Villi’s U18s & U16s Match Report – Round 12

UNDER 18s

The Under 18s lost our Round 12 match with Sturt on Saturday going down by 30 points. Although we competed ok we lost every quarter – 7points, 8 points, by 4points and 11 points. We weren’t able to get any fluency in our game and the Double Blues were able to win the midfield battle and create scoring chances for themselves – winning the Inside 50s by 13.

We didn’t have many winners but it was great to get Jevan Phillipou back after missing the last 11 weeks because of a wrist injury and he was clearly our best with 28 disposals – showing the benefit of his diligent approach to rehab. Jake Hall played well on his wing and Max Farrugia and James Chalubek battled hard in our midfield.  Mitch Harris and Ethan Ashley were strong defenders and Jack Mumford was a threat up forward with his leading and marking.

This week we welcomed Brock Jamieson back into our team – Brock had not played football since August of 2023, missing all of last year and all of this year so far through a serious knee injury. Brock’s approach to rehab has been extraordinary and his resilience and strength of mind to make it back to the game he loves was inspiring. Brock played well with his clean hands, strength in the contest and defensive pressure being standouts. We are looking forward to his progress over the balance of the year.

Also congratulations to Tony Bamford and the SA Under 18s boys for their Championship win across the 4 games of the Marsh National Under 18 Championships. The team played some great footy and our own Jack Cook (Vice Captain) and Zane Peucker both contributed strongly – unfortunately Jevan Phillipou although a member of the Squad was unable to play because of his injury

This week we take on Norwood at Coopers Stadium from 10.00am Saturday.

Shane Reardon – U18 Coach

UNDER 16s

After a strong performance at Thomas Farms Oval last week, our Under 16s lined up again against Sturt, this time at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

From the outset, it was clear that the Sturt players were desperate to atone for the previous week’s loss. They moved the ball quickly and accurately from their defence, and although our boys were on top in clearances, we found ourselves 19 points down at the first change.  The second quarter was a similar story with the Eagles boys getting plenty of forward entries, but unable to capitalise on the scoreboard.

A goal to Bayden Fenech early in the third term was a promising start to the second half, but it was all too short lived as Sturt kicked three unanswered goals and extended their lead to 40 points at the final change.  Things didn’t improve in the final term, eventually going down by 70 points.

Half-back Tyson Schultz played a good game, regularly rebounding and setting up forward plays.  Midfielders Harry Scholes (23 disposals), Will Trengove and Mason Papps (9 tackles) battled hard all day and James Richardson (2 goals) played his role as a key forward. Other goal kickers were Bayden Fenech (2 goals) and Cash Meyers kicked one.

Looking ahead, we’ll be striving for an improved defensive effort against Norwood at The Parade on Saturday next weekend, starting at 12:30 pm.

Simon Maddern – U16 Coach