This week, Power players turned out for not just their own SANFL side, but in the case of Robbie Gray as a guest player in order to get a touch of leather after a long lay-off with injury. Several players put in strong performances to push for selection at AFL level, including promising youngster Andrew Moore, who starred at reserves’ level.

Over the past few weeks a few players have been shifted into positions that they’re not used to, but it is all part of their development process, and diversity will only help them become better footballers, and we’re beginning to see good results because of this.

SANFL Player of the Week - Round 16
Andrew Moore (Roosters reserves v Double Blues)
Andrew played half-back and on-ball, and picked up 28 possessions as well as taking 4 marks and laying 6 tackles. It was his third game back from injury and he showed positive signs with his strong inside work at stoppages. He controlled his opponent when playing in the backline, and showed why he was so highly regarded, having been picked up at the no. 9 pick in last year’s NAB AFL Draft.

Marlon Motlop (Roosters reserves v Magpies)
Marlon had 19 possessions playing on-ball and half-forward in his second game since returning from injury. He started on-ball and ran on top of the ground - he ran and carried as well as showing real smarts when up forward, having a hand in a couple of goals. He worked hard over four quarters and showed some real class.

Nathan Krakouer (Magpies reserves v Tigers)
Krak didn’t have a big influence on the game, mainly playing half-back / half-forward. He got possessions and definitely used the ball well, and kicked a nice goal when forward. To regain selection in the AFL side he needs to continually work harder during the entirety of the match.

John Butcher (Magpies reserves v Roosters)
This was Butcher’s third game back from being placed on the Long Term Injury list, and he was held goalless. But his ability to make a contest deep in the forward 50 helped his teammates at the fall of the ball. He looked lively and he’ll definitely improve as his game time increases over the course of the remainder of the season.

Jasper Pittard (Double Blues reserves v Bulldogs)
Jasper mainly played across the half-back line, winning 22 possessions and made really good position to receive the ball. He kicked a nice running goal forward of the play, and controlled his opponent well at the stoppages. He needs to continually improve his decision making and this could see him force his way into consideration for AFL selection over the next four to six weeks.

Robbie Gray (Panthers reserves v Eagles)
Robbie played as a guest player this week for South Adelaide, as Westies had the bye. He had a solid hit-out after a long time out with injury. He showed some real ability at times, with his clean hands so important - he used the ball well by hand and foot. Not knowing any of the players or structures made it hard, but overall his performance was pleasing. He had 6 kicks, 5 marks, 11 handballs, booted 1 behind, and laid 8 tackles.

Daniel Stewart (Roosters v Double Blues)
Daniel had a fantastic attitude after going back to the SANFL after a stint in the AFL. He had a very good game up forward, and is working on his deficiencies as well as continuing his development as a key forward. He lead and marked well, booting 3 goals and also applying 3 tackles that resulted in turnovers. He finished with 9 kicks, 3 handballs, 6 marks, 3 goals, and 3 tackles.

Matthew Westhoff (Bulldogs reserves v Redlegs)
For the third week in a row, Matty continued his transition from being a forward player into a defender. He has adapted to this position very well, having a huge impact on the game and this was his best performance for the year. He attacked the ball well and gained plenty of possessions, using it well to deliver it to his forwards. He had 16 kicks, 4 marks, 3 handballs, and 3 tackles by the close of play.

Glenn Dawson (Eagles reserves v Panthers)
Dawson has definitely improved his game from the past few weeks. He looked lively when up front, leading and presenting and marking the football, resulting in 7 shots on goal. He applied good forward pressure to keep the ball inside the arc, but inaccuracy let him down. He picked up 8 kicks, 7 marks, 2 handballs, and 2 goals, as well as 5 behinds.

Jarrad Redden (Eagles reserves v Panthers)
Up against his Power teammate, Daniel Bass, it was interesting to see two big players who know each other’s style of game go up against one another when in the ruck. Jarrad utilised his body positioning well against the more inexperienced Bass. When he’s not in the ruck he needs to create an impact upon the game in order to further his development. He finished the day having accumulated 1 kick, 1 mark, 8 handballs, 12 hit-outs, and 2 tackles.

Cameron Cloke (Magpies v Tigers)
A solid game by Cameron, playing both forward and down back. He worked hard all day and had an impact in bursts. He applied some good defensive work, laying 5 tackles and also kicked 2 goals while in the forward line. He had 4 kicks, 3 handballs, 2 goals, and 5 tackles.

Danny Meyer (Tigers v Magpies)
Danny had a very good first quarter in the forward line, presenting well and having shots on goal. He continued this for the rest of the game but goalkicking accuracy was his downfall, as he failed to convert a number of opportunities. He also involved others in the play and was directly responsible for teammates kicking goals. He had 1 handball, 13 kicks, 4 marks, 2 goals 3.

Chad Cornes (Tigers v Magpies)
Chad had a solid game for his first hit-out in the SANFL for over a decade. To pick up both the structure and the nuances of individual players - both in the opposition side as well as his teammates - was a credit to him. He shared the ball well and played a variety of positions all around the ground. He had 13 handballs, 4 kicks, and 4 marks.

Daniel Bass (Panthers reserves v Eagles)
He had a good battle against his Power teammate, Jarrad Redden, in the ruck, with both players getting their fair share of hit-outs. Bassy worked hard around the ground and when resting up forward he had an impact upon the scoreboard. His ability to chase the ball on the ground after a contest holds him in good stead for the future as an AFL prospect. He finished the day with 6 kicks, 3 marks, 7 handballs, 1 goal (and 2 behinds), 14 hit-outs, and 5 tackles.

Jordan Johns (Panthers reserves v Eagles)
Johns started as a defender in the first half and had little impact upon the game until he was shifted onto the wing in the second half. He was able to generate some run and carry from that position. He has improved his use of the football, regularly delivering the pill to his teammates’ advantage by hand and foot. He picked up 17 kicks, 6 marks, 4 handballs, and 4 tackles.

Harrison Cumming & Simon O’Brien
Our NSW Scholarship players both participated in Round 17 for North Adelaide and Norwood, after having their first hit out in Round 16. It was a good opportunity for them to be involved in the local competition and it’s something that they can both learn from and impress the coaching staff. They’ll now return to Broken Hill.

Past SANFL Power Player of the Week winners
Round 16 - Jay Nash
Round 15 - Daniel Bass
Round 14 - Jarrad Redden
Round 13 - Justin Westhoff
Round 12 - No Nomination
Round 11 - Nick Salter
Round 10 - Jay Schulz
Round 9 - Matthew Broadbent
Round 8 - Daniel Stewart
Round 7 - Michael Pettigrew
Round 6 - Cameron Cloke
Round 5 - Nick Salter
Round 4 - Josh Carr
Round 3 - David Rodan
Round 2 - Nick Salter
Round 1 - Danny Meyer