Coaches Report U16’s and U18’S

West Adelaide 7.6.48
Sturt 5.17.47

Round 4 West Adelaide Under 16s vs. Sturt

Coming off a close loss to South Adelaide last week, the West Adelaide Under 16s were determined to make amends against an in-form and undefeated Sturt side at home on Saturday.
The boys started strongly, displaying immense intent and a willingness to execute team-first actions. Early forward entries, however, saw missed opportunities as we could only register behinds before Sturt slotted the opening goal. Despite this, the team continued to grind, and the effort was rewarded as Charlie Gurney kicked accurately and Percy Burgoyne added two majors to give us a narrow five-point lead at the first break.

The second quarter proved to be an arm wrestle, with both sides unable to capitalise on forward 50 entries. We managed one goal for the term, courtesy of Toby Bohbot, while Sturt struggled with accuracy, kicking five behinds. Our defensive unit, pivotal throughout the day, held firm to take us into the main break with an eight-point advantage.

After halftime, Sturt came out firing, with improved systems and relentless pressure forcing basic errors from our boys. This resulted in them overturning our lead to gain a seven-point advantage midway through the third term. However, the character and resilience that have defined this group shone through yet again, with Ty Montgomerie and Tanner Ryan kicking late goals to reclaim a four-point lead heading into the final quarter. The team faced yet another challenge, losing Percy Burgoyne to injury following a courageous mark, leaving us short on rotations for the third consecutive week.

In the last term, defensive efforts remained strong, and we worked hard to create inside-50 opportunities. However, shallow entries allowed Sturt to repel several attacks. They eventually broke through with a goal to lead by three points with 10 minutes remaining. Refusing to back down, the boys pushed forward again, creating a ground-ball contest that saw Charlie Gurney collect and slot his second goal, putting us back in front by three points.

The final six minutes were tense, with poor decisions and execution handing Sturt one last opportunity. On the back of a costly mistake in icing the game, Sturt had a kick after the siren to snatch the win. Fortunately, they managed only a point, and we emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins—a one-point win in a thrilling contest.

Despite registering fewer shots on goal and more inside 50s, this win was built on relentless work rate, effort, and dominance in key areas such as possessions, ground balls, tackles, and clearances. As we head into the bye with Gather Round this weekend, we’ll focus on improving our forward connection and converting inside 50 dominance into scoreboard impact. We look forward to our Easter Thursday clash against the Eagles, recharged and ready to go.

Best Players:
Samuel De Palma, Larence Andriani, Calvin Jones, Andrew Crispe, Kit Saracino.

Goal Kickers:
Percy Burgoyne 2, Charlie Gurney 2,
Toby Bohbot, Ty Montgomerie, Tanner Ryan

Go Bloods!
Under 16 Coach Jeff Sochacki

West Adelaide 10.4.64
Sturt 9.10.64

On Saturday we had our Round 4 fixture vs Sturt at Hisense Stadium.

We had a good week at training, addressing some trends that we had noticed over previous weeks, and continued to improve these areas throughout the three sessions. The squad adapted to these changes very well, and I felt we had good clarity going into the weekend.

We started very well, which was a credit to the players’ preparation. And we were rewarded with the opening five goals of the game. After quarter time, the game became very even, with Sturt defending very well, and we struggled to gain territory which was a credit to them and they slowly pulled the scoreboard back to a small margin. In the third quarter, Sturt were able to get the game well on their terms, and we really struggled to play the way we wanted to for large periods of the quarter. But to the players’ credit, their intent and effort was excellent throughout this adversity. The fourth quarter was a real arm wrestle, and I thought the players were able to get the game to look how we wanted which was very pleasing. While we had a small lead with only minutes remaining, Sturt were able to level the scores with the game finishing in a draw.

Overall, I thought the game was played at a high standard and with the scoreboard very even for most of the game it was exciting for the spectators. I was very proud of the way the players and the wider squad conducted themselves throughout the day and we’ve set a good standard for the remainder of the season. We look forward to having a break after what has been a demanding six weeks of training and games which will freshen us up for the upcoming fixture on Easter Thursday against Eagles.

On another note, well done to the under-16s for their second tight win in three games, and showed great character. Also the under 14’s are continuing to play good football competing very well in the 6 games they’ve played so far and have their final fixture this Wednesday night which will conclude and successful program. Thanks to Tom Keough and his assistants for the commitment they’ve shown to the players to help them develop.

Best Players:
Gus Downs, Tom Kain, Harper Ryan, Lincoln Pitt & Lucas White

Goal kickers:
Lucas White 3, Oli Charlesworth and Anthony Long kicked 2 each while Mitch Marsh, Harper Ryan and Zanen Syrokos all kicked one.

Russell Godson
U18’s Head Coach