Under 18’s Semi Final Match Report

Semi-Final U18 Match Report

West Adelaide 12.11 (83) def. South Adelaide 11.6 (72)

For the second time in as many weeks we faced South Adelaide, this time in a cut-throat final at Glenelg. We welcomed back Harry Lemmey from league football, Cade Kennedy and Oscar Steene from state U19 duties as well as David Midwinter who returned after being managed the previous week.

After winning the toss and kicking with a strong breeze the game was scrappy for the opening minutes but after South kicked the opening goal our next 15 minutes saw us pile on 7 goals in probably our best patch of football for the year. Harry Lemmey kicked 2 in the first quarter and our midfield were on top with some excellent individual efforts. Tyson Coe’s contested work was outstanding early, and when the ball did go South’s way our defense held up well.

The second quarter saw South kick 5 goals to 1 and most of these were via stoppages near their forward 50. We were still playing some reasonable football but couldn’t chain enough possessions together to put any scoreboard pressure on. Luke Young’s goal after the half-time siren was important and gave us some momentum heading in to the break.

The second half was an arm-wrestle. We had multiple shots on goal in the third but kicked 1.7 and we knew South would come home strong in the final term. Whilst we were outscored by a goal in the last I was really impressed with the way we kept playing and not only absorbed some pressure but then counterpunched the other way. Oscar Steene kicked multiple goals late to put the result beyond doubt.

Tyson Coe (24 disposals, 7 tackles), Kobe Ryan (22 disposals, 7 clearances) and Jesse Thackeray (22 disposals, 6 marks) were impressive throughout the game. Cain Satanek was a rock down back, Harry Lemmey showed why he is such an exciting prospect with 3 goals and Jed Obst played a great game on the wing.

Whilst the above highlights some individual performances, this was a great team effort and everyone contributed to the result. This group has so much character and we now look forward to our next challenge – the Eagles at Thebarton with a Grand Final berth the prize. With our reserves playing before this match, there’s every reason to get as much red and black there as possible. See you Saturday!

Best: Tyson Coe, Kobe Ryan, Cain Satanek, Harry Lemmey, Jesse Thackeray, Jed Obst.

Goals: Oscar Steene, Harrison Lemmey (3), Dylan McCormick, Luke Young (2), Jesse Thackeray, Kyan Eagleton (1)

Paul Streatfield
Talent Manager & U18 Coach