Coaches Report: League & Reserves – Round 9

West Adelaide (1.6.12) v South Adelaide (14.13.97)

This week presented one of the more challenging periods for the club. As coaching staff our key message to the playing group was simple – play football and enjoy it. It was crucial for us to reconnect with the core reason we all come together – our shared passion for the game. I’m proud of how the players embraced this mindset and responded.

The match itself was played in some of the most difficult conditions which had a big impact on how the game unfolded. We came into the match with a plan to focus on our contest work and execute a controlled kicking game although with conditions deteriorating the strategy shifted towards gaining territory wherever possible.

South got the jump early, dominating around the contest and being far cleaner at ground level. We struggled to match their intensity and were outplayed in key moments.

The group responded well in the second quarter, we turned the game back in our favour and outscored South registering 6 scoring shots to their 3. The turnaround came from winning the contested ball (+9) and ground ball gets (+7). We led inside 50s (11 to 9) which allowed Riley McMillan to make an impact with 6 disposals, 2 clearances and a goal.

Into the second half South lifted again and showed why they’re a quality side. They were able to adapt to the conditions better and maintain control through the third quarter. Despite this the boys showed grit and better ball movement into the breeze.

In the final quarter South were able to slow us down and made it a scrap, limiting our ability to get the ball on the outside and play the way we did in the second term.

Despite the result we identified several positives. Jack Sullivan played his best game of the season off the half-back line with 15 disposals, 5 tackles and a clearance, he provided steady and reliable ball use in the trying conditions. Jonty Koehne was given more midfield minutes and made the most of the opportunity, collecting 10 disposals, 9 tackles and 3 clearances. Lachlan Williams did an excellent job in defence, keeping South’s most dangerous forward quiet while collecting 8 disposals, 3 tackles.

The maturity, resilience and effort by the players this week is a testament to their character. After a week to refresh we will regroup and turn our focus to a big home clash against North Adelaide. The group is excited to return home and put in a performance that reflects the hard work being done within the four walls.

Best Players:

Jack Sullivan

Lachlan Williams

Jack Hutton

Goals: Riley McMillan (1)

– Ben Hardy (Interim Reserves Coach)

West Adelaide (9.3.57) v Port Adelaide (19.6.120)

Following the announcement that Senior Coach Adam Hartlett would be taking indefinite personal leave, I was both humbled and grateful to step into the role of Interim Senior Coach. In the interim, our focus has been on providing stability for the playing group and ensuring we continue to move forward together.

Our attention turned quickly to Port Adelaide, and to the players’ credit, they processed the temporary change to our coaching structure with maturity and resilience. While a 10-goal final margin was disappointing, we took genuine steps forward as a senior group.

In tough conditions at Alberton, we played a bold and positive brand of football in the first half, winning both opening quarters and taking a 10-point lead into the main break. Premier onballers Koby Ryan (28 disposals) and Brady Searle (27 disposals) led from the front, while Tom Morrish (22 disposals, 1 goal) and Callum Park (17 disposals) used the ball with precision to set up our forward movement. Dylan McCormick and Ned Stevens both kicked two classy first-half goals, with Michael Laudato, Morrish, Jesse Thackeray and Harvey Griffiths also contributing majors to cap off a strong start.

Unfortunately, we lost co-captain Sam Frost, tall defender Hamish Ellem, and young speedster Joel Parker early in the third term, creating significant disruption rotations and structure. Nonetheless, our method allowed us to stay in the contest, trailing by just one goal at three-quarter time. Defenders Adam Bunworth and debutant Ray Harding competed bravely under pressure, with strong rebound efforts from Jonti Schuback (15 disposals, several rebound 50s), Morrish and Park.

To Port Adelaide’s credit, they maintained speed on the ball and capitalised in the final quarter, adding nine unanswered goals. Despite the result, our review has highlighted areas where we are progressing and where we can continue to refine our method heading into our next challenge against North Adelaide after the bye.

Best players: Brady Searle, Koby Ryan, Tom Morrish, Callum Park, Jesse Thackeray, and Lachlan Squire.

Goals: Dylan McCormick (2), Ned Stevens (2), Harvey Griffiths (1), Michael Laudato (1.1), Tom Morrish (1), Kobe Ryan (1), Jesse Thackeray (1)

Thank you to our loyal supporters, staff, families, and players for your unwavering support over the past week. We remain united, committed, and ready to take steps forward

– Sam Elliott (Interim Senior Coach)