Coaches Report: U16/U18s – Round 11

U18s – Round 11

West Adelaide (8.10.58) Vs North Adelaide (11.10.76)

In Round 11, we made the trip north to take on North Adelaide at Prospect Oval. With 12 changes to the side, a trend over the past month, the group adapted well, with several players stepping into new roles. The team approached the match with a clear focus and showed strong intent throughout.

We started slowly in the first quarter, particularly around the contest, and found ourselves on the back foot for territory. However, our pressure caused enough turnovers to create some scoring opportunities, keeping us within reach at the first break. Despite being slightly behind, there was confidence within the group that we could improve the areas discussed.

The second quarter saw an improvement in our defensive efforts. We were able to hold North Adelaide up for longer stretches and create pressure that led to offensive chances. While our contest work still needed sharpening, our commitment without the ball gave was pleasing to observe.

In the third term, we continued to defend strongly and improved our contest numbers, beginning to even out some indicators. We gave ourselves plenty of looks forward of centre but weren’t able to make the most of them due to some decision making.

Heading into the final quarter, we became more direct with our ball movement and looked dangerous at times which reinforced our belief in our method. Unfortunately, North Adelaide were able to respond equally well, turning our forward entries into quick counter-attacks. Despite fighting the game out to the end, we came up short in a match that was hard-fought and competitive throughout.

While the result didn’t fall our way, there were positives to take, especially in our defensive discipline and the way the group adapted with so many changes. The focus now shifts to building consistency and making the most of our chances going forward.

Best Players:

Henry Francis

Patrick Amber

Lucas White

Tahi Brain

Lincoln Pitt

Goal Kickers:

Jock Millar 3

Nick Dessmann 2

Will Thomas 2

Tahi Brain 1

– Russell Godson (U18s Coach)

U16s – Round 11 

West Adelaide (5.4.34) Vs North Adelaide (20.16.136)

Unfortunately, our boys went down by 100 points in what was always going to be a challenging fixture. That said, the effort, spirit, and competitiveness of our group in the contest could never be questioned.

This week presented a perfect storm of challenges. We were hamstrung by availability, with no emergency players to select outside of our Under 14s, who are currently training on with the squad in preparation for 2026. In total, we made nine changes to our line-up. Four of those were due to players representing the Under 16 State Team in Western Australia, a fantastic achievement for those boys, our junior program, and the club as a whole.

Additional unavailability came from players involved in their college’s final round of games, who will return to selection this coming week. We also continue to manage a high number of injuries across the squad.

Despite the scoreboard, it was pleasing to get valuable game time into several players, particularly those returning from long-term injuries, and to expose others to secondary roles, giving them new experiences and development opportunities.

While the final margin was lopsided, the true difference lay in the chemistry and cohesion between the two teams. With nine changes, it’s difficult to establish instant connection, especially against a side playing at home and riding the momentum of four consecutive wins. This was reflected in the stats, where North Adelaide had 70 more handballs, highlighting their confidence to run, carry, and connect as a unit.

However, there were positives to take away. We were super pleased to win the tackle count and were only narrowly shaded in clearances, clear indicators that our system and competitive intent were very much present.

We now turn our attention to Centrals at home this Saturday. With college players returning, we look forward to a strong week on the training track and the opportunity to bounce back with renewed energy and cohesion.

Best Players:, H Banks, C. Jones, W. Mackie, C. Freud, H. Taintey

Goal Kickers: H. Banks, R. Gladigau, H. Hudson, C. Jones, L. Piggott

– Jeff Sochacki (Under 16 Coach)