4 July 2017
McDonald’s SA Under-18 coach Brenton Phillips has refused to risk joint vice-captain Andrew McPherson for the final match against Victoria Country in Geelong on Wednesday.
McPherson, who has been recovering from a thigh strain, was deliberately held back from playing Victoria Metro last Friday to focus on being fit for the fourth contest.
But the talented Woodville-West Torrens utility reported soreness in his quad after training yesterday, ensuring he will be kept on the sidelines to prepare for the rest of the SANFL season.
Speaking on SANFL Radio, Phillips praised McPherson – a member of the AFL Academy – in being honest to put the team ahead of his own interests.
Just one change has been made for the clash at Simonds Stadium, with Eagle Cooper Gaffney getting his chance to play as a running defender.
Gaffney replaces Liam Denton, who has been squeezed out of the line-up.
SA will be looking to respond after its disappointing 67-point loss to Victoria Metro last Friday night, with Phillips highlighting the contested ball as a key focus area for improvement.
Key defender Harry Petty looms as a potential All-Australian candidate after his impressive campaign while Phillips also liked the performances of Glenelg pair Alex Martini and Brad McCarthy.
The match against Victoria Country will be live on the Fox Footy Channel.
McDONALD’S SA U18 TEAM
Wednesday July 5 at 4.10pm (SA time)
Victoria Country v SA
Simonds Stadium, Geelong
F: (6) Connor Rozee, (49) Callum Coleman-Jones, (26) Josh Smithson
HF: (15) Jordan Houlahan, (36) Jack Lukosius, (2) Izak Rankine
C: (34) Sam Davis, (16) Mitchell Crowden, (13) Jackson Edwards
HB: (18) Brodie Carroll, (38) Harrison Petty, (40) Darcy Fogarty
B: (12) Alex Martini, (24) Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, (4) Cooper Gaffney
R: (45) Bryce Denham, (5) Stefan Giro, (17) Brad McCarthy
INT: (41) Nathan Kreuger, (14) Isaac Hewson, (3) James Rowe, (32) Thomas Schmusch, (37) Charlie Ballard
EMG: (27) Liam Denton
IN: Gaffney
OUT: Denton
Last Modified on 04/07/2017 23:44