COACHES REPORT: SANFL League / Reserves

SANFL Reserves – Round 12

West Adelaide (5.7.37) v Glenelg (11.14.80)

Coming off a strong win last week, the focus heading into this round was about maintaining our momentum and continuing the growth against a quality opposition. I was particularly keen to see how we would respond to the challenge of facing a well-respected and tough side, and to the boys credit, they turned up ready to compete.

The first quarter was a high-pressure contest, played largely between the arcs. We were clean at ground level around stoppages, finishing the quarter +2 in ground balls and +5 in tackles – a real testament to our contested work. Jack Oates stood tall once again, backing up last weeks performance with another strong showing. He was a genuine presence around the ground, finishing with 16 disposals, 5 marks, 7 hit outs and 6 inside 50s.

At quarter time, we spoke about increasing our kick-mark game and building our ball movement from the back half. The group responded well executing our plan with an additional +4 uncontested marks and generating 5 inside 50s for 5 scoring shots. Lachlan Tredwell continued his good form up forward with 8 disposals and a classy goal that helped swing the momentum our way. We won the quarter and went into halftime just 5 points down – a great reward for effort and execution.

Unfortunately we suffered a couple of key injuries at halftime, losing Riley Hill and Jack Sullivan, forcing us to adjust the magnets and reshape the side. Five minutes into the third quarter, debutant Oliver Charlesworth went down with a facial injury, leaving us with only one on the bench for the remainder of the game. Despite the adversity, the boys showed great resilience and commitment to our brand. We maintained our ball movement, registering +12 uncontested marks and applying solid pressure with +2 tackles around stoppages. Our objective was to remain within striking distance, and we did just that – trailing by 19 points at the final break.

Heading into the last quarter we knew it was going to take a huge effort. The message was simple – dig deep and continue to play our way. The effort remained high, but ultimately, we ran out of legs. Glenelg lifted and were able to dominate both the contest and uncontested ball, playing the brand we had successfully implemented earlier in the game.

We had a few strong performances, in particular first-year senior player, Bailey White. He was given a big job and rose to the occasion, finishing the game with 12 disposals, 3 tackles, and held one of Glenelg’s most dangerous players to limited impact. Hamish Dow earnt best-on-ground, showing composure with his 21 disposals, 4 tackles and 12 rebound 50s. Hamish has been building consistently all season, and we’re excited to see what he can deliver in the back end of the year.

While a 43-point loss is not the result we aim for, there are clear positives to take from the game.  We competed with one of the best sides in the competition for three quarters under trying circumstances. The growth and development of our younger players is evident, and our group continues to show resilience and maturity. We’ll review the game thoroughly and shift our focus to another big challenge against Woodville next week.

Ben Hardy – Interim Reserves Coach

Best Players: Hamish Dow, Bailey White, Jack Oates

Goals: Harrison Chaplin, Judd Hansen, Max McKenzie, Joel Parker, Lachlan Tredwell

SANFL – Round 12

West Adelaide (8.6.54) Vs Glenelg (15.14.104)

Despite an 8-goal loss to Glenelg at Hisense Stadium, our group continues to take steps forward in their development.

The tone for the opening quarter was set by Koby Ryan (21 disposals, 11 tackles), Lachie Squire (18 disposals, 7 tackles) and Brady Searle (23 disposals, 1 goal, 8 tackles) who led the way in the contest. Our pressure ultimately forced Glenelg to make some costly mistakes which led to a classy goal from Michael Laudato (7 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal). We led the game for the first 16 minutes, but Glenelg took advantage of some costly errors and kicked 4 goals in the next 9 minutes to take control of the game. An inspiring goal from Brady Searle against the tide cut the margin to 2 majors heading into the first break.

In the second term, emerging forward-midfielder Sam Burbridge took an opportunity to kick his first goal of the day and cut the margin to one goal. We tried to address an area of our ball movement which gave the ball back to Glenelg in the first term and defenders Tom Morrish (16 disposals, 6 rebound 50s) and Will Patton (15 disposals, 10 marks) started to find possessions as a result. While we generated a further 11 inside 50s for the quarter, some basic skill execution errors allowed Glenelg’s tall forward to take control of the quarter and take a 5-goal lead into the main break.

The third quarter reflected a story of opportunity for both teams. We found a way to take advantage of clearances and give small forwards Cade Kennedy (14 disposals, 2 goals, 4 tackles) and Harvey Griffiths time and space to kick two goals. Going the other way, the Bays kicked 3 goals in an even third quarter, setting up a 6-goal deficit as we approach the final term.

The final term was soured by a hand injury to Callum Park (15 disposals, 5 rebound 50s) as we kicked 3 goals to Glenelg’s 4 goals to close out the game. Skipper Isaac Johnson and Jonti Schuback found the ball with more ease and Ruckman Caleb May (37 hitouts, 8 disposals, continued to create opportunities for Cade Kennedy and Jesse Thackeray (14 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal) to hit the scoreboard. Key forward Tom Scully also kicked a miraculous goal on his left foot on the boundary to close out the match.

While an 8-goal loss is disappointing, we saw improvement in our emerging list, led by best players Brady Searle (23 years), Lachie Squire (23 years), Cade Kennedy (22 years), Jesse Thackeray (21 years), and Caleb May (19 years). We won hitouts (62-17), clearances (37-34), tackle (60-50) and generated 43 Inside 50 entries against the reigning premiers but conceded score from turnover, which separate both teams at the final siren.

We will look to move on quickly and prepare for a huge match against Woodville West Torrens Eagles in Round 13.

– Sam Elliot (Interim League Coach)

Best Players: Brady Searle, Lachlan Squire, Cade Kennedy, Jesse Thackeray, Caleb May

Goals: Cade Kennedy (2), Samuel Burbridge (1.1), Harvey Griffiths (1), Michael Laudato (1), Tom Scully (1), Brady Searle (1), Jesse Thackeray (1)