Round 7 U18 Match Report
West Adelaide 13.9 (87) def. Woodville – West Torrens 13.5 (83)
Round 7 saw us travel to Woodville to play the Eagles. After a slow start to the year the Eagles had found some form and we knew this was going to be a tough match. We have great respect for the way they go about their U18 program and they are consistently up there year after year. Harry Barnett returned to the side as his college team had a bye and Kye Roberts made his debut after David Midwinter withdrew from the game on Friday with an injury.
The game started evenly with both teams having good patches of play but both struggling to score with the defence from each team standing up well. 2 goals each and the scores were level at the first change. I was particularly impressed with the way our defenders, some of whom haven’t played much football together, worked well and repelled the Eagles entries repeatedly.
At quarter time we addressed a couple of key points and the group responded really well. We were able to modify our ball movement slightly which meant we got closer to goal quicker and were able to capitalise as a result. We were able to score 5 unanswered goals for the term and took a 31 point lead in to half-time. Cade Kennedy had an impressive 26 disposals for the half.
The start to the third quarter was disappointing as we went away from some of our key fundamentals that allowed the Eagles to move the ball with ease. Before we knew it scores were level. I was pleased with the way our group adapted mid-quarter yet again which minimized the damage after that and we took a small lead in to ¾ time.
In the last quarter the game opened up and both teams were able to score freely. Whilst we had nearly double the shots on goal, our inaccuracy meant we snuck home with a 4 point win. This is the third match in a row that we’ve won by less than a goal. It takes a lot of character to stand up as a team in close, key moments and our group have repeatedly shown that they can get the job done in those circumstances.
Cade Kennedy finished the match with an incredible 49 disposals, 15 marks, 9 clearances, 7 tackles and a goal which has earnt him the league MVP nomination for round 7. Jamie Kovacic was impressive across half-forward whilst Charlie Pridham amassed 31 disposals as he continues his strong season off half-back. We had 9 goal scorers in an even team contribution on the scoreboard.
This week we face the undefeated Tigers at Glenelg. We are looking forward to this challenge and trust that our best football will create a great game. The match is on Saturday, 8:50am start at Glenelg. We look forward to seeing you there… set your alarms!
Best: Cade Kennedy, Jamie Kovacic, Charlie Pridham, Jackson Roberts, Cain Satanek, Jesse Thackeray
Goals: Jamie Kovacic, Luke Young, Mitch Hahn, Saleh Baltagie (2), Cade Kennedy, Jesse Thackeray, Ben Burbridge, Jameson Whitbourne, Hugh Desira (1)
Paul Streatfield
U18 Coach