Under 18s Report

South Adelaide vs West Adelaide
Round 1 - Hickinbotham Oval - 08/04/17

Goals: Whitbread, Beenham 3, Fitt, Robertson, Elmes 2, Sowter, Tucker, Colwell, Milsom
Best: Sampson, Whitbread, Coleman, Manuel, Milsom, Bradford

South Adelaide's Under 18s started their season with a 31-point win over West Adelaide at Hickinbotham Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The Panthers did not get off to the start they were after, with West Adelaide working harder to win first use of the ball and their tall forwards stretching our defence to take a 15-point lead at the first break.

However, after quarter time, our players managed to stop the flow and get our systems going to pull back the difference to just eight points at the main break.

During halftime we discussed some changes to our ball movement and challenged the players to be first to the loose balls more often. To the players credit, they continued to improve all facets of our game in the second half and we ran out winners by five goals.

Amongst our best performers were Hayden Sampson (22 touches) and Sam Whitbread (23 possessions and three goals), who both found plenty of the ball and laid 13 tackles between them.

Tate Coleman, Jonty Manuel, Reece Milsom and James Bradford also played important roles in the win.

It was pleasing to see many players continue to progress through our Talent Pathway, as nine players played their first game at Under 18 level and one player (Jackson Elmes from Victor Harbor Football Club) playing their first game for South Adelaide.

We now have a short five-day lead into our next game on Easter Thursday night against Sturt at Hahndorf Oval. We will have a light session on Tuesday after reviewing our Round 1 win and then look at the next challenge ahead.

Tony Bamford
Under 18s Head Coach

Under 16s Report

South Adelaide vs West Adelaide
Round 3 - Hickinbotham Oval - 08/04/17

Goals: Sladojevic 2, Coulthard, Neville, Lippett, Marra, Price
Best: Lippett, Coulthard, Bruce

South Adelaide's Under 16s went down by 30 point against West Adelaide in their Round 3 clash at Hickinbotham Oval on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday was a disappointing result as we played our worst game of the year. Unfortunately we were outplayed in most aspects of the game by a very well structured West Adelaide team.

Once again turnovers hurt us as the Bloods made us pay with their pressure.

We will look to bounce back this Thursday night against Sturt at Hahndorf.

Our best performer was Marcus Lippett, who worked hard for four quarters and finished with 23 possessions and laid seven tackles. His pressure around the contest was excellent.

William Bruce once again played a very polished game, showcasing his skills and good composure when he has the ball - always hits a target.

Another who played well was Matthew Coulthard. He showed excellent composure and ball use. He used his speed to his advantage and broke through the lines to give our forwards every opportunity.

Clay Sampson
Under 16s Head Coach