Coaches Report U16’s & U18’s

U16’s Round 18 Match Review: v Sturt at Thomas Farms Oval

West Adelaide   10.14.74

Sturt   4.4.28

Our lads entered Round 18 full of confidence after a strong win over top-placed Centrals the previous week. That momentum was evident early, as we started the game well, kicking three goals inside the first ten minutes. However, from that point on, we became wasteful and lacked patience going inside forward 50, only registering three behinds for the rest of the quarter. We finished the first term with 3.3, holding Sturt to a single goal and taking a 15-point lead into the break.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern. We had complete control of the game but struggled to convert our dominance inside forward 50 into scoreboard pressure. By the end of the game, we had a +20 inside 50 differential, which speaks to the control we had, but also highlights our missed opportunities. In the second term, both sides kicked 2.2, and we extended our lead to 22 points at halftime.

At the main break, we spoke openly about the need for composure and patience with the ball, not forcing our ball movement or playing too fast, which was preventing our forwards from setting up properly. This lack of composure was reflected in the third quarter, which became a stalemate, with both sides kicking 1.2 for the term. We still held a 22-point lead at the final change.

Throughout the day, I felt we lacked internal motivation, perhaps because we knew we had control of the game and were waiting for someone else to provide the spark. With Norwood defeating North, we had the opportunity to move to second on the ladder and secure a double chance in the finals. I challenged the boys to be the spark themselves and play the final 23 minutes at a finals-like intensity.

As they have all year, the boys responded. We dominated the final term, holding Sturt to just a single point while kicking 3.7 ourselves. We ran out comfortable 46-point winners, and if not for inaccurate kicking, the margin could have been even greater. The response we got in the last quarter is a testament to the character and belief within this playing group.

We now have a week off to prepare for Centrals in a fortnight at a venue to be determined. The focus will be on continuing to work hard on our fundamentals and game plan as we head into finals, where the intensity and level will rise, vital for the further development of our lads.

Best Players: H Banks, A Crispe L Andriani, N Martinson, C Jones

Goal Kickers: L Andriani 2, A Comakis 2, C Jones, L Piggott 2, S DePalma, I Labastida, D Marks

Under 16 Coach

Jeff Sochacki

Go Bloods

U18’s Round 18 Match Review: v Sturt at Thomas Farms Oval

West Adelaide   10.9.69

Sturt   6.8.44

We closed out the minor round with a strong performance against Sturt at Thomas Farms Oval. Consistency in selection played a big part, with only four changes from the previous week, and that stability was reflected in the way we played.

The team started with real intent, kicking the first four goals of the match and restricting Sturt to just one by quarter time. The second quarter turned into a genuine arm wrestle. We managed an early goal before Sturt replied late, but importantly, we were able to maintain our style for long periods and executed strongly in our key focus areas discussed pre-game.

The second half was again a grind, but the group’s resilience stood out. Contest after contest was won across the ground, and the coaches were extremely proud of the consistent effort and discipline shown throughout the game.

Special Mentions – Mitch Marsh, Lincoln Pitt, and Fletcher Dillon were outstanding along with strong support from the majority of the team, all playing their roles exceptionally well.

Goal Kickers

Lachlan Mintoff – 5

Mitch Marsh – 3

Ky Burgoyne – 1

Diego Bueti – 1

Russell Godson

U18 Coach