Under 18s Match Report – Round 4

Round 4 saw us face Norwood at home. Both teams had started the year 2-1 and we fully expected a difficult game given the quality of players in Norwood’s side. We welcomed Kyan Eagleton and Liam Bennetts for their first U18 games of football after impressive pre-seasons and most recently in the U17 Intra-State Carnival. It was significant for us to be able to commemorate ANZAC Day with a pre-match ceremony. Our group attended the Hilton RSL Dawn Service on Sunday morning with more than 30 players and coaches in attendance. Cade Kennedy presented a wreath on behalf of the club.

Our first quarter was extremely disappointing as we failed to change the speed of the game and allowed the ball to fly around the oval randomly. Norwood got the jump with the first 4 goals before we were able to settle things down and were fortunate to be within 17 points at the first change. Our midfield were getting the initial clearances but we then failed to defend the middle of the oval on transition which was the biggest focus area of the first break.

To the boys credit our second quarter was excellent. We kicked 6 goals to 3 and wrestled back the ascendancy. Mitch Hahn kicked 3 goals for the quarter and had it not been for a last-minute point we would have been even at the break. The third quarter was an arm wrestle with both teams kicking 4 goals. We trailed by a point at the last change but knew our best footy was still ahead of us.

The last quarter was exceptional from our boys as we surged the ball forward and scored quickly to gain a break on Norwood. Harry Lemmey booted a monster 55-metre goal whilst Jed Obst’s effort on the grandstand wing where he threw himself at a contest he had no right to win meant we scored again and continued the ascendancy. Norwood kicked the last of the game but there wasn’t enough time for any further damage.

Our ruckmen were outstanding on the day winning the hitouts 40-10. We had less of the ball but were able to be direct towards goal and it was great we found 10 goal kickers and didn’t need to rely on individuals. Kobe Ryan led our disposals with 28 including 6 clearances and along with Adam Bunworth led our tackle count with 9.

Harry Barnett and Tom Scully were our best two on the day dominating the hitouts and providing excellent aerial contests around the ground. Mitch Hahn was efficient up forward with 4 goals from 8 disposals and Kobe Ryan was impressive with 28 disposals in the midfield after a sluggish first quarter. Jed Obst looked lively on a wing taking 9 marks and Cain Satanek was excellent in defence winning contest after contest – his 3 stats don’t do justice to his game with the repeat spoils he was able to implement.

This was a great game of football and full credit to Norwood for the style of game they played. Our group were excellent to respond after a disappointing start and showed they can change momentum quickly which is invaluable for the season ahead. This week we face Central again, this time at home on Saturday at 6:30pm and is the last of a West Adelaide quadruple header on the day. We hope to see a lot of support there.

Best: Harry Barnett, Tom Scully, Mitchell Hahn, Jed Obst, Cain Satanek, Kobe Ryan

Goals: Mitchell Hahn (4), Tyrell Sgroi, Tom Scully, Luke Young (2), Dylan White, Dylan McCormick, Kyan Eagleton, Harry Barnett, Harry Lemmey, Tyson Coe (1)

Paul Streatfield

U18 Coach