SANFL under-16 Torrens University Cup semi-final replays: South v North and Sturt v Glenelg
Some of the state’s top young footballers have battled it out for a berth in the SANFL Under-16 grand final. Relive the South v North and Sturt v Glenelg semi-finals in our match replay videos.
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Meet the Sturt juniors with football running through their veins hoping to write their names in the SANFL history books this weekend.
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Ned Atkinson, Luca Slade and Kobe McEntee form part of Sturt’s talented under-16 side and are aiming to claim this year’s Torrens University Cup flag.
Atkinson is the son of former St Kilda, Crows, Sturt and North Adelaide on-baller Brodie Atkinson, while Slade’s dad is eight-time Central District premiership player Matt Slade.
McEntee is the younger brother of Double Blues midfielder Jed McEntee.
The trio of youngsters will feature with Sturt in the under-16 semi-final against Glenelg this Sunday.
Sturt’s match against the Tigers, who finished third, as well as the semi-final between South Adelaide (first) and North Adelaide (fourth) will be live streamed by The Messenger and The Advertiser on Sunday from 11am.
The winners will play in the flag decider next weekend.
Ned, 14, is a bottom-aged player in the under-16 side but has shone this season, playing all seven games and averaging 17.6 disposals.
The Double Blues, who finished second on percentage with a 5-2 record, lost their final minor round match against West Adelaide by 27 points on Wednesday.
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But Ned, who switched from West to Sturt this year, was confident about bouncing back in the semi-final.
“I’ve really enjoyed being out here this season, joining a new team and having some fun out there,” Ned said.
“Dad always gives me advice after games and just tries to help wherever he can so I can get the best out of me.
“He just tells me to work as hard as I can.
“This weekend should be good because our friends can watch us live from home.
“A grand final appearance and win would mean so much, it would be great.”
The broadcast of the under-16 semi-finals follows our live streaming of the blockbuster league match between the Eagles and Glenelg last week and Norwood’s under-18 clash with Sturt.
Luca has averaged 17 touches this season, 4.6 tackles and 2.6 clearances.
The 15-year-old said the side’s unity and camaraderie has helped it be so successful.
“It’s been a great season,” Luca said.
“The boys have really got together and become one and that’s led to our success.
“Dad has a lot of knowledge on how I can be the best I can be and he played the same position as me so it helps and it’s great to have someone to look up to.
“It’s good to see we’ve developed into a great team that’s made the semi-finals and hopefully we can make the grand final.”
Kobe, meanwhile, has been one of the best performed players this campaign, according to Sturt under-16 coach Michael Higgs.
The inside midfielders is a tackling machine, averaging 22 possessions and 5.8 tackles.
The 15-year-old was pumped for the finals and was looking forward to the matches being broadcast.
“It’s great to have an opportunity as under-16s to have the game live streamed,” Kobe said.
“Last year because of COVID we didn’t get to play an under-16 season so it’s a pretty good feeling making the finals this year.
“We are really good as a team and don’t play as individuals, so hopefully we can get it done.”
SEMI FINAL FIXTURES:
Hisense Stadium (Richmond Oval) Sunday, April 18
■ South Adelaide v North Adelaide at 11am
■ Sturt v Glenelg at 1.15pm
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