By Tom Wyman
U16S - SEMI FINALS 2022
ACH GROUP STADIUM, SATURDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER, 1:30PM
GLENELG
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SOUTH ADELAIDE
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In the second semi-final, U16 juggernaut Glenelg will host reigning premier South Adelaide in a rematch of last season’s decider.
Both sides are loaded with talent, with 12 players across the two sides included in the initial 51-man 2022 Torrens University SA U16 squad.
Glenelg finished the season in powerful fashion, winning seven of the last eight matches by an average margin of 72 points.
South Adelaide started the season in fine form, sitting pretty at 9-2 at round 11 before dropping three of their last six.
The Panthers beat Glenelg by three points when the clubs met in round six then by 40 points in round eight, but the Bays hit back in emphatic fashion in round 13, winning by 86 points.
Charlie McAuliffe was dominant in that Tigers’ win, collecting 30 disposals, six marks and two goals.
He’ll be joined in the side by the Camporeale-twins, Lucas and Ben, who combined for 67 possessions, 12 marks and five goals in the last minor round game against Central District.
South Adelaide’s on-ball brigade will be no push-over though, even with SA U16 captain Sid Draper sidelined through injury.
SA deputy vice-captain Phoenix Hargrave has been at his productive best this season, averaging 25.4 disposals, 7.8 marks, 5.2 tackles, 4.5 clearances, 7.5 inside-50s and a goal in 13 U16 matches.
He’s been well supported by Cohen Shortridge, who has booted 25 majors and averaged 6.9 marks in 17 matches.
Shortridge played a massive role in South’s round eight win over Glenelg, booting four goals from 30 disposals and 18 marks in a best-on-ground display.
Panthers speedster and SA U16 representative Benny Barrett could be the game-breaker South Adelaide need to book their spot in the grand final.
Not only a prolific ball-winner at the contest who is able to burst away from traffic at pace (averaging 6.4 clearances), Barrett is also an accurate kick inside-50 and tackling machine when utilised inside-50.
Glenelg skipper Archer Rouvray will lead his side into battle at ACH Group Stadium. Another who has missed a number of SANFL U16 games throughout the season with college commitments, his stoppage nous and leadership will be invaluable throughout the finals.
KEY MATCHUP
Charlie McAuliffe (Glenelg) v Phoenix Hargrave (South)
There are mouth-watering match-ups all over the ground, but the potential head-to-head battle between prolific midfielders Charlie McAuliffe and Phoenix Hargrave will be tantalising.
Both players have had outstanding years and have proven to be leaders of their respective on-ball units. Their ability to not only win the ball at the coalface but push forward to hit the scoreboard has been impressive.