Watch the replay: Under-18 top-of-the-table clash between Glenelg and West Adelaide
A host of AFL Draft prospects have squared off as Glenelg met West Adelaide in a gripping SANFL under-18 encounter. Relive the top-of-the-table clash now in our match replay video.
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A top-of-the-table clash in any competition always proves to be a mouth-watering contest.
But this weekend’s SANFL Torrens University Cup under-18 battle between Glenelg and West Adelaide is set to hit even bigger heights.
The clash will feature plenty of AFL draft prospects and will be broadcast Saturday on advertiser.com.au from 8.50am.
It forms part of The Advertiser and Messenger’s commitment to broadcasting league, under-18 and women’s matches this year, giving not only family and friends a chance to tune in, but also AFL recruiters.
Both teams squared off in the competition’s opening round seven weeks ago with the Tigers handing the Bloods a loss.
West, meanwhile, has not tasted defeat since that game and players are hungry for revenge.
One of the many Bloods stars on the rise includes captain Cade Kennedy.
The inside midfielder/half back is coming off a whopping 49 disposals during a four-point victory over Woodville-West Torrens.
Kennedy’s incredible performance included nine clearances, seven tackles seven inside 50s and a goal.
But the modest youngster is refusing to focus on his numbers and just wants to continue helping the Bloods win games of footy.
“Going into the game (against the Eagles) I felt pretty good and I guess it’s good to put out big performances,” Kennedy, said.
“I’ve had some OK results (personally) throughout the season but it was definitely good to have a standout performance.
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“But the stats probably show it off a bit more than what it actually was.
“It’s just a huge honour to lead a group playing so well.
“At the moment, we (Glenelg and West) are separated as the top two teams so to get a win against them heading into that back half of the year would be great for our confidence.”
Glenelg, meanwhile, is sitting top without a loss.
Young gun Lewis Rayson is a star to keep an eye on in this game and ahead of the 2021 AFL national draft.
Rayson, a member of the SANFL’s 2021 State Talent Hub, has enhanced his draft prospects over the past seven weeks with standout performances.
The midfielder has averaged 25.9 disposals at 91 per cent efficiency – his best being in the round six game against Sturt where he amassed 35 possessions, five clearances and four tackles.
Rayson said the side would enter the match knowing they could win but would also need to ensure no complacency, give the Bloods would be seeking revenge.
“We are seven and 0 and we beat them round one, so all the boys are pretty confident,” Rayson said.
“But we played them in round one and a lot could’ve changed since then as well.
“What worked well for us when we played West Adelaide, though, was our run and carry, spreading the ball really well with fast movement and that was a big game changer.”
Rayson said he had spoken to six AFL clubs but was focused on getting better each week and hoped to lead Glenelg to a junior flag.
“I pride myself on my kicking and decision making,” Rayson said.
“The end goal is to be drafted so I am working hard to put my best foot forward.
“Going undefeated (with Glenelg) for a whole season would be amazing and playing in a grand final would be awesome.”
The Glenelg v West Adelaide match will be broadcast on advertiser.com.au this Saturday from 8.50am.
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