U16 Torrens University Cup Grand Final Preview

By ZAC MILBANK

The contrast in U16 Torrens University Cup Grand Final history couldn’t be more stark between Sunday’s combatants in South Adelaide and Glenelg.

Minor premier South, coached by Brett Hudson, is searching for its first premiership since the grade’s inception in 2010, having been runner-up to Sturt in 2015.

Glenelg, guided by Scott Uppington, is aiming to string together its fifth U16 flag in succession in an amazing streak dating back to 2016.

Both teams completed the seven-match minor round with a 5-2 win-loss record, the Panthers hosting the 2021 decider from 11am at Flinders University Stadium after boasting an eight percent advantage on the Tigers.

South’s Strathalbyn product Tom Wheaton will be one to watch in the midfield, having averaged 21.7 disposals in his seven outings while al leading the competition in clearances with 6.5 per game.

The Panthers’ captain will receive solid support from Blake Rodrigues, who has averaged 18 disposals and four clearances.

In attack, Jack Delean looms as an obvious danger for the Tigers after booting seven goals in South’s semi-final win against North last Sunday.

Leading the competition with 23 goals for the season, Delean will also have Phoenix Hargrave – who has registered 13 goals this year – as his foil.

Glenelg’s midfield will include prominent pair Ben Ridgway and Lucas Camporeale, averaging 23.2 and 19.6 possessions respectively.

Tigers captain Ridgway is the son of former Bays utility Guy Ridgway, who played for the club during the 1990s while Camporeale is the son of Carlton premiership wingman Scott Camporeale.

The Tigers have spread their scoring contribution around this season, with Charlie Hillier and Brock Summerhayes leading the way for their team with 11 and 10 goals each.

The match will be screened live and on demand, with play-by-play commentary, on SANFL’s Digital Pass.

SOUTH
Heinze, Barrett, Rodrigues, Draper, Hargrave, Hoeck, Delean, Taylor, Woodcock, Pilmore, Hamilton, Pearsons, Wheaton, Bobridge, Duke, Baxter, Daris, Mechan, Amos, Howes, Churchill, Schroder, Keir, Oliver, Agnew, Schirmer

GLENELG
Dutton, Corcoran, Camporeale, Symonds, Judd, Delaney, Payne, Ryan, Weber, McShane, Altus, Shanks, Thiele, Adkin, Mackay, McAnney, Jones, Kean, Hillier, Redman, Summerhayes, Ridgway, Moir, Kolb, Hawke, Francis