Round 8 Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – Saturday

Glenelg was never in control against Central District at Stratarama Stadium but it didn’t matter as it held on for seven-point victory in a fitting tribute to First Nations Round. 

The Bays managed to find themselves in front at the right time after there were as many as eight lead changes against the persistent Bulldogs, who were desperate to atone for conceding 11 goals in one term against Norwood last round.

Banking an 11th win in succession against Central, the Tigers work in close with contested possessions and clearances proved pivotal despite being without Jack Oatey Medallist Lachie Hosie, who was a late withdrawal with a knee concern.

”It was a great battle, Central always come hard so to grind it out it was awesome to get the result,” Glenelg’s Connor McLeod told Channel 7 after the match.

”It’s an amazing honour to play in such an amazing round. It’s big for Belly (James Bell) and I but also for the club in general as I feel we are all connected and we get to showcase our talent.”

The Bulldogs led by three points at the final change after swinging the game into their favour by booting 4.3 to the hosts’ 1.4 in the third quarter.

But a long set shot to Riley Holder put the Bays back in front two minutes into the fourth term before an immaculate Will Gould foot pass allowed Matt Allen to sink a sealer from long range in the 14th minute.

”As a club we pride ourselves on those one-percenters and for me that is a big part of my game,” said Glenelg defender Max Proud, who will have his shoulder assessed after requiring strapping in the second term.

”It was a gutsy win and I think those one percenters went a long way towards it. Credit to the boys, everyone stepped up and it was a good team win in the end.”

Coles Value Player Alex Martini continues to relish his move into the centre square, winning plenty of contested footy amongst his 24 disposals, seven clearances and nice snapped goal from stoppage.

Allen was in everything in the first half before finishing with 19 disposals and three goals while Chris Curran (20 disposals) and Corey Lyons (19 disposals, one goal) were important contributors.

McLeod played his best game of League footy to finish with 20 disposals and four clearances off half-back while Bell was like a wrecking ball with his eight tackles to go with 16 disposals.

Central’s Rhett Montgomerie slipped in nicely yet again for his team with 10 marks and 20 disposals to repel repreated attacks as Billy Iles and Kai Pudney collected 24 disposals each.

Bulldog Jez McLennan registered 22 disposals, six marks and six tackles while captain Jarrod Schiller worked his way into the game with 21 disposals and six tackles.

West Adelaide continues to knock on the door of the top five after edging out Adelaide by 20 points at Hisense Stadium.

Leading at every change, the Bloods were in control of the contest for the majority of the afternoon en route to earning their first win against the Crows since Round 19 of 2018.

Establishing a commanding 28-point advantage at the final change, Adam Hartlett’s charges were forced to respond when Adelaide got within eight points nearly 17 minutes into the fourth term.

But steadying majors to Ned Stevens from a tight set shot and Luke Redfern, who dodged his opponent before finishing truly, proved too much for the visitors to overcome.

Redfern was his team’s only multiple goal kicker with two as nine of his teammates hit the scoreboard in a promising sign for the hosts.

West prime movers Sam Frost (27 disposals, 12 clearances), Kobe Ryan (26 disposals, one goal) and Tom Morrish (23 disposals) were instrumental in setting up the victory.

As was polished defender Will Patton, who showed why he is being monitored by AFL clubs with 23 possessions, 10 marks and his first goal in the Hostplus SANFL League.

Adelaide, with Matthew Wright taking charge in the coaches box, had Billy Dowling lead the way with 29 disposals and eight marks while first-year draftee Daniel Curtin had 21 disposals and seven marks.

Crows ruckman Kieran Strachan was tireless with 20 disposals, seven marks, one goal and 44 hit outs while Nick Murray collected 17 disposals and six marks in his return from a long term injury.