West Adelaide Claims 2025 SANFL U16 Premiership
It was a day to remember at Adelaide Oval as West Adelaide captured the 2025 SANFL Under-16 premiership, edging out Central District by 11 points in a nail-biting grand final. For the Bloods, this victory carried extra weight—it was their first flag at this level since 2006, and it came after they had been beaten by the Bulldogs just two weeks earlier in the semi-final.
The match began with fireworks almost immediately. Less than two minutes in, Samuel DePalma opened the scoring for West Adelaide, setting the tone for what would be a fiercely contested battle. Central District took a little longer to find their footing, but by the 15-minute mark they had settled, stringing together quick goals through Riley Nottle, Benjamin White, and Lachlan McPhedran to take a five-point lead at quarter time.
If the first quarter showed Central’s resilience, the second highlighted West’s attacking flair. Laurence Andriani, the Bloods’ tireless midfielder, kicked truly to spark his side, before teammates Andrew Comakis and DePalma extended the margin. Just as West seemed to be running away with it, Central’s Levi Dudley produced a moment of brilliance, cutting off their momentum. Dudley’s goal and his defensive pressure set up another major to Cooper Tamas, narrowing the gap to just five points at half time.
Also Read:- Browns Rookie Quinshon Judkins Set for Debut vs. Ravens
- Farewell to Hermeto Pascoal, the Wizard of Universal Music
The third quarter turned into a true arm-wrestle, with both sides trading goals. McPhedran leveled the scores with his second major late in the term, but just before the siren, Calvin Jones marked strongly and converted to restore West’s lead. It was one of those moments that hinted momentum might be shifting in their favor.
The final quarter, though, was pure drama. Central snatched a one-point advantage after a goal from Toni Marrone, and the Bulldogs looked poised to finish over the top. But West Adelaide refused to yield. Despite a string of missed chances, their relentless pressure was eventually rewarded. Dillon Marks held his nerve, clunking a crucial mark near goal before drilling the sealer that sent Bloods fans into raptures.
Best afield honors were awarded to Laurence Andriani, who turned in a masterful performance with 32 disposals, eight clearances, nine inside-50s, and a goal. His influence in the midfield was undeniable and proved the steady hand West Adelaide needed in crunch moments. For Central, ruckman Hugo Semmler was immense, finishing with 18 disposals, 20 hit-outs, and seven clearances, showing why he has been regarded as one of the best young big men in the competition.
As the final siren sounded, celebrations erupted. Players, coaches, and supporters embraced the magnitude of the achievement. West Adelaide’s coach, Jeff Sochacki, stood proudly alongside co-captains Andrew Crispe and Harry Banks, knowing the victory was the product of months of hard work and resilience.
For the Bloods, this premiership was not only about the silverware but also about reclaiming pride, belief, and history. After nearly two decades without success at this level, West Adelaide’s young stars ensured their names would be remembered in SANFL history.
Read More:
0 Comments