Under 16s Match Report – West v Glenelg

The annual match against Glenelg has become a significant one in the U16’s calendar with Glenelg being the premiers for the preceding 3 completed years (2017, 2018, 2019) of the competition and the rivalry growing with them defeating us in a semi final 2018 and the Grand Final 2019.

A win would see us still with a chance of making the final four but a loss would end our finals hopes.

Ins this week included Ethan Cain, Toby Gabrisch and Brock Hutchings for their first games and saw the return of Paddy O’Donoghue, Bailey White, Jordan Gadeleta, Caleb McCormick, Marcus Pavlic, James Redden, Jarrad Jesson.

Outs this week were Angus Liebich (Hip), Archie Perks (knee), Jack Hutton, Max McKenzie, Lachlan Fox, Max Jones, Judd Hansen, Kishna Mittal, Jacob Evans and Charlie Stevens.

We began the game with fantastic pressure and intensity forcing Glenelg to panic and repeatedly turn the ball over. Unfortunately, we lost Jesse Schefe in the first few minutes with an injury, leaving us with 3 on the bench early in the game. We were able to hit the scoreboard while keeping Glenelg goalless for the quarter to set up a 16 point lead at the first break.

West 3.1 – 19 to Glenelg 0.3 – 3

We expected Glenelg to respond, and they did, hitting back hard with 3 goals before we settled again and responded with 2 more to go into the main break leading by 8 points. A further injury to one of our keys in Will Patton during the quarter was a massive blow and we knew we were in for a great contest that would truly test the character of this playing group.

Half time: West 5.2 – 32 to Glenelg 3.6 – 24

Oscar Talbot continued his excellent form for the year, Will Patton playing forward had been providing a key target while Jordan Galeteta, Bailey White, Luke Tippins, James Redden and Toby Bywater were all finding plenty of football.

Glenelg started to find the ball but they were unable to convert in front of goal kicking 1.4 while for the first time this year we were able to take our opportunities for the quarter.

We entered the final break 12 points up and our season on the line. The boys had been incredibly brave being 2 rotations down for over half the game in very warm conditions and we could see them pushing their bodies to fatigue.

West 7.4 – 46 to Glenelg 4.10 – 34

The final quarter was a heart stopper with both teams giving their all. It was goal for goal for most of the quarter with four or five of our players cramping due to fatigue with limited rotations for half a game and the warm conditions. Glenelg managed to capitalise on some errors and hit the front with minutes remining. We ended up falling short by a point, ending our finals hopes for the year. This was our 3^rd narrow loss out of 5 games and truly our toughest.

The care and disappointment shown in the rooms after the game was as significant as anything I have seen in my 5 years at the club.

We should be extremely proud of this group and how far hey have come and improved over the last few months, and despite a 1 – 4 win/loss on the table we know this team is a good as anyone in this U16’s competition. We have 2 rounds to complete against Central Districts and Sturt, both away games, and we look forward to finishing the program in a positive manner.

Final scores: West 9.6 – 60 defeated by Glenelg 8.13 – 61

Best players: Jordan Gadelata, Oscar Talbot, Marcus Pavlic, Bailey White, Luke Tippens, Max Downs, Toby Bywater, L.Zvaigzne

GoalKickers: W. Patton, M. Pavlic 2,  K.Hilton, P.O’Donoghue, L.Zvaigzne, T.Gabrisch, M.Downs 1