Phil Hoffmann Travel Under 18’s Match Report Semi Final

Eagles 14.8 (92) def West Adelaide 10.6 (66)
Goal Scorers: McCann 4, Williams Z 3, Frederick 3, J Burgoyne, Pearce, Poulter, H Smith
Best Players: Barnett, Jones, Jungfer, Frederick, McCann, Dawkins

The Under 18’s had a good win in our Second Semi Final against West Adelaide on Saturday.  The first quarter was an important quarter in the context of the whole match and we were able score four goals into the wind whilst the Bloods scored 4 goals as well. We played a good first 20 minutes of the second quarter and kicked four goals before West Adelaide hit back with two late goals which resulted in us having a 13 point lead at half time.

The third quarter opened with us kicking an early goal into the wind but Westies then immediately replied and in fact kicked the next 3 to level the scores but we were able to kick the last three goals to take an eighteen point lead into three quarter time.  We kicked the first goal of the last quarter to extend that lead to 24 points and things were looking positive but West Adelaide kept coming at us and kicked a reply not long afterwards and then kept the ball in their half of the ground as they attacked. We were able to stave off their attacks and finally kicked a goal ourselves at the 20 minute mark and then hold on to record a 26 point win.

It was a tough contested game of footy, with both teams giving their all, a typical final.

We had many contributors during the game and Luke Barnett showed great strength at the contest through the midfield, Michael Frederick was very good across the wing and up forward (3 goals), Lachie Jones gave us great drive across half back, Ben Jungfer really lifted us in the second half in our midfield, as did Henry Smith in ruck and up forward, Jack McCann’s 4 goals were important,  Zane Williams showed great leadership and ball winning and hit the scoreboard with 3 goals.

Harry Dawkins was another who was strong in our defence and also a mention to Lochie Hoile who was our leading possession winner at half time but sustained a broken collarbone putting his body on the line going for a loose ball in the opening minute of the third term. Unfortunately that means that Lochie’s great season is over and we wish him well in his recovery.

So we are all looking forward to playing in the Grand Final on Sunday 15 September at Adelaide Oval, hope to see you all there.  Good luck to the Reserves this week in their final.

Shane Reardon
Coach Under 18s