Torrens University SA U19 Team Defeat Allies

By ZAC MILBANK

The Torrens University SA U19 banked its first win of the 2021 NAB AFL National Championships with a commanding 92-point against the Allies at Adelaide Oval on Sunday morning.

Despite playing without captain Jason Horne-Francis and the injured Arlo Draper, the Croweaters comfortably accounted for the visitors after leading at every change.

With South Adelaide southpaw Matthew Roberts back from League duty, SA burst out of the blocks to kick the only three goals of the first term before establishing a match-winning 27-point advantage at half-time.

Tony Bamford’s charges piled on the pain for the visitors in the third quarter, booting 7.2 to the Allies’ two behinds in an emphatic performance after two losses to Western Australia in Perth.

Impressive midfielder Adam D’Aloia continued his red hot form with a best-on-ground performance, coming off winning the Alan Stewart Medal in the Torrens University SA U18 Grand Final for the Eagles.

Roberts and West Adelaide’s Cade Kennedy were also influential in setting up the win as the hosts shared the goal scoring around.

Sturt tall forward Morgan Ferres booted three goals, together with U18 McCallum Tomkins Medallist Hugh Stagg and versatile Double Blues utility Zac Becker.

South Australia will now prepare to play WA in Adelaide for its final match of the NAB AFL Championships next Sunday, at Thebarton Oval.

South Australia  3.2  7.2  14.4  19.10 (124)

Allies                    0.2  2.5  2.7  4.8 (32)

BEST – SA: D’Aloia, Kennedy, Ferres, Roberts, Becker, Lord

Allies: Frost, Green, Lake, Walls, Phillips, Fejo.

GOALS – SA: Stagg, Ferres, Becker 3, Calvett, Harrison, Lemmey 2, Roberts, D’Aloia, Cooke, Jackson.

Allies: McDonald, Ryan, Watts, Rowlands.