne, Kilpatrick, Cook

B: Hankins, Luck, Delmenico

R: Hansen, Herbert, Hasting

INT: Hawker, Peucker, Pearce, Piggott, Russell Swansson, Sauer, Willmott