WITH Port Adelaide having their rest week, we knew that there would be players who would normally line up in the SANFL if not in the Power side rested, so we thought we’d combine the review of Players in the SANFL for Rounds 13 and 14.

PTV: SANFL Report Rounds 13+14

Justin Westhoff’s game in Round 13 cannot be ignored, and he was a clear winner of SANFL Player of the Week honours.

There were several other highlights, not least of all Jarrad Redden’s form in the reserves, which should see him in with a strong chance of playing SANFL seniors soon.

Here’s a rundown of each player’s performance in the SANFL:

Round 13 only:

SANFL Player of the Week - Round 13
Justin Westhoff (For Bulldogs vs Roosters)
Justin had a terrific first half, with seven shots on goal. He was lively throughout with his speed excellent, and he was involved in 10 marking contests, taking 8 marks with 5 inside the forward 50m arc. He got these marks through improved running patterns. Wet conditions curbed his influence after half time, but he did get his body behind the ball well, helping others win the ball with some very good handballs to players through traffic. It was a great game that stands him in good stead to return to AFL level. He finished with 15 possessions and 3 goals, 3 points.

Cameron Cloke (For Magpies vs Norwood - Round 13)
Cam had a strong performance, working hard up forward to finish with 3 goals thanks to his continuous presenting. He created opportunities for himself and those around him, with smart leading and hard work in and under at stoppages. He always has an impact whenever he plays and was very close to being the SANFL Player of the Week in Round 13.

Matt Lobbe (For Bloods vs Eagles - Round 13)
Rucking for three quarters before feeling tight and not returning in the last term, he had a good contest against Craig Parry, a player with similar strength and agility. He tried to run off and gain possession which shows initiative, and positioned himself in the back play and resting up forward, having 2 shots on goal. He finished the day with 11 possessions, 2 marks, 16 hit-outs and a goal.

Rounds 13 and 14:

SANFL Player of the Week - Round 14
Jarrad Redden (For Eagles reserves vs Bloods in Round 13; vs Roosters in Round 14)
One of the best things about Jarrad is that he always shows you something each week that keeps you interested. In the reserves in Round 13 it was his work-rate and his ability to give his midfielders first possession, and in Round 14 it was that as well as his work at ground level that impressed, winning a couple of tough balls and then giving off to others in good position. He marked and kicked a good goal against the Roosters and showed real strength when up forward, never being outmarked. He’s definitely one to watch in coming weeks, having won 18 then 24 hit-outs in the last fortnight.

Daniel Webb (For Bloods vs Eagles in Round 13; vs Redlegs in Round 14)
Webb shows AFL-level attributes at times, moving around the forward line and presenting back up to the kicker. He’s shown a big improvement in his ability to play tougher and tackle, as well as leading hard and often. He continues to be consistent in his football, and is rarely outmarked.

Scott Harding (For Bloods reserves vs Bulldogs in Round 13; Seniors vs Redlegs in Round 14)
Scotty is really starting to read the ruckman’s hits really well and taking the ball at speed, as well as working hard to apply defensive pressure. His game for the reserves was close to his best since moving from Brisbane, while he was likely the week after for the seniors, picking up 20 possessions in a good mix of contested and uncontested ball with some nice clearances. His field kicking was good and he hit many targets - if he keeps playing like this he’ll be very happy with his development at this level, and will be putting pressure back on for a spot in the Power side.

Matthew Westhoff (For Bulldogs vs Roosters in Round 13; vs Tigers reserves in Round 14)
Westy failed to get into the game in Round 13, struggling to win possession and struggling to have an influence, but his influence in the reserves was definitely much better when he was played at CHB for three quarters and had several possessions - he might need to play back for a while to adapt to the position.

Wade Thompson (For Roosters vs Bulldogs in Round 13; vs Eagles reserves in Round 14)
Bullet was better in the middle in Round 13 than up forward where he was able to explode forward to kick a nice goal. He was better in the reserves the following week, picking up 24 possessions, 4 marks and laying 5 tackles, hunting the ball better around the stoppages and around the ground. The important stat for him was he had 9 handball receives, running hard to get over and help a teammate out. This was his benchmark game and the challenge is to replicate that each week.

Glen Dawson (for Eagles reserves vs Bloods in Round 13; vs Roosters in Round 14)
Glen had a poor Round 13 but definitely made up for it in Round 14, contesting well up forward and managing to put pressure on the opposition when taking it out, finishing the day with 4 goals coming from a mixture of leads, crumbing, and a tackle. It was a very impressive game and the sort of effort he needs to produce week-in, week-out.

Round 14 only:

Jasper Pittard (For Double Blues reserves vs Panthers)
Jasper was impressive, being very busy across the wings and at half-back. He made good decisions with his possessions, showing great agility and speed, kicking 2 goals running to receive with both kicks looking to have real power. He made a couple of turnovers by foot, but he was very creative with his hands.

Jordan Johns (Panthers reserves vs Double Blues)
His first week back after an injury, he played a half a game across the back flank. He read the play well, pushing across to assist his team mates and dropping off his direct opponent. He picked up plenty of possessions and will improve his kicking efficiency with more games under his belt.

Andrew Moore (For Roosters reserves vs Eagles)
This was his first game back since being injured and importantly he got through the game unscathed. He looked a bit rusty, but he’ll be better for the run.