ROUND 20 of the SANFL season began on Friday night under lights, with Sturt losing to the Magpies at Adelaide Oval.
Saturday saw three matches played simultaneously, with West Adelaide convincingly defeating South Adelaide, Norwood getting up over North Adelaide, and the Eagles destroying the Tigers by over 100 points.
Reigning premier Central District had the bye.
All games were watched closely by development manager Daniel Healy and development coach Matthew Nicks. Their full report is below.
Daniel Bass (for Panthers vs Bloods)
Bass came up against his Power teammate Daniel Webb after a two week break. The whole South team were all a little bit off - he battled hard and was probably a bit down in his usual second efforts, but he worked his way into the game and I think a couple of weeks off definitely affected the momentum that Bassy has built up over the past couple of weeks.
Daniel Webb (for Bloods vs Panthers)
Taking on his teammate Daniel Bass, they didn’t go one-on-one the whole day but they did battle in patches - Webb probably ended up coming out on top of that, which was a great effort. He also provided a good tall target down forward, and it was a really solid game by him - he’s learned how to use his strength and size which is good to see.
Jason Davenport (for Bloods vs Panthers)
Dav kicked some really nice goals, and used his change of pace on the run to nail them from 45, 50 metres out and he really set Westies on the right direction right from the start. He didn’t have a heap of the football, but he really is working hard and is an important part of their side in terms of the experience and skill that he brings.
Michael Pettigrew (for Bloods vs Panthers)
Max played down back - back to where he’s strongest. He didn’t win a heap of the football or have a heap of influence upon the game, but he did manage to slide down forward later in the game and get involved in the play.
Brett Ebert (for Magpies vs Double Blues)
Ebo played mainly half-forward with a bit of time on the ball as well. He picked up 18 possessions and kicked 3 goals 2, while his work rate was good - he lead hard and continues to show some pretty solid form in the SANFL over the last couple of weeks.
Callum Hay (for Roosters reserves vs Redlegs)
Hay picked up 16 possessions and the total amount of football that he’s missed over the course of the season was evident, but he’s finding his way - his work rate and his intensity is very good, and he certainly has a real crack. He’s getting better as he plays more footy for the year, and for him the season could probably go for another six months.
Aaron Young (for Roosters reserves vs Redlegs)
Youngie had one of his best games for a while - he won a lot of the football and his defensive intensity was really high, having 30 defensive involvements over the course of the game, doing some really good tough stuff that he’s renowned for. He kicked a goal late and was one of North’s best players.
Jarrad Redden (for Eagles vs Tigers)
Reddo continues his steady incline as far as his output goes, picking up 10 possessions as well as 15 hit-outs, and is really hunting the ball when it hits the ground and he’s beginning to look like a really confident footballer at SANFL level, so it’ll be interesting to see what his influence is for the Eagles in the looming finals series.
Matthew Broadbent (for Eagles vs Tigers)
Matt played a role primarily in the forward line, leading up and attacking the ball. He took 9 marks and had 15 possessions, and then went to half-back in the last quarter. He was pretty active without being dominant, but was definitely an important part of the big win.
Kane Cornes (for Tigers vs Eagles)
Kane was tireless in his efforts, picking up a number of clearances and a heap of possessions, trying his heart out. He was one of the few shining lights for Glenelg for the day.
Previous SANFL Reports
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