Coaches Report – Reserves & League

SANFL Reserves Round 18 – Coaches Report

West Adelaide 7.4. 46

Sturt 14.13.97

This week was all about building on the momentum we generated in last weeks performance. Coming up against a Sturt side fighting for a finals berth, we knew we’d be tested and that our ability to stick to our game plan would be crucial.

The match opened with intensity, both sides displaying a fast, high-pressure brand of football. While we embraced the challenge early, the pace of the game ultimately played more into Sturt’s hands during the opening term. Despite this, we had standout moments, particularly from Max McKenzie who delivered his best performance of the season. Max was a strong presence moving out of our back half and pushing forward, finishing the game with 8 disposals, 6 marks, and an impressive 3 goals.

At quarter time we addressed the need to better manage the tempo of the game. While we had created scoring opportunities, our tendency to rush at times invited unnecessary pressure from Sturt. The boys responded well, with Lachlan Tredwell being a key contributor, working hard up the ground and delivering effectively inside 50. Lachlan finished with 7 disposals, 5 marks, and 2 inside 50s, playing a selfless and team-first role.

At half time we made a few structural changes to better support the group, and challenged the team to reset, wipe the scoreboard, and aim to win the second half. The response was immediate and noticeable, improving significantly in our ball movement, ending the quarter with +14 uncontested marks and +4 uncontested possessions.

A major highlight was the performance of young key defender, Jack Oates. Playing a new role down back this season, Jack produced a strong performance with his best game to date. He read the play well, defended strongly, and showed composure with ball in hand. Jack finished the game with 16 disposals, 5 marks, and 3 rebound 50s. We’re excited to see what he can produce after a full pre-season working closely with our defensive group.

Heading into the final term, we reinforced our goals for the second half and challenged the group to finish strongly. The quarter saw us finish with +7 contested possessions, +2 ground ball gets, and near break even inside 50s, demonstrating our competitiveness right until the final siren. With a narrow loss in the second half – 5.2 to Sturts 6.5 – we were proud of the resilience and spirit shown by the group against a high-quality, finals-bound side.

Our attention now turns to the final game of the season against second-placed South Adelaide. It presents a great challenge and an exciting opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best sides in the competition. We’re fully committed to preparing the players as best we can, both physically and mentally. This is an exciting opportunity to finish the season strongly and reward our loyal supporters with a performance that reflects the hard work and progress made throughout a tough year.

Goals

Max McKenzie (3)

Dylan Bramich (2)

Max Downs

Padrick O’Donoghue

Best Players  

Jack Oates

Max McKenzie

Lachlan Tredwell

Ben Hardy

Interim Reserves Coach

SANFL Round 18

West Adelaide 8.8.56

Sturt 22.9.141

An 84-point loss to undefeated Sturt reflected a one-sided display on Saturday. Coming off the back of some really good form a week earlier, we had no answers for a dominant and accomplished outfit.

Sturt started the game on their terms, kicking 7 goals in the first 15 minutes. We were unable to get our hands on the ball as Sturt’s strength and skill allowed them to dominate possession (100-58) in the first quarter. Our first legitimate scoring opportunity came at the 20-minute mark but an errant snap from big man Caleb May (15 disposals, 33 hit outs, 1 goal) went wayward, while Sturt finished the quarter with a commanding 8.2 term.

At quarter time, we tried to address Sturt’s momentum and found opportunities to start the second quarter on our terms. May started well and found young defender Oscar Talbot (8 disposals, 3 marks, 2 R50s) inside 50 for the first shot of the second quarter. Soon after, and in one of the few moments where we controlled the game, an intercept mark by Will Patton in D50 set up a chain of possession which led to Brady Searle releasing Harvey Griffiths running into forward 50 but hit the post. Sturt responded quickly and kicked 6 unanswered goals to finish the second term, while inaccurate kicking hurt our ability to stem the tide. At half time, we trailed 0.6 to 14.3.

After half time, we tried to manufacture some changes to find some solutions around the contest. Sturt had all the answers though, kicking 4 goals in the first 10 minutes, putting us to the sword. Eventually, a clearing kick by Searle found Cade Kennedy on the wing which resulted in a long searching ball inside 50 to emerging wingman Joel Parker. In a positive sign for the future, the 18-year-old went back against the tide and converted our first goal of the game. We finished the quarter trailing Sturt by 110-points.

In the final term, our message was to set clear objectives for us to chase. The boys continued to fight to their best of their ability and found a way to kick the first three goals of the quarter through Laudato, May and Stevens. Laudato and Stevens won crucial free kicks inside forward 50 and converted and May plucked a long-bomb from Laudato to snap truly for his first major. Lachie Squire, skipper Isaac Johnson, and Jesse Thackeray started to find possession and sent the ball inside 50 with more frequency. Dylan McCormick soon received a free kick for a dangerous tackle and snapped truly off the opposite foot, as the margin began to turn in. As frustrations boiled over, we received a free kick to Corbett who kicked our fifth goal for the quarter. Goals to Griffiths and Tom Scully helped to reduce the margin as the final siren sounded, ending a tough day for the seniors.

While it would be easy to hide behind a clear ‘games played’ differential (Sturt had 1600 games of experience take the field to our 800 games of experience), we own the result fully. Sturt were tough, polished, and organised, and showed us why they remain undefeated in the 2025 season. As a coaching and playing group, we now turn our attention to our final game of the season when we host South Adelaide at Hisense Stadium this Saturday. Expect a response.

Best Players Tom Morrish, Cade Kennedy, Lachlan Squire

Goals: Riley Corbett, Harvey Griffiths, Michael Laudato, Caleb May, Ned Stevens, Dylan McCormick, Joel Parker, Tom Scully

Sam Elliott

Interim League Coach