Torrens University SANFL U18 Preliminary Final Match Wrap

By ZAC MILBANK

Sturt cruised to a comfortable 45-point win against Central District in the Torrens University SANFL U18 Preliminary Final at X Convenience Oval. 

Busting out of the blocks by slamming on the first three goals of the game, the Double Blues were rarely troubled as they led at every change en route to booking a berth in next Sunday’s title-decider.

Central managed to engineer five more inside 50 entries despite having 103 fewer disposals and 68 fewer marks but were unable to translate it into scoreboard pressure while kicking just one goal each quarter.

The Double Blues, who came into the game with great momentum after conjuring a great comeback against the Eagles in the First Semi-Final, led by 21 points at half-time before kicking the first four goals of the third term to push their advantage out to 45 points.

Sturt ruck Fraser Greaves (16 disposals, six marks and 15 hit outs) earned plenty of plaudits from his coaching staff while Brodie Maloney also caught their eye.

Solidly-built Blues midfielder Ned Atkinson has an impact with 22 disposals and 18 marks while Loch Rawlinson (13 disposals, three goals) and Tom McCourt (23 disposals, 11 marks) were also influential.

In their last game for the season, the Bulldogs were well led by big man Jayden Matz, while Seb Wauer found plenty of the ball to tally 26 disposals, five marks and four clearances.

Tom Giles (22 disposals, 11 marks) and Beau Ryan also did their best to stem the tide but the visitors were too strong as they booked a berth in the Torrens University SANFL U18 Grand Final against South Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.