Round 2  West v Norwood – Coopers Stadium Sunday March 15^th        

This week’s saw the U16’s come up against Norwood who historically have been strong at junior level and who last week soundly accounted for South Adelaide. We expected them to throw everything at us and I was wondering how our team would handle the challenge after last weeks disappointment.

We made seven changes for the round bringing in Jamie Kovacic, Adam Bunworth, Blake Hefford, Oscar Kregar, Josh Fedele, Lukas Zvaigzne (underager) and Darcy Minchella all for their first games.

Outs this week were Angus Pederick, Cain Satanek, Finn Higham, Noah Hyde (Concussion), Gabriel Luksich (Illness), Lachlan Tredwell (Illness) and sadly a season ending shoulder injury to Max Noblet. We wish Max all the best with his pending surgery and recovery.

I was extremely pleased to see our intensity was up right from the first bounce and our tackling pressure was excellent.  We had plenty of football around the ground with 80 disposals to their 50 in the 1^st quarter and dominating contested possession 45 to 18. We were sharing the ball with some quick handball and deep forward entries to take a 22 point lead at the first break.

West 5.4 – 34 to Norwood 2.0 – 12

The 2^nd quarter saw us continue the high intensity football despite Norwood lifting their work rate but we were still able to extend the lead to 36 points at the main break.

West 9.6 – 60 to Norwood  4.0 – 24 at the main break.

Kobe Ryan was again dominate on-ball with 19 disposals and our back line with Jonah Zinndorf and Liam Westdijk providing strong run and rebound. Max Downs was again creative and first gamer and underager Lukas Zvaigzne was strong in contested ball. Charbel Oueiss and Ash Wilson were dangerous with 4 goals and 2 goals respectively to half time and Josh Fedele was providing an excellent avenue to goal off half forward.

One week is a long time in football and after our 0.7 last week in the 3^rd quarter I asked the boys to ensure they not let the opposition back in the game. What proceeded was a complete domination with us kicking 8.3 to Norwood’s 0.1 in one of the more impressive displays of football I have witnessed at this level. With 17 inside 50’s to 4 we continually put Norwood under pressure and controlled the game. Max Downs (11 disposals for the quarter), Josh Fedele and Tyson Coe resting forward both kicking 2 goals each as we extended our lead to 86 points at the final change.

West 17.9 – 111 to Norwood 4.1 – 25

The final quarter was even with both teams scoring 2.3 each as we tested a few players in different roles and functioning with a reduced bench.

A great response from the squad with everyone playing their role and some exciting fast ball movement, skilled football and an even spread of ball getters and goal kickers. What really impressed me was a willingness to share the football and sacrifice for each other.

We now prepare for Glenelg who have had two very impressive wins so far at the start of their season, which should be a great challenge for the group.

Final score: West 19.12 – 126 to Norwood 6.4 – 40

Best players: Kobe Ryan, Max Downs, Harry Barnett, Jonah Zinndorf, Liam Westdijk, Archer Byrne, Josh Fedele

Goal Kickers: C.Oueiss 4, M.Downs, J.Fedele, A.Wilson 3, T.Coe, A.Bunworth, B.Excell, D.Minchella, L.Zvaigzne 1

Under 16s Coach – Michael Wakim