Jack Stephens has huge influence in Sturt’s win over North Adelaide in SANFL
Sturt defender Jack Stephens has had an outstanding career at Unley Oval and the experienced campaigner shows no sign of backing off, earning our Round 10 Player of the Week.
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The transition from Marty Mattner to Nathan Grima as Sturt coach this season has been seamless, according to highly talented defender Jack Stephens.
This year’s state captain said Mattner, a two-times premiership coach in his three seasons in charge at Unley Oval, had set the club up well and Grima had only needed to tweak a few things to impose himself.
“It was all really in place, we had a solid gameplan, a good list for Nathan to take over which made the transition easier,” Stephens said.
“Nathan didn’t come in and make big sweeping changes, he didn’t see a need for that.
“But obviously he has brought his own flair and flavour. For the most part, it is a lot of the same players, similar gameplan and strengths.”
Stephens noted the difference in characters, describing Grima as outgoing and charismatic and happy to have a laugh at his own expense.
He said Mattner was a more reserved character, softly spoken and really clear and direct with his message.
The Double Blues have responded to a one-three win-loss start to fifth on the ladder with six wins following the 20-point victory over North Adelaide at Prospect Oval on Sunday.
Stephens was outstanding in his defensive role and had a huge influence in the side overcoming a half-time deficit to dominate the second half, earning the honour of The Advertiser SANFL Player of the Week with his efforts.
“We had an untidy first half and North came to play and were quite good, they jumped us,” he said. “I thought we were playing reasonable footy, but not taking our opportunities.
“We have struggled to play complete games and have been unable to put teams away when we have all the momentum. We tend to let sides back into the game.
“But we have dropped only one of our past six games so we are in a pretty good position, we just need a strong finish to the year.”
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