Coaches Report: League / Reserves – Round 16

3 weeks ago – August 4, 2025

SANFL – Round 16

West Adelaide (9.14.68) Vs Port Adelaide (14.8.92)

In the fourth instalment of the Russell Ebert Tribute Match, West Adelaide were defeated by 24-points at Hisense Stadium.

The first quarter was characterised by opportunities for both teams. Ned Stevens hit the post inside the first minute of the game but a spectacular mark from Harvey Griffiths (13 disposals, 1 goal) moments later set up his first goal for the day. Midfielders Lachie Squire (31 disposals, 2 goals, 6 tackles) and Cade Kennedy (16 disposals, 5 I50s) got their hands on the ball early and defenders Will Patton (25 disposals, 14 marks, 9 rebound 50s) and Dylan White (24 disposals, 5 rebound 50s) controlled the speed of the game from defence. Our ball movement created opportunities for Tom Scully and Michael Laudato to hit the scoreboard but wayward kicking kept the margin close. Our second goal came from a long ball inside 50 by skipper Isaac Johnson who found the dangerous Griffiths who set up the returning Jye Sinderberry for a goal to set up a small advantage. At the first break, West Adelaide led 2.3 to Port Adelaide’s 2.2.

In a fiery second-term, a missed set shot from tough-midfielder Brady Searle (22 disposals, 5 I50s) prevented us for building our momentum in the first minute and two more snaps from Cade Kennedy registered minor scores, resulting in a 1.4 second term. In contrast, Port Adelaide seized their opportunities and kicked 6.1 to take control of the match. We trailed by 4-goals at the main break in a disappointing quarter.

At half-time, we addressed some ball movement issues which were allowing Port Adelaide to counter on us. Caleb May (9 disposals, 18 hitouts, 2 marks) spent more minutes forward in an attempt to stretch Port Adelaide’s defence, allowing Tom Scully (10 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal 4 behinds) to take advantage of a mismatch. Unfortunately, errant kicking prevented us from cutting the margin as we kicked 3.6 for the term to Port Adelaide’s 4.2.

At three-quarter time, the margin was still 4 goals and while we felt that we never truly had controlled large portions of the match, our ball movement and defensive method still threated to force a positive result. Isaac Johnson, Lachie Squire, Brady Searle and Jesse Thackeray (24 disposals) started to influence the contest in the fourth quarter and defenders Tom Morrish (22 disposals, 8 marks, 8 rebound 50s), Will Patton and Jonti Schuback (22 disposals, 11 marks, 5 rebound 50s) generated countless rebound from D50. Big man Tom Scully marked and goaled to cut the martin to 21 points but Port Adelaide’s AFL-listed experience countered to make the task difficult. To the boys credit, they persisted until the end, and goals to Lachie Squire and Dylan McCormick (9 disposals, 2 goals) helped us to win the final quarter.

In a match where we made a lot of errors, we draw positives from the fact that we had more scoring shots, laid more tackles, won more clearance, and registered more marks that Port Adelaide. We look forward to taking on Norwood FC this weekend and aim to take another step forward with this young and developing group.

– Sam Elliot (Interim head coach)

Goals: Dylan McCormick (2), Lachlan Squire (2), Harvey Griffiths (1.1), Cade Kennedy (1.2), Tom Morrish (1), Tom Scully (1.4), Jye Sinderberry (1)

Best Players: William Patton, Jonti Schuback, Lachlan Squire

SANFL Reserves – Round 16

West Adelaide (4.8.32) Vs Norwood (18.10.118)

Coming off a break, there was a clear focus this week to re-engage the group and ensure we approached the game with the right mindset. With our last encounter against Norwood resulting in a draw, we were confident that our progression in key areas would give us every chance to be right in the contest come three-quarter time, provided we committed to our processes.

Norwood started strongly, bringing intensity and setting the tone early. Their pressure around the contest was commendable, and their ability to be clean at stoppage and generate forward momentum made it difficult for us to gain control of the game. They dictated tempo and forced us into playing their brand of football. One positive from the quarter was the continued emergence of Jed Obst in the midfield. His strength and composure around the ball stood out, providing us with some much-needed drive going forward. Jed finished the game with 17 disposals, 3 clearances, and 5 inside 50s.

At the first break we addressed our pressure and the need to control the game’s tempo. While we responded positively in the opening five minutes of the second quarter, Norwood were quick to regain control, capitalise on the scoreboard and ultimately outwork us. Despite the scoreboard pressure, Tom Kain stood up consistently in defence as a first-year senior. Under a barrage of inside 50s, he displayed strong one-on-one ability and composure under pressure. Tom finished the game with 4 intercept marks and 3 rebound 50s.

Halftime presented the opportunity to reshuffle and put bigger bodies around the contest. The message was clear – if we could win the contest, we could shift the game’s momentum.
Although it didn’t reflect heavily on the scoreboard, the coaching staff felt the response from the group was strong. Our contested work improved, and we began to play more of the game on our terms. Judd Hansen was instrumental in this shift, with a solid performance in the midfield, finishing with 23 disposals, 6 tackles, 6 clearances, and 4 inside 50s.

Heading into the final quarter, I challenged the group to finish strong. With another clash against Norwood in just seven days, building momentum was crucial. The group responded well, finishing the game with a strong showing – kicking 3 goals to Norwood’s 4 and demonstrated that we’re capable of matching their intensity when we commit to our brand. This week we welcomed back Oscar Kregar, Dylan Bramich, and Harvey Bock, who each returned from extended stints on the sidelines, their inclusion will be significant moving forward.

Our attention now turns to Saturday’s rematch. Despite the result, I want to acknowledge the resilience and consistency we’ve shown over the past 5–6 weeks. Saturdays loss wasn’t one were proud of and as a group we expect more of each other, which will ultimately motivate us on the track this week.

Ben Hardy – (Interim Reserves Coach)

Goals: Liam Delahunty, Lachlan Tredwell, Max Downs, Max McKenzie

Best Players: Tom Kain, Judd Hansen, Jed Obst