U18 Torrens University Cup Grand Final Teams

U18 Grand Final | North Adelaide v Glenelg | 7:30pm | Live streamed on SANFL Now and The Advertiser KommunityTV

NORTH

F: Walker, Mulady, J. Dignan

HF: Tully, O. Dignan, McAuliffe

C: Francou, Dowling, Manno

HB: Harvey, Bennier, White

B: Schofield, Hodges, Montgomery

R: Keeler, Wissman, Blacker

INT: Wicks, Jackson-Martin, Carter, Caputo

EMG: Dallimore, McKenzie, Grubb, Stevens

GLENELG

McIntyre, Sims, Lovelock, Ridgway, Hildyard, Walker, Lambert, Forster, Redman, J. Ryan, Brokensha, Trevena, Dunn, Francis, Murdock, Symonds, Smith, Payne, Charlick, B. Ryan, McAuley, Wurfel, Altus, McInnes, Pavia-Amato,

North Adelaide will take on Glenelg under Friday Night lights at Adelaide Oval to decide the winner of the 2022 U18 Torrens University Cup.

In a rematch of the thrilling 2016 decider, which saw Glenelg’s Toby Pink kick the match-winning goal after the siren, the 2022 Grand Final features two of the most talented sides in the competition.

The clubs met three times throughout the minor round, with the Roosters earning victory on three occasions, by 41 points in round seven, 37 points in round 12 and 35 points in round 16.

But after dominating the first half of the season to sit 11-1 at the end of round 12, the Roosters lost five of their last six games to allow Norwood to swoop in and claim the minor premiership.

However, a seven-goal-to-zero third term saw the Roosters surge past the Redlegs in the second semi-final at The Parade to book their spot in the big dance.

Skipper James White has enjoyed an ultra-consistent year at Prospect, leading the Roosters in every match and averaging 22.9 disposals.

As the Roosters league, reserves and U18 sides prepare to play in their respective Grand Finals, White said the morale around the club was expectedly high.

“Our boys have been tackling lots of footy over the year, so we enjoyed having the week off to freshen up and now we’re pumped to get out there on Friday Night,” said White.

Last season’s runner-up, Glenelg, has had to do things the hard way, qualifying third and hosting Sturt in the first semi-final at ACH Group Stadium – a game they won by just two-points.

The Bays then met Norwood to decide the second Grand Finalist and once again hung on for the win after being pushed all the way by a well-drilled Redlegs side in the Preliminary Final.

Both North and Glenelg have navigated the challenges posed by having a large contingency of college players.

When the Roosters and Bays have had their full squads to pick from, the two clubs have looked a class above.

However, in their absence, the Grand Finalists have been carried beautifully by a handful of mainstays.

Up forward, North’s Dignan-brothers, Ollie and Jed, have been lethal in attack, booting 43 and 18 goals respectively. Shaun Bennier will line-up in defence but could be swung forward by coach Craig Brooks if necessary.

Glenelg captain and McCallum-Tomkins Medallist Ben Ridgway has led from the front, averaging 23.7 disposals and 6.4 tackles in 17 matches.

A fierce competitor who stands out for his contested ball winning and tackling, Ridgway said the Bays had used the finals series to build momentum.

“Playing two finals has really helped build our team chemistry with the college boys returning which should hopefully help us go one better this season,” said Ridgway.

Elsewhere, Ethan Murdock has booted 31 majors in 17 matches as a forward while Hayden Brokensha’s composure and foot skills have been invaluable both on the wing and across half-back.

The Roosters have lost just one game when ball-magnet Billy Dowling has donned the famous red and white.

The Torrens University SA U18 midfielder has averaged 31.3 disposals, 7.1 marks and 1.5 goals in 11 matches played.

The likes of Max Blacker, Hughen Wissman and Kane McAuliffe have produced all year and will have enjoyed the week off after a busy season.

Glenelg midfielder/forward Archie Lovelock has been influential for the Tigers, averaging an impressive 25.3 disposals, 5.8 tackles and 1.1 goals in nine games.

His clean ball use, link-up run through the middle and ability to hit the scoreboard when thrown forward will be vital.

Interestingly, Glenelg haven’t lost a game when Lovelock and teammates Jakob Ryan and Jake Walker have taken the field for the U18s.

Stopping Ryan’s clean kicking and intercept marking will be pivotal to the Roosters hopes of winning their first U18 flag since 2005, while Walker will provide class in the midfield as one of the best inside-50 kicks in the competition.

Versatile tall Isaac Keeler looms as the X-factor for North, with his athleticism and cleanliness at ground level rated elite for a player of his height.

A noted big-game player, expect Keeler to rise to the occasion on Friday night and give his on-ballers first use.

Missing leading goal-kicker Jayden Davis and highly touted 2023 draft prospect Ashton Moir in attack, Glenelg will be eager for their midfielders to push forward and hit the scoreboard to support the likes of Harry Francis, Harvey Lambert and Ryan Wurfel inside-50.

The Roosters may have had the Tigers measure so far this season, but Glenelg will enter the game full of confidence after their stars helped them win two tough finals to earn the chance of claiming Grand Final redemption, having lost in 2021 to the Eagles.