U16 & U18 Match Report: Round 8 vs Glenelg

It was a Golden Day against the Bays as the South Adelaide juniors claimed impressive victories over Glenelg at Flinders University Stadium on Saturday.

The Panther under-16s came out of their Grand Final rematch on top as 40-point victors, 13.9 (87) to 6.11 (47). Then the under-18s recorded their second win of the season with a 72-point win, 17.7 (109) to 5.7 (37).

The South Adelaide under-16s, having narrowly defeated the Tigers only weeks prior, were preparing for another hard-fought and gritty clash – but that didn’t eventuate. Instead, the Panthers’ fast start saw them keep the Glenelg at an arm’s length for the majority of the game.

This resounding couldn’t have been without some standout performers – and the Panthers certainly had some. For instance, things seemed to come in 6 for Benny Barrett as he finished with 6 marks, clearances, and tackles. While Cohen Shortridge was seemingly everywhere as he had 33 disposals, took 18 marks, and kicked 4 goals.

Likewise, Phoenix Hargrave also extended his strong run of strong displays by racking up 27 disposals, 10 marks and 7 tackles.

Fittingly, it was Shortridge and Barrett who scored the opening 2 goals of the game. This handed the Panthers a massive surge of momentum – which was reflected in the scoreline since, within the first 30 minutes of the match, the Panthers kicked 7 goals and conceded only 1. 

From here, the Panther under-16s defended this margin for the remainder of the game to secure an impressive win, 13.9 (87) to 6.11 (47).

Then the under-18s took to the field and – despite many hopeful fans – not many would have expected the upset result that followed.

Coming into the match, the Panther under-18s had only won a game for the season. On the flip side, the Tigers had lost just the one game – yet ladder positions were forgotten as the Panthers pounced on their first win in 6 weeks.

Leading the way was Jaiden Magor, who had 41 disposals, 9 marks, 8 clearances and kicked 2 goals. Will Verrall had 28 touches, 28 hit-outs, and 9 clearances while Koby Cockshell seemingly couldn’t miss as he booted 5 straight goals.

But despite the result – it was Glenelg who struck first with the opening goal of the game. 

However, the Tigers’ first goal, which came 5 minutes into the first term, would be their last until the late stages of the second term. Between these 2 goals, the Panthers had 7 of their own. 

This set the Panthers up with a promising 8.3 (51) to 3.6 (24) lead at halftime. 

Following the main break, the blue and white kept growing the margin by booting 9 goals to 2 – which resulted in the team’s impressive 72-point win, 17.7 (109) to 5.7 (37

South Adelaide will look to continue this form when they face off against West Adelaide at Hisense Stadium on Saturday, May 28. The Panther under-16s will kick things off at 11:00am; followed by the under-18s who will take to the field at 1:15pm.

South Adelaide Under-18 vs Glenelg Under-18
Round 8 - Flinders University Stadium - 21/05/2022

Goals: Cockshell 5, Christophers, Delean, Magor 2, Bottroff, Duncan, Hooper, Pearsons, Smith, Welk
Best: Magor, Verrall, Cockshell, Daniell, Schroder

South Adelaide Under-16 vs Glenelg Under-16
Round 8 - Flinders University Stadium- 21/05/2022

Goals: Shortbridge 4, Barrett, Wilson 2, Bird, Carman, Cartwright, Florance, Hargrave 
Best: Shortbridge, Barrett, Hargrave, Papworth, Borlace