ROUND 23 was the final home and away round of the SANFL season before finals begin next week.

The Magpies needed a win against the Eagles at Alberton Oval to secure their spot, but fell short against a fast-finishing side. Instead, it was the South Adelaide who surprised Norwood at home to secure the fifth spot on the ladder, with West Adelaide beating bottom-of-the-table Sturt and Central District getting home in a thriller against North Adelaide.

Glenelg had the bye.

All games were watched closely by development manager Daniel Healy and development coach Matthew Nicks, and they elected to not highlight an individual player this week. Their full report is below.

Callum Hay (for Roosters reserves vs Bulldogs)
Unfortunately Callum hurt his groin again in what has been a really frustrating year for Callum. He was unable to finish the game out and that’s unfortunately the end for him for this year, as North Adelaide haven’t made the finals.

Aaron Young (for Roosters reserves vs Bulldogs)
It was disappointing day for both boys play for North Adelaide’s reserves side this weekend, well beaten on the day. Aaron played on the wing and didn’t get a lot of the ball but found a bit more of it when he was shifted to the half-back flank, but it was probably not one of his better games for the year.

Daniel Stewart (for Roosters vs Bulldogs)
Snowy played up forward and it wasn’t his best performance after having a very solid year at the SANFL. He booted two goals but only had five kicks and a limited number of marks and was well held on the day, unable to exert the dominance that he has shown in recent times.

Jarrad Redden (for Eagles vs Magpies)
Reddo continues to show solid form, taking 6 marks in the game against the Magpies. He’s primed and ready to help the Eagles in their finals campaign.

Daniel Bass (for Panthers vs Redlegs)
Bass was involved in a fantastic win for the Panthers, helping secure them a spot in the finals. He came off the bench and went into the ruck as well as pushing forward to stretch Norwood’s defence. He took a strong mark down forward, and whilst it wasn’t his best game for the year he definitely played his part in a good team win.

Mitch Curnow (for Double Blues under-18s vs Bloods)
He started the game really well taking two marks and kicking two goals in the first quarter, and then faded away to a certain extent. We’re continuing to work on a number of areas in his game and he’s improving on those, and over this upcoming off-season he’ll really be able to work on his body shape and add some strength which will improve his game immeasurably.

Jason Davenport (for Bloods vs Double Blues)
In a dead-rubber game between two sides who couldn’t make the finals, Dav finished his season off really well - he won a number of hard balls and provided plenty of run through the midfield and off half-forward.

Michael Pettigrew (for Bloods vs Double Blues)
Max was solid, and his usual dependable self - contesting well and involving himself in the game as only he can.

Daniel Webb (for Bloods vs Double Blues)
Webb was probably a bit down on the night after a reasonably solid month of football, but he was another player who could hold his head high by finishing the season as a member of a good team win.

Previous SANFL Reports
SANFL Wrap - Round 22
SANFL Wrap - Round 21
SANFL Wrap - Round 20
SANFL Wrap - Round 19
SANFL Wrap - Round 18
SANFL Wrap - Round 17
SANFL Wrap - Round 16
SANFL Wrap - Round 15
SANFL Wrap - Round 14
SANFL Wrap - Round 13
SANFL Wrap - Round 12
SANFL Wrap - Round 11
SANFL Wrap - Round 10
SANFL Wrap - Round 9
SANFL Wrap - Round 8
SANFL Wrap - Round 7
SANFL Wrap - Round 6
SANFL Wrap - Round 5
SANFL Wrap - Round 4
SANFL Wrap - Round 3
SANFL Wrap - Round 2
SANFL Wrap - Round 1