Coaches Report – U16’s / U18’s – Round 7

SANFL U16’s – West Adelaide (8.7.55) Vs Central District (11.9.75)

Our boys started the game strongly, showcasing early dominance with quick ball movement and creating multiple scoring opportunities. Despite some inaccurate kicking, we built a solid lead, registering 4.5 to 1.0 at the first break, ahead by 23 points. It was a promising start that should have allowed us to take full control of the contest.

However, the momentum shifted significantly in the second quarter. We struggled to move the ball efficiently, thinking we had Centrals measured, but their pressure intensified. They took advantage of our lapse and turned the game around, kicking 5 goals to our 1 and pushing ahead by 5 points at halftime.

To our credit, we responded well in the third term, adjusting our approach and returning to the style of football that suits us best. We stretched the game, created space, and started to win our share of contested possessions. As a result, we outplayed Centrals, kicking 3 goals to their 1, reclaiming a 5-point lead at three-quarter time.

With the match up for grabs in the final quarter, we unfortunately found ourselves in a familiar position—struggling to convert opportunities into scoreboard pressure. For the second consecutive week, we failed to register a goal in the last quarter, despite having our chances. Centrals capitalised late, kicking decisive goals to secure a 20-point victory.

The frustration for our team is evident. We know we are good enough and competitive against the top sides, but consistency remains the missing piece. Addressing the trend of going scoreless in key quarters must be a priority if we want to bridge the gap and turn strong performances into winning results.

With a week off, college players will represent their schools before our next match against Glenelg on May 24 at home, where we anticipate several changes to our lineup. This break provides a chance to reset, refocus, and ensure we return ready to execute across all four quarters.

– Jeff Sochaki, u16’s Coach.

Goals: C Gurney (2), H Abbot (1), L Andriani (1), P Burgoyne (1), A Crispe (1), C Fruend (1), C Jones (1).

Best Players: C Jones, L Andriani, A Crispe, K Saracino, C Freund

SANFL U18’s – West Adelaide (7.5.47) Vs Central District (17.18.120)

On Thursday night we travelled to Elizabeth to take on Central District at X Convenience Oval. With four changes to our lineup, it was a great opportunity for the players coming in to show the rewards of their hard work and training effort.

Unfortunately, we didn’t start well. The first quarter was poor around the contest, which put pressure on our back six. When we did win the ball, we weren’t able to move it into safe areas or shift it forward with control. As a result, Central had repeat inside-50s and were able to generate plenty of high percentage scoring chances.

At quarter time, we challenged the group to lift their intent around the contest. To the players’ credit, the response in the second term was strong which gave us some territory gains and allowed our defenders to reset. The last five minutes of the quarter did fall away slightly, but overall I was pleased with how the group responded to the message.

At halftime, we asked the boys to keep that contest work going and take a step up defensively. Again, I thought the intent was good. We were exposed at times, which gave Central a few easy scores, but the pleasing part was the players trying to apply the principles we had spoken about.

In the last quarter we made some positional changes, which gave the coaching group valuable feedback for future games. It also allowed a few players to show some versatility, which will help us as we build into the back half of the season.

Central Districts were comfortable winners in the end, but we take away some learnings and positives to work on. We now shift focus to the next two weeks at training, building towards our next clash with Glenelg at Hisense Stadium on Saturday, May 24.

– Russell Godson, U18’s Coach.

Goals: Mitch Marsh (3), Anthony Long (2), Harper Ryan (1), Lucas White (1).

Best Players: Mitch Marsh, Fletcher Dillon, Archie Walsh, Ky Burgoyne, Ryan McAulay