SA Footy

The SANFL Under 18 Academy played an internal trial at Max Basheer Reserve in front of a healthy crowd on Saturday.

With the "Blue" team coached by Malcolm Ellis and former Adelaide Crow Nathan Bassett taking charge of the "Reds", it was an ideal opportunity to watch a number of potential 2009 draftees. South Adelaide's Sean Beath impressed with precise disposal running through midfield, winning the contested ball a number of times. North's Dale Armstrong, showing the benefit of a solid 2008, was pivotal around the packs with creative disposal and intelligent run through defence and midfield, while Sturt's Jack Trengove had a blistering first half with dash and poise to set up numerous attacking thrusts.

Central's Daniel Menzel was ultra impressive in the second half at full forward, showing clean, vice like hands and finishing with three majors in the final term, leading hard and taking on a number of opposition defenders. West's Taite Silverlock, showing the benefits of hard work in the gym in the off season broke the packs through centre and finish with precise delivery up forward. Port's Derick Wanganeen had some mercurial moments in the second half with clever position, and Jack Carter's agility for a big man will give the Bloods plenty of encouraging signs in 2009.

Thanks for that, CK.

I'm a big fan of the new U18 comp, which I think will become more relevant and high-profile than the old 17's and 19's.

From a West point of view, good to see Silverlock play well. Jack Carter will also add to the Bloods list of draftees when the time comes.

CK, how did Jamie Solly and Scott Lycett go? They are both first year U18s but i would think would be a big chance to make the grade?

Both very good performers. Lycett provided a great target and used his agility well at the bounces and around the ground and took a number of contested grabs. Solly was very good in winning the contested ball and his disposal was sound.

Being good at taking contested marks is a skill that's becoming less and less relevant and therefore less sought after at AFL level.

nickname wrote:Being good at taking contested marks is a skill that's becoming less and less relevant and therefore less sought after at AFL level.

huge statement that one

I heard an AFL club recruiting officer on radio say he was less interested in a forward's ability to take a contested mark. He was more interested in his ability to get a one metre break on his opponent on a lead so he could take an uncontested mark.
AFL players are drilled to avoid kicking to a contest so it's not that a big a statement.

Slots It Through wrote:CK, how did Jamie Solly and Scott Lycett go? They are both first year U18s but i would think would be a big chance to make the grade?

I have heard big wraps on Lycett...

The wraps on Lycett will only get bigger.

Serious talent in a serious body.

whatever wrote:The wraps on Lycett will only get bigger.

Serious talent in a serious body.

Well hopefully he enjoys it up on the Gold Coast.

GWW wrote:

whatever wrote:The wraps on Lycett will only get bigger.

Serious talent in a serious body.

Well hopefully he enjoys it up on the Gold Coast.

There are big wraps on him and they will only get bigger since he cant be drafted until next year....
He is a down to earth kid and works very hard on the track.