Under 18’s Preliminary Final Match Report

Preliminary Final U18 Match Report

West Adelaide 9.8 (62) def. by Woodville – West Torrens 13.15 (93)

Thebarton Oval was the venue for our Preliminary Final against the Eagles. Ironically this is where our season started back in March with a trial against the same opposition in hot conditions. We have come a long way since then and the boys were excited for the occasion to test ourselves against a club that is consistently around the mark in the U18 finals series. Hugh Desira came in to our side as the only change from the previous week.

We couldn’t have asked for a better start. After winning the toss we kicked the first 4 goals of the match and 5 of the first 6 to lead by 26 points at the first change. Harry Lemmey and Luke Young both had 2 goals each for the quarter and our mids were on top to ensure the ball spent most of the quarter in our half of the oval.

Unfortunately we were outplayed for most of the second quarter in a reversal of the first. When we had chances to go forward we weren’t patient enough and tried to rush options that weren’t on. The Eagles were able to lock the ball in their half for a large part of the quarter and we were 5 points down at half-time.

Throughout the year we have prided ourselves on running games out well and knew that if we were close enough at the last break then we’d be a good chance. Despite losing the third term we were optimistic of making a run for it in the last. We were able to go forward and kick a couple of goals but up the other end we conceded too much, largely on the back of free kicks against us.

Overall a frustrating day as we fell short by 31 points but showed that our best football can match it with anyone. The challenge for this group, any of who still have next year in the U18 program, is to ensure we can perform for longer periods in games and minimize the damage when things aren’t going our way.

Harry Lemmey and Luke Young led our scoring, some of our midfielders had solid days whilst Charlie Pridham capped off an excellent season down back and Will Patton showed that he is going to be an excellent player for the club in just his 5th Under 18 game (as an under 16).

I’d like to thank everyone for their support of our games and program this year. Whilst we ultimately fell short of the last game of the season, I hope you’ve all seen significant development across our group that will hold the club in good stead for the years to come. The disappointment in the rooms after the game on the boys faces shows their commitment and love for the club, and with people like that representing us we are in good hands.

Best: Harrison Lemmey, Jesse Thackeray, Charlie Pridham, Will Patton, Cade Kennedy, Dylan White

Goals: Luke Young (4), Harrison Lemmey (3), Kyan Eagleton, Tom Scully (1)

Paul Streatfield

Talent Manager & U18 Coach