Thomas was at his hard-nosed best against Sturt in his quest to be selected for the Power, and along with Power teammate Nick Lower, almost dragged the Redlegs across the line against the Double Blues.
The award is judged by Power development coaches, Darren Trevena and Stuart Cochrane, and is announced exclusively at PortAdelaideFC.com.au each week.
It was a very busy weekend for our development coaches, with 20 Power players in action over the weekend. With some good performances across the board, the full wrap is worth a read below.
Cibo Glenelg SANFL Player of the Week
Matt Thomas (for Norwood v Sturt @ Unley) – Matty had a great game racking up 33 possessions. He had a lot of handballs (23) but they were hard fought handballs around the stoppages, winning clearances and getting the ball out to the runners. That performance will have done his AFL selection hopes no harm.
Nick Lower (for Norwood v Sturt @ Unley) – Nick played on ball and across half back and had 16 possessions. He played very tough, worked hard both ways and he’s putting a lot of pressure on the senior team. He’s adjusted well to playing on ball at SANFL level, which has added another string to his bow.
Danny Meyer (for Glenelg v Port @ Alberton) – Played on a half back flank on Jeremy Clayton and not only kept him quiet but also rebounded well himself. Danny was very efficient with his ball use (23 possessions and 7 marks) and did his chances of promotion to the senior list no harm being close to best on ground for the Bays.
Matt Lobbe (for Port v Glenelg @ Alberton) – Matty was promoted to the league side and played mainly forward. Didn’t have a huge influence on the game but was competitive all day. He’s continuing to work hard to improve his contested marking and hopefully play some good league footy.
Matt Westhoff (for Central v North @ Prospect) – Westy’s an amazing player, he gets a break on his opponent a lot of times and presents a lot, but doesn’t always get used. He works very hard, putting great defensive pressure on with his chasing and tackling. Matty didn’t get a lot of it but he finished with three goals. He’s certainly capable of playing at the next level.
Wade Thompson (for North v Central @ Prospect) – Wade was back for his first game in a couple of weeks (North had the bye last week) and played well in the forward line. He kicked one electrifying goal and used his pace nicely, presenting well throughout the day. Finished with 5 kicks, 3 handballs and a goal.
Marlon Motlop (for North v Central @ Prospect) – Marlon was unlucky not to win the award this week. He was very good defensively and used the ball superbly. His decision making and agility were very good at the weekend and he’s really starting to look comfortable on a back flank. He had 17 kicks, 6 handballs and also ran and set-up a lot of play from the backline. His ball use was a picture to watch.
Daniel Stewart (for North v Central @ Prospect) – Stewie rucked and played forward. He showed some good signs up forward and some aggression in the ruck, finishing with 7 possessions and 4 hitouts against quality opposition in McKenzie and Griffin. He’s improving with every game.
Nick Salter (for Eagles v West @ Richmond) – Salts played full forward and kicked 1.2. He was well held by Cupido but still fought hard for his touches in a congested forward line. Pleasingly, he put a lot of pressure on in the forward line, with a lot of chases.
Paul Stewart (for Eagles v West @ Richmond) – Racked up a lot of possessions (24) across half back. He used the ball well and set up a lot of play for the Eagles from defence.
Matthew Broadbent (for Eagles v West @ Richmond) – Broady was very similar to Stewie, playing on the other half back flank and racking up a ton of the ball, finishing with 27 possessions and 14 marks. He looked damaging with clean hands and a good long kick.
Jason Davenport (for West v Eagles @ Richmond) – He played a good tough game of footy finishing with 20 possessions, 8 marks and an impressive 8 tackles. He’s always very competitive at the stoppage and the weekend was no different. Showed a lot of endeavour and fight to win the ball and hold the ball in. Also kicked a goal.
Hamish Hartlett (for West v Eagles @ Richmond) – Like Davenport, had 20 possessions and looked dangerous despite a couple of uncharacteristic turnovers. Kicked a goal and continues to work hard each week.
Matthew Martin (for West reserves v Eagles reserves @ Richmond) – Matty played CHB and FB for West and really used his big body well. He got led up to the ball a few too many times but showed some good signs with his strength, bowling a couple of players over and we hope he can do that every week.
Jesse Laurie (for West reserves v Eagles reserves @ Richmond) – Picked up 20 touches, kicked a goal, ran with the ball well and looked damaging at times. He also played a run-with role on Leigh Treeby (a senior Eagles player returning from injury) and did a good job of keeping him quiet in the second half of the game.
Glenn Dawson (for Eagles reserves v West reserves @ Richmond) – Almost pulled off a couple of highlight reel marks, they didn’t quite come off, but they are coming, so watch this space – Glenn Dawson mark of the year very soon. He put a lot of pressure on in the forward line which our forward coach Jason Cripps will be very pleased with. He looked sharp and although he still needs to bulk up a bit, he’s progressing nicely and will hopefully crack the senior side soon. Finished with two goals.
Jarrad Redden (for Eagles reserves v West reserves @ Richmond) – Reddo was dropped back to the twos this week and won most of the hitouts on the day. He took a couple of nice marks behind the play and he’ll be looking to build on his game again this week and get himself back into the senior side. He also laid 6 tackles which was very impressive for a big man.
Mitch Banner (for Eagles reserves v West reserves @ Richmond) – Mitch was back for his first game after a couple of games off with an ankle injury. He played a great first quarter with some beautiful inside 50 kicks and set shot goal from 55 metres out. Unfortunately at the start of the second quarter, he copped a knee to the head in the process of tackling a player and sustained a head injury which will keep him out for a few weeks. Very frustrating for Mitch, but he does live with Jackson Trengove, so they’ll be able to work through their recoveries together.
Mitch Farmer (for Sturt reserves v Norwood reserves @ Unley) – Didn’t have a big influence in the first half but worked his way into the game in the second half when he started to win his own ball and link up well through the midfield. If he plays four quarters like that he’ll be pushing for league selection, which is where he’s capable of playing.
Jonathon Giles (for Central reserves v North reserves @ Prospect) – Giles was involved with 69 stoppages throughout the game, rucking against a former AFL rookie-listed player Luke McEntee (from Hawthorn) and Jon had a good influence in the ruck, winning 35 hitouts to advantage. He also had 18 possessions around the ground and chased his own ball up well. Another who will be pushing for league selection.
Past Cibo Glenelg Power SANFL Player of Week Award winners Round 1 – Nick Lower
