U16’S & U18’S

West Adelaide 12.12 (84) def Centrals 11.9 (75)

Coming off a tough 100-point loss to North Adelaide in Round 11, our Under 16 West Adelaide boys showed tremendous character and resilience in Round 12, turning their focus to the top-of-the-table Centrals. With a strong emphasis on contested football, relentless pressure on the ball carrier, and injecting speed into our ball movement, the squad responded with a spirited performance.

We came out firing, matching Centrals’ intensity and executing our game plan. We kicked 5 goals to Centrals’ 3, taking a 12-point lead into quarter time. The boys did well to neutralise Centrals’ tall targets and set the tone for a high-quality contest.

The second term mirrored the first in its intensity and ball movement. Both sides traded blows in a tightly contested battle. Centrals edged the quarter with 4 goals to our 3, but we held a narrow 4-point lead at the main break. The focus remained on earning respect and proving our credentials as a finals contender.

Centrals started the third quarter strongly, kicking the first two goals and swinging momentum their way. Trailing by 8 points early, our boys showed immense resilience. We dominated the remainder of the quarter with seven consecutive scoring shots, though inaccuracy cost us a bigger lead. With 2 goals 5 for the term, we clung to a 1-point advantage heading into the final change.

The message at three-quarter time was clear: embrace the moment. Playing at home against the ladder leaders with the game in the balance, it was a chance to show what we’re made of. The boys responded brilliantly, kicking 2 goals 4 to Centrals’ 1 goal 2. Despite some missed opportunities in front of goal, we secured a hard-fought 9-point win, a result that could have been greater with cleaner finishing.

This win was a testament to the squad’s character, teamwork, and belief. We didn’t dwell on individual stats but focused on pivotal moments that could shift the game in our favour, and the boys delivered. It was a performance full of grit and growth, proving we can match it with the best.

We travel to Glenelg to face a strong Tigers outfit, who edged us by 2 points in Round 8. Another opportunity awaits to test ourselves and continue building momentum.

Best Players: C. Jones, D Hatedakis, N Martinson, H Williams, P Burgoyne

Goal Kickers: P Burgoyne 4, C Jones 3, N Martinson 2, C Gurney, H Taintey, S DePalma

Jeff Sochacki

Under 16 Coach

Go Bloods

West 9.8 (62) def Central Districts 9.7 (61)

In foggy conditions at Hisense Stadium, we faced Central Districts in our Round 12 clash. It was an early start and the first half was a real arm wrestle. Both teams had their moments and created plenty of chances.

To our credit, we made the most of our forward entries in the first half, capitalising on some high-percentage chances and converting good ball movement into scoreboard pressure. That efficiency helped us build a handy lead going into the main break.

At half-time, the message to the group was to lift the intent and work harder to play the game on our terms for longer. We started the third quarter with good intent and created some opportunities early. Unfortunately, our effort and intent around the contest dropped off after that. We lost connection between our midfield and defence, and our backline was put under significant pressure for a sustained period. As a result, the game was in the balance at three-quarter time.

The midfield group was challenged again at the final break — and to their credit, they responded. Their pressure lifted, and Joe Raphael’s move to a high forward role proved important. His work on the outside of the contest added pressure and helped us keep territory.

The final quarter was an even contest from both sides up until a shot from Centrals after the siren. The coaches were proud of how our group responded, matching the contest in tight and generating enough forward pressure and ball movement to eventually get over the line.

We now look ahead to Round 13 against Glenelg at Stratarama Stadium — another exciting challenge. Over the past five or six weeks, our lineup has changed regularly, and that trend will continue for the next few rounds as the full squad becomes available. The boys have done a great job adapting to these weekly changes and remaining focused on the key areas we’ve set as a coaching group. We look forward to seeing what they bring next Saturday.

Best Players: Lincoln Pitt, Harper Ryan, Gus Downs, Archie Walsh, Oli Charlesworth

Goal Kickers: Oli Charlesworth kicked 3, Jock Millar and Lachie Mintoff both kicked 2 while Lukas Eagleton and Jaylen Sochacki both kicked 1.

Russell Godson

U18’s Coach and Talent Manager