Round 16 Torrens University SANFL U18 Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

A fast start enabled Woodville-West Torrens to maintain its place at the top of the Torrens University SANFL U18 ladder with a hard-fought nine-point win against Sturt at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

Slamming on the first three goals of the game en route to earning a 23-point lead at the first change, the Eagles were able to withstand the Double Blues’ third-term challenge which saw their advantage cut to five points.

Eagles midfielders Callum Fairall (36 disposals, six clearances) and Brody Mair (27 disposals, two goals) were key drivers in the victory while Jake Andrews was also praised for his role.

Sturt’s Loch Rawlinson kicked two classy checkside goals to go with his 23 disposals and five tackles while Brodie Maloney and Cameron Kelly were also high among the Blues’ best.

Glenelg continued its march towards earning a finals berth when it strung together its fifth win in succession with a 43-point victory against North at Stratarama Stadium.

Leading comfortably at every break, the Tigers not only doubled the Roosters’ inside 50 count (60-30) but also tallied 35 more marks while using the ball well by foot.

Bays tyros Anders McShane (25 disposals) and Charlie McAuliffe (21 disposals) found plenty of the ball while also hitting the scoreboard with a goal each as Ben Dewhirst impressed in the air with 12 marks to go with 21 possessions.

North’s Hunter Press (21 disposals) and Darcy Kelly did their best to stem the tide while late inclusion Kane McAuliffe battled hard through the midfield for the visitors to collect 28 disposals, seven tackles, seven clearances and a goal.

Central District overcame a sluggish start to claim a vital 28-point victory against Norwood at X Convenience Oval.

Trailing by 13 points at half-time, the Bulldogs shifted the momentum in the third quarter by piling on 5.2 to the Redlegs’ solitary behind.

Central ruck Jayden Matz was again a key influence for his side with 11 disposals and 39 hit outs as Brody Wilton and Riley McDonald (25 disposals, seven clearances) lent valuable support.

The Redlegs’ Jack Michalanney, the brother of Crow Max Michalanney, was rated as his team’s strongest performer with 20 disposals while Jacob Newton (30 disposals, eight tackles) and Jake Hill (20 disposals) drew praise from the coaching staff.

Exciting Northern Territory talent Clay Shadforth steered South Adelaide to a comfortable 29-point win against West Adelaide at Hisense Stadium.

Shadforth, from the Palmerston Magpies, booted a game-breaking haul of five goals from his 15 disposals to ensure the Panthers held firm in the top four.

South captain Nicholas Schroder (16 disposals, eight marks) and midfielder Tom Wheaton (30 disposals, seven clearances) also made their presence felt in the triumph.

West got within three points late in the third term but the efforts of Riley Hill (19 disposals), Max McKenzie (four goals) and Sam Burbridge (23 disposals) weren’t enough to reel the visitors in.