Tigers ruckman Tim Sullivan to make his SANFL league debut against Eagles

THE need to combat Woodville-West Torrens’ rucking duo has enabled Tim Sullivan to replace injured Neil Vea Vea in the Glenelg line-up for his league debut.

Jesse White will lead the Glenelg ruck at Woodville Oval. Picture: Tait Schmaal

WOODVILLE-West Torrens’ dual ruck threat of Jarrad Redden and Marc Borholm has prompted Glenelg to give teenager Tim Sullivan his first taste of league action at Woodville Oval on Sunday.

Sullivan has been elevated to the line-up after the Tigers lost enthusiastic Northern Territory recruit Neil Vea Vea to a hamstring injury, a legacy of the impressive win over Norwood last week.

A Port MacDonnell product, Sullivan was a member of the state under 18 program a few years back before having a knee reconstruction. He played reserves last year and has started the season well to earn his promotion.

“We thought we needed some back-up for Jesse White,” Tigers football manager Paul Sandercock said. “Jesse has been playing predominantly forward and pinch-hitting in ruck.”

The Tigers have lost their past 10 games against the Eagles having not beaten them since June 11, 2012.

“The Eagles have been one of the most consistent sides in the competition and are hard to beat at Woodville,” Sandercock said. “But hopefully we can take some confidence out of last week.

“Even the week before against Port Adelaide we played some really good football.”

The Eagles named a 23-man squad and coach Michael Godden was to finalise his 21 for the battle on Saturday.

And having watched the Tigers’ past two games he said his players will need to be “up and about” to challenge them.

The Eagles are coming off a draw with Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval.

SANFL DRAW

SUNDAY

Eagles v Glenelg

Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval, Woodville, 2.10pm

TUESDAY

West Adelaide v South Adelaide

City Mazda Stadium, Richmond, 7.10pm

WEDNESDAY

Sturt v Port Adelaide

Peter Motley Oval, Unley, 1.10pm

Radio: 1079 Life