By ZAC MILBANK
The Torrens University SA under-16 team has started its AFL NAB 2022 national championship campaign with a 42-point win over Western Australia in match 1 at Thebarton Oval.
Driven by key striker Tyler Welsh and rebounding defender Dyson Sharp, the Croweaters had total control of the competition by establishing a 40-point lead at the break.
After scoring just one goal in the first half, the Sandgropers came out strong to start the third season brilliantly, scoring three of their four goals for the game.
But SA, with captain Sid Draper (18 eliminations), Ned Atkinson (15 eliminations) and Phoenix Hargrave (15 eliminations) holding firm in midfield, responded by keeping the visitors just six behind in the fourth legislature.
Welsh, the son of former Crow Scott Welsh, offered an excellent goal within 50 yards to finish with four goals, while taking 11 points with 14 rebounds and five within 50.
Sharp was the main winner of the SA possession with 28, but the Central District winger used his body cautiously when playing from the front to also make six marks, while counting eight 50 rebounds and five tackles.
The only concern for SA was to see how skipper Draper came out of the field holding hands in the last term, with the talented midfielder to be examined in the coming days.
Trained by Julian Farkas, the Croweaters will now prepare for their last two games against Victoria Metro on Tuesday 5 July at the Gold Coast Metricon Stadium and Victoria Country at Thebarton Oval on Saturday 9 July.
SA 5.1 7.7 9.10 11.12 (78)
WA 1.1 1.3 4.6 4.12 (36)
BEST – SA: Dyson Sharp, Tyler Welsh, Sid Draper, Will McCabe, Jacob Newton, Jett Hasting
GOALS – SA: Tyler Welsh 4, Beau Ryan 2, Benny Barrett, Lucas Camporeale, Louis Montgomery, PJ Carlin, Kade Herbert
A Thebarton Oval