BRENDAN LINES
THE Riverland’s latest crop of junior talent has caught the eye of West Adelaide’s coaching staff, with eight of the 11 on the club’s under 18 list having broken into SANFL ranks this season.
After a win recent win over ladder leader Glenelg, Paul Streatfield, West Adelaide talent and development manager paid tribute to the Riverland connection.
“It is fantastic and hopefully shows all country players that there is a pathway at the club if they are committed enough and willing to put in the effort required,” he said.
Of the five inclusions to the Bloods’ side against the Bays, three Riverlanders, Jordan White, of Renmark, Waikerie’s Will Hawke and Barmera-Monash’s Jack Sullivan played their first games of under 18 football at SANFL level.
Waikerie’s Mitchell Hahn and Jordan White – who joined his brother Dylan, who has played every game this season – played roles up forward, while Berri’s Kade Harkins was important in a hectic finish on his wing.
Jesse Thackery, of Loxton North, was best with 31 disposals, and one goal for the match.
Since that win, Berri’s Darcy Minchella has become the eighth Riverland player to don the black and red this season, against the Eagles last Friday.
Tim Jackson, West Adelaide Riverland academy co-ordinator, said training sessions at Lyrup Oval over summer, after last year’s Covid-affected season, helped to contribute.
“This gave them some structured training and additional fitness work to help them out,” he said.
“It seems to have worked pretty well and Westies seem pretty happy with it.
“The idea was to optimise their chances.”
The sessions were organised with input from West Adelaide.
“It was a credit to Paul (Streatfield) that he saw potential here and was able to pursue a date to start training up here,” Jackson said.
“Not only for playing at Westies, but to reduce the expense and the time to be involved in an elite program.”
Jackson said the additional training has helped bridge the gap between playing in country and city leagues.
“Up here they go out there and get plenty of the footy,” he said.
“Whereas when they go down there (Adelaide)… it’s a lot more structured and refined type of footy.
“Through the training they are getting, they’re starting to hit their straps.
“Both Jesse Thackery and Dylan White are coming under consideration for state representation.”