U18’s Match Report

The Under 18s went down to South Adelaide by 10 points. It was a tough match as has been the custom and South started brightly with the first 2 goals before we hit back with a couple of our own as we got into the groove of the game – it is fair to say that South didn’t nail their chances kicking 2 goals 5 points for the quarter and we were behind by those 5 points at quarter time.  We played well in the second quarter kicking 5 goals whilst holding South to just the 2 and when we kicked the first goal of the third quarter we had established a lead of 20 points but a couple of turnover errors let South back in and they kicked the next 4 goals to go into three quarter time with a 3 point margin in their favour.  It was set for a great last quarter and so it was – South struck first but we were able to immediately hit back and although we had a number of inside 50s we just couldn’t score and South to their credit were able to find a way to kick a goal and establish a margin which they held on to.

We kept at it all day and were attacking right to the end which was good to see.  South’s 22 shots to our 17 was a fair reflection of the game.  Caleb Poulter was outstanding in our midfield, well supported by Zac Buck and Harry Dawkins, with Zac Phillips and Jonte Hunter-Price giving us the edge with their ruck work. Jase Burgoyne played well across half back and along with winger Jay Watson who snuck forward for 2 good goals and Liam Ueding defended strongly.  Charlie Adams, Max Litster, Jonte Hunter-Price, Jack Murphy, Cormack O’Reilly, Will Pearce, Angus Redden and Ben Schwartz  played their first games of Under 18 footy and all did some good things during the game.

It was great to have footy back and all thanks should go to the SANFL and the Eagles for their leadership and hard work during the COVID-19 enforced break.  We are looking forward to Sturt at Peter Motley Oval next Sunday.

Shane Reardon

Under 18s Coach