Coaches Report – Reserves and League

22 hours ago – June 24, 2025

Round 10

West Adelaide 7.9.51

North Adelaide 12.15.87

After a week off to refresh and reset our focus leading into the game was built around three key elements – Response, Care and Connection. The group returned with a clear focus and strong intent during the weeks preparation. The energy during training translated into a committed build-up leading into game day.

Despite the sharp preparation North Adelaide started the game with greater intensity, capitalising on early opportunities and putting the scoreboard pressure on – kicking 5 goals to 1 in the opening quarter.

For the first half North’s pressure around the contest had us on the back foot, we lacked the urgency required to match their efforts early. Defensively we were under sustained pressure, however this led to some standout individual efforts. Lachlan Williams was composed and reliable down back with 17 disposals, 7 marks and 3 rebound 50s. As well as Jack Sullivan who contributed strongly with 22 disposals, 7 marks and 2 rebound 50s.

At halftime the focus was on lifting our urgency, increasing work rate and shifting the ball with greater purpose. The players were challenged to respond – and to their credit, they did. The second half was a clear turning point. We outscored North (6.5 to 3.6), showing significant growth around the contest and across the ground (+15 ground balls and +7 contested possessions).

We continued the improvements across the entire second half and it showed in our ball movement (+20 uncontested marks and +3 inside 50s). A key driver of this improvement came from Samuel Burbridge who delivered a standout performance with 30 disposals, 4 clearances and 9 inside 50s, playing a pivotal role in igniting our forward movement.

Our forward entries found better targets, helping us to close the gap on the scoreboard. Lachlan Tredwell contributed with 2.2 from 7 disposals, while Finn Higham returned from injury, showing promising signs with 9 disposals, 4 marks and a goal. A special mention to Archie Walsh who impressed with 27 disposals, 3 rebound 50s and a goal in his debut.

There’s plenty to take from this game, both in learning and belief. The way we responded in the second half speaks to the growth and resilience of the group. We look to build on this second-half performance as we prepare for a crucial clash against Central Districts next weekend. Maintaining our focus on ball movement, connection and competitiveness at the contest will be essential.

Best Players:

Samuel Burbridge

Jack Hutton

Lachlan Williams

Goals:

Lachlan Tredwell (2)

Rhys Mooney (2)

Archie Walsh

Jonty Koehne

Finn Higham

Ben Hardy

Interim Reserves Coach

Round 10

West Adelaide 11.8.74

North Adelaide 12.6.78

Under the clear skies at Hisense Stadium, West Adelaide battled hard but ultimately fell short against North Adelaide, losing by just 4 points in a thrilling contest.

The game kicked off with both teams making the most of turnover opportunities. Our defenders, Tom Morrish (21 disposals, 11 marks) and Callum Park (22 disposals, 8 marks), were instrumental in driving the ball out of defence, setting up key forward Tom Scully for his first goal of the day. However, wayward kicking proved costly, as we kicked 1.3 to North Adelaide’s 3.1 in the first quarter, leaving the game finely poised at the first break.

In the second term, North Adelaide came out strong with two quick goals to establish an early advantage. However, our system continued to create scoring opportunities, with Jesse Thackeray (11 disposals, 1 goal), Caleb May, and Dylan McCormick all hitting the scoreboard. Key defender Cooper Patterson also had an inspirational moment, pushing forward to kick his first-ever SANFL goal and keeping us in touch at halftime.

The third quarter saw the game settle into a grind between the arcs. North Adelaide capitalised on a few key turnovers, kicking 2.1, but our midfield — led by Koby Ryan (29 disposals, 3 tackles), Brady Searle (24 disposals, 9 marks), and Lachlan Squire (18 disposals, 6 tackles) — continued to move the ball forward, generating 1.3 and keeping the margin under 3 goals.

In the final term, towering ruckman Caleb May (12 disposals, 2 goals, 29 hitouts) began to impose himself both in the ruck and up forward. Despite two late goals from North Adelaide against the tide, our ball movement continued to generate 12 forward 50 entries and Tom Scully (11 disposals, 3 goals) was on fire, kicking two important goals to close the gap. In what was undoubtedly his best game for the club, Dylan McCormick slotted a 50m bomb to bring the margin to within 5 points.

In a nail-biting finish, we managed to create a final chance for victory, with Thackeray putting McCormick into space for an after-the-siren shot at goal. Unfortunately, the kick fell short, and the siren sounded, but there were plenty of positives to take from the game as we continue to build towards our next game against Centrals.

Best Players: