Coaches Reports – SANFL Reserves and League

West Adelaide 10.7.67

North Adelaide 8.14.62

In a fantastic display of growth and determination, we won our first game of the season against third-placed North Adelaide by 5 points at Prospect Oval.

Kicking into a strong wind during the first term saw North Adelaide capitalise on a couple of crucial errors to open up a 2-goal lead. Crafty wingman Judd Hansen (3 goals) kicked an opportunistic goal off the ground to settle the game before North threatened to pull away with two more goals at the end of the first. In his best game for the season, young gun Jonti Koehne set up the in-form Max McKenzie for his first of the day to keep us in touch at the first break.

In the second term, we stuck to our defensive method and ball movement patterns, dominating the quarter with 15 inside 50 entries. Our big forwards began to convert with the ever-dangerous Lachlan Tredwell and veteran Josh Sheppard hitting the scoreboard to give us control of the game. Giant 200-cm Forward-Ruck Jack Hutton took a strong mark outside 50 and converted a long goal to give us the lead. Hansen then showed agility to put his second goal on the scoreboard as we pulled away to a 2-goal lead at the main break.

The third term was an arm-wrestle with North Adelaide threatening to reel back the deficit with a strong breeze. Defenders Hamish Dow (21 disposals), Lachlan Williams (14 disposals) and emerging star Tom Kain (9 disposals, 3 RB) provided endless defensive rebound to keep North to 2 goals with the breeze. They were ably supported by a rejuvenated midfield led by Ray Harding (14 disposals, 13 hitouts, 6 clearances), Oscar Kregar 1(15 disposals, 5 I50s, 1 goal), Harvey Bock (18 disposals, 6 tackles), and Jesse Thackeray (18 disposals, 7 tackles) who turned the game our way. McKenzie, Koehne and Kregar took their opportunities to kick 3 goals into the wind and set up a lead going into the final break.

To North Adelaide’s credit, they ran out the game strongly and had chances to win the game. But Hansen’s third goal for the game helped us steady the match. Our boys wrestled back some late momentum and managed the final moments of the game to seal our first win.

In a pleasing sign of the development in our list, best players included a host of raw and young talent led by Ray Harding, Hamish Dow, Oscar Kregar, Jack Hutton, Tom Kain, and Harvey Bock.

We now manage a six-day break before looking forward to hosting Central Districts at Hisense Stadium on Saturday.

Goals:

Judd Hansen 3.1

Max McKenzie 2

Jonty Koehne, Oscar Kregar, Lachlan Tredwell 1.1

Jack Hutton, Josh Sheppard 1

Sam Elliott

Reserves Coach

West Adelaide 10.11.71

North Adelaide 7.16.58

Saturday’s victory over North Adelaide at Prospect Oval was a fantastic moment for our football club. It was a hard-fought, character-driven performance, built on our ability to absorb pressure and create it in return. The result was a 13-point win that not only reflects the growth of this group but also rewards the resilience and grit shown by our players, coaches, staff, and loyal supporters.

First Quarter – Fast Start & Pressure Football

We set the tone early with our physicality and contested ball work. We were +14 in contested possessions for the quarter and created real scoreboard impact off turnover, generating four scoring shots directly from pressure acts. Dylan McCormick had a dominant start, kicking three first-quarter goals and providing a spark in our front half.

Second Quarter – Momentum Shift & Adversity

Credit to North Adelaide who lifted their intensity around the contest and increased their work rate all over the ground. We lost our way during this period, and to make matters more difficult, we suffered injuries to Sam Frost, Lachy Squire, Tom Morrish, and Ned Stevens. Despite this adversity, we managed to steady and went into the half-time break holding a narrow 4-point lead.

Second Half – Resilience, Moments & Leadership

The second half became a test of character, and our group responded brilliantly. Every player bought into the message at the three-quarter time break—play each moment. That mindset was evident across the ground.

• Charlie Haysman, in just his second game, kicked a crucial clutch goal in the final term and won/halved multiple 1v1 contests.
• Our defensive group, led by Hamish Ellem, Cooper Patterson, Liam Delahunty, and Adam Bunworth, generated seven intercepts in the last quarter alone—each of these lads played arguably their best game for the club.
• Co-Captain Isaac Johnson showed his class with a composed goal on the run from 45 metres.
• Our key forwards took big contested marks in key moments.
• Joel Parker was clean and impactful, giving us important front-half contests that lead to scoring opportunities.
• First-gamer Harvey Griffiths stood up with several important moments under pressure.
• Through the midfield, Kobe Ryan, Sam Burbridge, and Cade Kennedy shouldered the load and provided critical drive.

Club-Wide Achievement

It was a special day for West Adelaide, with both our League and Reserves sides recording wins at Prospect Oval—a rare feat. These wins are a direct result of the resilience our playing group has shown through a challenging start to the season. They’re also a reward for our members and supporters, who continue to show up and back us in week after week. Most importantly, it’s a reflection of the dedication of our coaching staff and support team who work tirelessly behind the scenes to drive this group forward.

Looking Ahead

We now enter a 6-day break ahead of a massive challenge against Central Districts. The focus this week is simple:

• Rest
• Recover
• Educate
• Bring four-quarter energy and effort

We know what we’re capable of when we stick to our identity, and that must be our standard next week.

Best Players: 

Liam Delahunty,  Cade Kennedy,  Cooper Patterson

Goals:

Dylan McCormick 3

Ned Stevens 2.2

Joel Parker 2

Isaac Johnson 1.1

Dylan Bramich, Charlie Haysman 1

Adam Hartlett
Senior Coach – West Adelaide Football Club