Round 5 AAMI Talent League Boys Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

A late goal from Judd Cleggett allowed South Adelaide to scramble home with a four-point win against Central District in Round 5 of the AAMI Talent League Boys competition at X Convenience Oval. 

Leading for the majority of the contest, the Panthers were challenged when Bulldog Benjamin White tied up the scores in the 17th minute of the last quarter.

But Cleggett’s timely major less than two minutes later – amongst his 18 disposals – was enough to hold on as teammates Cain Florance (21 disposals) and Dale Shearer also shone.

Plagued by inaccuracy in front of goal (5.21), the hosts rated the performances of Joel Kotsano (23 disposals), Tony Marrone (24 disposals) and Angus Pringle (20 disposals) highly.

North Adelaide’s Archie Simpson displayed plenty of poise as he kicked an after-the-siren goal to give his side a draw against Norwood at The Parade.

Trailing at every change and by as much as 40 points approaching half-time, the Roosters refused to concede, culminating in Simpson slotting his 45m set shot much to the delight of his teammates.

Simpson, who earlier booted a stunning major from the boundary, was among his team’s best with Bradley Rogers (29 disposals), Memphis Webb (26 disposals, one goal) and Sam Tassone (26 disposals, one goal).

The Redlegs received solid showings from midfielders Kai Ivins (24 disposals, two goals) and Charlie Best (22 disposals), together with Archie James, the son of former Norwood captain Brett James.

Sturt asserted its presence on Glenelg to recapture top spot on the AAMI Talent League Boys ladder with a dominant 65-point triumph at Stratarama Stadium. 

The Double Blues’ ball movement proved too tough for the Tigers to handle as they engineered 59 inside 50 entries to 34 whilst leading at every change.

Sturt coaches lauded the efforts of Archie Ryan, Jonah Lagana and Angus Mills (25 disposals, one goal) while key forward Ivan Wilkinson booted a game-breaking six majors.

Consistent Tiger Jacob McNicol continued his red hot start to the season with 37 disposals and two goals while receiving support from teammates Harry Franz and Tim Cain.

A blistering second-quarter blitz ensured West Adelaide would overwhelm Woodville-West Torrens by 40 points at Richmond Oval. 

Finding themselves behind by two goals at the first change, the Bloods exploded to boot 7.3 to 1.0 to take a 27-point advantage into the main break.

The Bloods’ Ryan Mcaulay (20 disposals, two goals), Jackson Muller and Anthony Long were instrumental in the match-winning momentum swing.

Eagles trio Jack Leys (29 disposals, 12 marks), Lachlan Marshall-Bates (four goals) and Will Trengove (19 disposals, one goal) held their heads high.