Young stars set to shine in SANFL U18 and U16 Grand Finals

September 12, 2024

The spotlight will be on South Australia’s premier talent pathway competitions for boys on Sunday when the SANFL Under-18 and Under-16 Grand Finals are played at  Adelaide Oval.

Starting with the SANFL U16 title-decider at 9:20am, the SANFL U18 grand final will then light up the home of SA footy at 12pm as the curtain-raiser to the Hostplus SANFL League Preliminary Final at 3.15pm.

Central District will take on Woodville West Torrens in the SANFL U18 Grand Final after earning direct entry with a victory over minor premiers Glenelg in the second semi-final two weeks ago.

The Bulldogs will be chasing their fifth premiership in this age group and first since they last saluted in 2003.

AFL Combine invitees and State representatives are littered amongst both teams, with Central’s Charlie Nicholls and Tallan Rosenzweig and the Eagles’ Kade Herbert and skipper Jett Hasting among the ones to watch.

Top-of-the table Sturt will be determined to avenge last year’s result in the Under-16 title-decider when the Double Blues went down to Central District.

South Adelaide, earning direct entry to the grand final after upsetting the Double Blues in the second semi-final, is hunting its second flag in this age group since 1995.

SANFL Head of Talent Brenton Phillips said that playing the SANFL Under-18 and Under-16 grand finals at the iconic Adelaide Oval provided a unique experience for the players.

“Not only is playing at one of the best stadiums in the nation an exciting experience for these young players, but it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase the quality of our premier football talent pathway competitions in South Australia,” Phillips said.

“These competitions have a real focus on developing young players for AFL clubs, as well as our SANFL clubs, and is important in providing a pathway to produce the future stars of our game.”

The SANFL U18 and U16 Grand Finals will be streamed live and on-demand on SANFL Now.

Live player stats will be available on the SANFL App and website and team lists will feature in the SA Football Budget for $5 from vendors at Adelaide Oval.

View match previews and team line ups for both under-age grand finals on the SANFL website

SANFL U16 and U18 Grand Finals

Sunday September 15 – Adelaide Oval

SANFL Under 16 | Sturt v South Adelaide | 9:20am

SANFL Under 18 | Central District v Woodville West Torrens | 12:00pm