SANFL 2006 ROUND 20: WEST ADELAIDE v PORT ADELAIDE

 

Definite progress at West

 

By ERIC WELTNER

 

A YOUNG, enthusiastic Bloods outfit kicked its highest score of the season at Broadspectrum Oval on Saturday, but was unable to reproduce its round nine upset against Port Adelaide Magpies.

West hit the turf running in the fine conditions, with Jason Porplyzia booting a major within the first 30 seconds.

Two opportunities shortly after from around 40m were missed, then Porplyzia running clear was unable to hit a free target inside 50 - all before Port could find its bearings.

Instead of being three or four goals clear, West had to be content to evenly share the goals during an entertaining 14-goal opening stanza.

The Magpies' 10-goal second term proved to be telling, but the quarter was not without its highlights for the younger Bloods brigade.

Debutant Aaron Barnett (PHOS Camden) booted his first goal in league company, before following up with a second right on the half-time siren.

Daniel Caire, 18 (fifth game), booted two of his three goals during the term.

Teenagers Chris Schmidt (second game) and Caolan Buckley (fourth game) were West's lone third-quarter goalkickers.

Also in the mix at Milner Road are 18-year olds Alex Hutchins (fifth game, 14 possessions), defender Daniel Proud (sixth game) and Scott Bricknell, who missed due to injury on Saturday, (eight games).

After the game, coach Wayne Weidemann said his charges had put up some good efforts over the past four games, but had not been able to convert that into a win.

“We're certainly lacking in experience due to our decision to play the kids, but we'll continue with our youth policy,” he said.

West travels to Coopers Stadium next Saturday to take on Norwood and Weidemann expects captain David Piasente, Ross Glover and Bricknell to return to take on Norwood.

 

SCORES: Port Adelaide 7.1 17.5 21.8 26.18 (174) defeated West 7.3 12.3 14.8 17.10 (112).

 

BEST: Port – J. Clayton, Baird, AhChee, Slattery; West – Donaldson, Hollands, Dragicevic.

 

GOALS: Port – J. Clayton 6, Jenner, Waterhouse 4, Poulton, Slattery, Davis, Thomas 2, Butcher, Lokan, Biacsi, Summerton; West – Caire 3, Hollands, Donaldson, Barnett, Vanderloo 2, Schmidt, Haynes, Bayliss, Buckley, O'Sullivan, Porplyzia.