U16’s Grand Final Coaches Report

2025 SANFL Under 16 Grand Final – West Adelaide vs Central Districts

Sunday, September 14 – Adelaide Oval

Final Score: West Adelaide 9.19 73 to Centrals 9.8 62

After a commanding win over South Adelaide in the Preliminary Final, our Under 16 boys entered the Grand Final with confidence and belief. Our form against Central Districts had shown promise, built on a strong running game and solid defensive principles. The only concern was our accuracy in front of goal, having kicked 3.16 against Centrals in the Semi and 14.16 against South. But the belief in our system and the character of our group was unwavering.

The game began at a frenetic pace, with both sides moving the ball quickly in warm conditions that would test endurance. We struck first through Sam DePalma, setting the tone early. Despite several promising entries inside our forward 50, inaccuracy again crept in. Centrals responded with three consecutive goals, taking an 11-point lead. Just before the quarter-time siren, Hamish Hudson produced a clever finish to bring us back within five points.

The second term saw our boys take control. We dominated possession and showcased our trademark run-and-carry style so much, so we end with 82 handball receives from a possible 104 handballs. In the first 13 minutes, we had seven shots on goal, converting 3.4 to turn the 5 point deficit into a 17-point lead. But a lapse in conversion and intensity allowed Centrals to kick the next two, trimming our lead to just five points at the half.

Our third-quarter mantra all season had been simple: lift the intensity, win the contest, and make the final term easier. But this quarter was a true arm wrestle. Centrals kicked truly inside the first minute to take a one-point lead. We responded immediately with two brilliant goals, one from Jack Nicholls, the other from Under 14 standout Hugo Williams, stretching the lead to 11 points. Centrals answered with a goal from the pocket, and the next 15 minutes were end-to-end football, both sides struggling to convert. With two minutes left, Centrals levelled the scores. But our boys dug deep, transitioning from defence to find Calvin Jones, who marked and converted a long-range shot after the siren to give us a six-point lead heading into the final term.

At three-quarter time, our message was clear: do the basics better, stay connected, be composed, and trust the principles that got us here. We knew Centrals would come hard, and they did. We missed a chance to go two goals clear early in the quarter, and Centrals responded, eventually converting at the nine-minute mark to take a one-point lead. But as has been the case in close games, our boys showed immense character and resilience. We had the next five shots on goal, but again, all were behinds. Our Achilles heel reared its head, but we led by four points with eight minutes to play.

With players tiring and the game still played at a frenetic pace, neither side gave an inch. Our defensive unit stood tall, repelling repeated attacks. Then came the moment: a clever win forward of centre led to a deep ball into our forward 50, where Dillon Marks took a strong grab in the goal square and converted to give us a 10-point lead with 90 seconds remaining. We won the next centre clearance, making it impossible for Centrals to score twice. A final point from Sam DePalma sealed the result, our 19th behind of the day and we ran out 11-point winners and crowned 2025 SANFL Under 16 Premiers.

While this was a united team effort, it would be remiss not to highlight the outstanding performance of Laurence Andriani. Already voted Best & Fairest for the Under 16 SANFL Competition, Laurence was awarded Best on Ground for his Grand Final heroics:
32 possessions, 8 clearances, 5 tackles and a goal.

This premiership is not just about the 22 boys who took the field, it’s about everyone who made this possible. From our coaching staff, support team, volunteers, and families, to the supporters who have stood by us, it truly takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a great football club to produce great young men.

To all stakeholders: thank you. Your belief, commitment, and support have helped shape these boys into champions, on and off the field. This win is for every person who has worn the red and black, every coach who has mentored, every parent who has driven to training, and every teammate who has pushed each other to be better.

To the boys: you’ve made history. You’ve shown what it means to fight, to believe, and to win with humility and heart. You are 2025 SANFL Under 16 Premiers, and you’ve made your club proud.

Best players: Laurence Andriani, Dean Hatedakis, Samuel DePalma

Goals: Samuel DePalma 2, Laurence Andriani, Andrew Comakis, Hamish Hudson, Calvin Jones, Dillon Marks, Jack Nickolls, Hugo Williams

Under 16 Coach

Jeff Sochacki

Go Bloods!