Coaches Report: Under 16/18s – Round 10

West Adelaide 4.11.35 V South Adelaide 2.2.14  

Our Under 16 boys took to the field under lights for Round 10 with a clear purpose to atone for our narrow 7-point loss to South Adelaide back in Round 4. With heavy rain forecast and a strong breeze to one end, we knew the conditions would make this a contest of effort, pressure, and territory, and our boys delivered.

Kicking into the wind in the first quarter, we adapted quickly to the wet and slippery conditions. Our commitment to moving the ball forward at all costs and applying excellent defensive pressure was evident from the outset. The game became one of territory, and we won that battle early, kicking two goals to South’s one and taking a well-earned 7-point lead into the first break.

The second quarter we were most dominant. We played front-half football for nearly the entire term, locking the ball inside our forward 50 and denying South any opportunity to rebound. While our scoreboard impact didn’t reflect our dominance, kicking 1.6 for the quarter, we held South scoreless and headed into half-time with a commanding 19-point lead given the conditions.

After the main break, we were met with relentless, torrential rain that made visibility from the sidelines almost impossible. The third quarter turned into a scrap, with both teams fighting to gain territory and handle the ball cleanly. Despite South kicking with the wind, neither side managed a goal, and only three behinds were registered for the quarter. We went into the final break holding a 20-point lead.

With a strong focus all season on delivering four quarters of consistent football, especially against teams above us on the ladder, we reminded ourselves of Round 4’s heartbreak and remained locked in on the task. The boys showed tremendous resolve and discipline in the final quarter to close out the match, sticking to our contested and territory-based brand of footy.

Our cleaner ball-handling and pressure over four quarters proved the difference. We finished with a +15 clearance advantage and +11 inside 50s, clear indicators of our dominance in tough conditions. It was a mature, hard-fought win against quality opposition and a great reward for effort.

We now enjoy a short break before our next challenge, a Saturday clash on June 21 against a red-hot North Adelaide side who have won their last four matches. We look forward to the upcoming training sessions to refine, re-evaluate, and re-focus on our fundamentals and game plan ahead of what promises to be a fierce battle at Prospect Oval.

Best Players: Chad Freud, Hamish Hudson, Luke Kennedy, Laurence Andriani, Calvin Jones

Goal Kickers: Hamish Hudson (2), Hamish Abbott, Calvin Jones

– Jeff Sochacki (Under 16 Coach)

West Adelaide 8.16.64 V South Adelaide 5.9.39

We took on South Adelaide in Round 10 under lights at Hisense in windy and slippery conditions. Our preparation during the week was solid and we felt the group was well prepared.

We started the game strongly, gaining territory early and applying good pressure to South Adelaide’s defence for periods of the first quarter. Despite the showers coming and going, we knew from the outset it was going to be a night where effort and work rate had to be maintained for longer.

In the second quarter, we lost a bit of our ascendancy. We weren’t as proactive and allowed South Adelaide back into the game—not only on the scoreboard, but also around the ball. Credit to them for their response.

At half time, the game was evenly poised. Our focus turned to how we were going to shift momentum back in our favour, with a strong emphasis on midfield performance. To the midfielders’ credit, they responded after the break. We gained consistent territory, worked hard into the wind, and built a margin by three-quarter time that put us in a strong position.

The last quarter was a continuation of that effort. Although we didn’t finish our work in front of goal as well as we would’ve liked, the method and consistency we showed across the second half was really pleasing.

Overall, it was a well-earned win in testing conditions and a good reward for the group’s effort and preparation.

Best players:

Jaylen Sochacki had an excellent night on the wing, providing run and composure.

Archie Walsh was strong through the midfield and a key part of our second-half response.

Ollie Charlesworth competed well up forward and gave us a strong target all night.

Tahi Brain continued his solid performances, contributing strongly again.

Pat Amber played  good role in defence.

Goals: Charlie Bradford (2.2), Anthony Long (2.2), Tahi Brain (1), Ky Burgoyne (1.1), Oliver Charlesworth (1.3), Lukas Eagleton (1.1)