Reserves & League

West Adelaide 9.7 (61) def Central Districts 8.11 (59)

This week our focus was on sticking to our processes and bringing urgency to everything we do – both throughout the week and on game day. The build-up was extremely positive and our message before the game was clear – win the first quarter, win the contested game and control the ball movement.

We started the game well and matched Centrals intensity early, coming in at quarter time one point down. More importantly, we were on top in the contested game and had strong periods where we moved the ball according to our plan. A real highlight came from Under 18 debutant Josh Goldie, kicking a classy goal and finishing the game with 6 disposals, 1 goal and 5 tackles – a fantastic first-up performance.

The second quarter was about control. We dictated the tempo and shifted the ball forward efficiently, registering 11 inside 50s and holding Centrals to just a single point. Our midfield lifted significantly, led by Judd Hansen who delivered a composed and hard-nosed performance with 18 disposals, 1 goal, 9 tackles and 3 clearances. While we only converted 1.3 for the quarter, our ability to lock the ball in our front half and dominate filed position was pleasing.

At halftime we continued to reinforce the message of sticking to our processes. We anticipated Centrals would respond with increasing intensity – and they did – but our group rose to the challenge. We won the contested possession count (+5), tackles (+2), and scored heavily from turnovers (+20 points). Dylan White led from the front and was out best on ground, playing a completed midfield game with 31 disposals, 1 goal, 8 tackles and 5 centre clearances. Our key forward in Jack Oates also stepped up when we needed, using his physicality and presence to impact the game with 14 disposals, 2 goals, 4 marks and 2 inside 50s.

As we entered the last quarter we wanted to continue playing our brand of football. We expected a strong push from Centrals and to their credit, they threw everything at us. The group showed grit and maturity, absorbing the pressure and holding firm. A standout in the last was young defender Lachlan Slattery, who stood tall under the increased pressure and took two crucial contested marks, finishing the game with 8 disposals, 5 marks and 2 contested marks. Oscar Kregar, who’s recently transitioned from the midfield to the half-back line was instrumental in our ball movement and composure behind the ball with 15 disposals, 5 marks, 3 inside 50s and 2 rebound 50s.

We now turn our focus to Glenelg next Saturday. We’re coming up against a well-drilled and professional outfit, but we’ll take great confidence from this performance. When we stick to our structures and play a committed, team-first brand of football, we know we can compete with the best.

Best Players: Dylan White, Judd Hansen, Jack Oates

Goals: Lachlan Tredwell (2), Jack Oates (2), Riley Hill, Jonty Koehne, Judd Hansen, Dylan White, Josh Goldie

Ben Hardy

Interim Reserves Coach

Central Districts 15.11 (101) def West Adelaide 8.8 (56)

In Round 11, we recorded a seven-goal loss to 4th-placed Central Districts at X-Convenience Stadium.

The first quarter saw Centrals capitalise on some turnovers to establish a 2-goal lead but Cade Kennedy spotted in-form recruit Tom Scully, setting up our first major for the day. Minutes later, young gun Joel Parker accelerated from the middle to send a long ball into Ned Stevens who would mark and kick truly to help settle the game.

We continued to play a fast brand of football early in the second quarter as a running Jonti Schuback found Tom Scully who released Brady Searle for a long-bomb from 55m. The very next play, gun midfielder Kobe Ryan emerged from the middle to hit-up Harvey Griffiths for his first goal of the match, to settle up a 4-pt lead. However, our ball movement also came with risk at times, and Centrals were able to punish turnover, scoring the next 5 goals to set up a 3-goal lead at the main break.

The third quarter was an arm-wrestle with both teams having 5 scoring shots for the term. Our defensive system and ball movement created more opportunities to go forward as we created 15 inside 50s. The supply allowed Griffiths, Michael Laudato, and classy midfielder Sam Burbridge combined to kick three majors. At the other end of the ground, promising defender Will Patton, key defender Cooper Patterson, and the skilful Callum Park battled hard to repel Centrals counter attacks, but to Centrals credit, they won a couple of decisive moments to regain momentum and retain their advantage.

We arrived at three-quarter time down by 4-goals but kicked the first through Tom Scully to close in on margin at the 7-minute mark. However, we were unable to sustain our ball movement method and defensive system as a result of some crucial unforced errors that allowed Centrals to put the game out of reach.

In a positive sign for the club, young midfielders Jesse Thackeray (21 years old), Kobe Ryan (21 years old), and Sam Burbridge (19 years old) all played strong games, while Tom Scully (20 years old) again showed dominance up forward. They were ably supported by an industrious Brady Searle and Callum Park who battled hard across four-quarters.

We finished the game with more inside 50 entries, groundball gets, contested possession, tackles, and clearances but need to continue to teach, review and train a method that reduces our own turnovers.

We remain united, committed, and ready to take another step forward against Glenelg in Round 12.

Best Players: Jesse Thackeray, Kobe Ryan, Tom Scully

Goals: Tom Scully (2.3), Harvey Griffiths (2.1) Sam Burbridge, Michael Laudato, Brady Searle, Ned Stevens

Sam Elliott

Interim League Coach