Glenelg conquers West Adelaide in scrappy SANFL encounter

GLENELG has been impressive this season and it showed it has the ability to win ugly to climb to second on the premiership ladder.

West Adelaide's Thomas Keough and Glenelg's Christ Curran chase possession at Richmond Oval. Picture: Matt Loxton

GLENELG proved it can win ugly with a 16-point victory over a plucky West Adelaide at Richmond Oval on Wednesday night.

The Tigers trailed for much of the contest before powering home with a six goals to one final quarter to secure their third win for the season.

As optimism continues to rise at the Bay, the Tigers have climbed to second on the ladder, although South Adelaide can reclaim that spot whens it meets Sturt on Sunday.

The Bloods opened in stunning fashion with two goals in the opening three minutes, both reward for hard work securing possession in the middle of the ground.

Murray Waite snapped truly just 30 seconds into the contest, while vastly improved John Noble nailed the second goal for the home side to put the Tigers on notice this would be a serious fight for the premiership points.

The Bloods had six visits inside their attacking 50 before the Tigers had an entry, and it resulted in a mark and goal to Cory Gregson.

That settled the Tigers and they became engaged in a testing struggle for the ascendancy.

With a fierce commitment for the disputed possessions, the Bloods took the game on with a desire to move the ball with pace and they challenged the Tigers with authority in their transition. Onballers Kaine Stevens and Willing Snelling did what they do best for the Bloods and that was rack up the disposals.

As the opening quarter lengthened, so too did the mistakes from the Tigers as they coughed up fumbly actions and appeared unsure.

However, a chat from coach Mark Stone at the quarter-time break had the Tigers in a more aggressive mindset as they lifted the intensity around the ball.

Captain Chris Curran was his usual reliable self in defence for the Tigers, while Max Proud shut dangerous Bloods forward Mason Middleton out of the game.

The Bloods were put under much more pressure and they were pinned in defence for lengthy periods. This was reflected in the lack of a Bloods’ goal for the term until the 24th minute.

After the game promised plenty in the first term, the battle became a scrappy affair in the second quarter and that flowed into the third as players had issues with the skills in the heat of action.

Both sides wasted prime scoring opportunities and even Tigers’ Lachlan Hosie, usually a reliable kick, struggled in front of goal.

GLENELG 1.2 2.6 4.1110.14 (74)

WEST ADELAIDE 4.2 5.4 7.7 8.10 (58)

BEST - Glenelg: Curran, Proud, Motlop, Agnew, Nicholson, Reynolds. West: Keough, Noble, Snelling, Ryan, Waite, Parrella.

GOALS - Glenelg: Reynolds, Hosie 3, Gregson 2, Motlop, Bailey. West: Beech, Middleton, G. Turner 2, Waite, Noble.

INJURIES - West: Fairlie (concussion).

UMPIRES - Lewis, Bryce, Broadbent.

CROWD - at City Mazda Stadium, Richmond.