Inexperienced Woodville-West Torrens Eagles facing imposing SANFL challenge against Sturt Double Blues firepower

LADDER-leading Woodville-West Torrens faces testing questions against inform Sturt’s high quality midfield in SANFL clash in Woodville on Sunday.

Sturt midfielder Aidan Riley. Picture: Stephen Laffer

CAN Woodville-West Torrens’ inexperienced midfield make a stand against the imposing firepower in Sturt’s engine room?

The return of Aidan Riley to the Double Blues line-up after missing last weekend’s win over North Adelaide because of slight hamstring tightness means the visitors will have all their big guns ready to challenge the ladder-leaders at Woodville Oval on Sunday.

Double Blues ruckman Jack Osborn is surrounded by high quality acts Riley, Zane Kirkwood, James Battersby and Patrick Wilson. Even Eagles coach Michael Godden acknowledges that brigade is the best midfield in the SANFL.

Jordan West will lead the ruck for the Eagles and Joe Sinor and Jackson Lee are among those he will feed. The trio have played 26 league games between them (and Sinor has played 22 of those), but Godden has been forced to throw them into the fray due to the absence of senior personnel Jared Petrenko, James Boyd, Angus Rowntree and Mark Borholm.

“This is a good opportunity for blokes like (Sam) Rowland, (Jack) Firns, (Angus) Poole, Jacko Lee and all those young kids, a good chance to play against probably the best midfield in the competition,” Godden said.

“When you start out in league footy you want to test yourself against the best and the opportunity is there for them, it’s exciting.

“Sturt is a very good stoppage side, Osborn gives them first look at it (ball) and there are no weaknesses. Our boys will have to be right on the money, but they are up for the challenge.”

Sturt ruckman Jack Osborn is in opposing form for the Double Blues. Picture: Sarah Reed

Godden said the Eagles had been blessed in recent years with few changes to the side each week. However, a heavy injury toll has meant constant revamps and Godden admits the past six to eight weeks had been arguably his most exciting period coaching because of the weekly challenges of a constantly altered side.

“This game has a little more on it because we are very inexperienced,” Godden said. “But the blokes are ready to step straight in and make an impact.

“You want to play the team in the best form and that is what we have got this week.”

The Eagles are three games clear of second-placed Port Adelaide on the ladder while the Double Blues have won their past eight games.

The Double Blues unveiled another dangerous small forward last week when Mannum product Josh Dodd, 18, made his league debut, the small forward using his speed and crumbing ability to nail four goals.

“This is a real genuine test against the best team in the competition,” Double Blues football manager David Oatey said.

“The players are confident how they are going, but a win would give them more belief. And a win will keep us ahead of Norwood and in the top three.”