TOBY Thurstans put his hand high in the air for Power selection this week after a great rebounding performance in the Sturt backline on the weekend. The performance earned him the Cibo Glenelg SANFL Player of the Week Award for Round 8.

Thurstans had 19 possessions at the major break, creating a lot play from defence when the game was on the line, before the Double Blues cruised to an easy win over the Panthers.

The award is judged by Power development coaches, Darren Trevena and Stuart Cochrane, and is announced exclusively at PortAdelaideFC.com.au each week.

Matthew Broadbent was again at his hard and tough best for the Eagles, while Matt Westhoff booted five for the Dogs. The full wrap is below.

Cibo Glenelg SANFL Player of the Week
Toby Thurstans (for Sturt v South @ Unley) – A great game from Toby, especially in the first half when the game was on the line for Sturt. We’ve wanted Toby to get a few more touches and provide a bit more rebound from defence, and he certainly did that on the weekend, with 19 possessions in the first half and 28 for the game. He used the ball extremely well and got through the game unscathed in his first game back from injury.

Nick Lower (for Norwood v Glenelg @ the Parade) – Nick played a hard in and under game, finishing with 7 kicks, 3 marks, 7 handballs and 6 hard tackles. He applied a lot of defensive pressure in the midfield and at half forward but didn’t have a huge influence on the game, with Norwood being soundly beaten.

Danny Meyer (for Glenelg v Norwood @ the Parade) – Danny was a bit quieter this week, but still had a good game in the Glenelg backline, picking up 12 possessions. The conditions probably didn’t particularly suit him and the ball didn’t get inside Norwood’s forward 50 a lot, which made it difficult for him to have a big impact on the game. He’s still had a very solid first eight weeks of the season and we’re really pleased with where he’s at.

Jonathon Giles (for Central v Port @ Elizabeth) – Gilesy was good in the ruck and up forward when played deep inside the 50. He had 12 possessions, 5 marks and a goal. He looked dangerous forward and has some good pace for a big man on the lead.

Matthew Westhoff (for Central v Port @ Elizabeth) – Westy booted five goals in an impressive display. He moved well, presented well and although he didn’t get used all the time, he kept leading hard. Finished with 18 possessions and 7 marks.

Paul Stewart (for Eagles v West @ Richmond) – Stewie was quieter this week with just 12 touches, partly due to a knock to the head at the start of the third quarter. He still worked hard all day and did some good defensive work.

Matthew Broadbent (for Eagles v West @ Richmond) – Another very solid game from Broady, finishing with 20 possessions, a number of them hard fought touches at stoppages. He didn’t provide quite as much run this week, but still kept his head over the ball and made some very gutsy plays. His consistency all year has been fantastic for a first year player.

Glenn Dawson (for Eagles reserves v West reserves @ Richmond) – The Cougar broke through his invisible three goal barrier, booting four goals and giving off a couple of others. He looked very dangerous in the Eagles’ forward line and has been very consistent this year.

Mitch Banner (for Eagles reserves v West reserves @ Richmond) – A very good game from Mitch, dominating the stoppages and pushing forward for a couple of goals. He had 24 possessions, 7 tackles and 6 clearances and looked very strong and clean at the stoppages. It was just his second game back from injury, so as his fitness continues to build he’ll improve each week and should crack into the league team.

Mitch Farmer (for Sturt reserves v South reserves @ Unley) – Another good game from Mitch this week, playing a bit more up forward and finishing with 3 goals to go with 16 touches and 5 marks. He was intense at the contest and if he can play another few weeks like that, he’ll be up playing league, which is where we think he should be playing considering his talent.

Jackson Trengove (for Port reserves v Central reserves @ Elizabeth) – Jacko played centre half back and again didn’t play the full game (coming back from injury) but again looked very impressive. His fitness is improving and he’s very aggressive at the contests. Always had an impact when the ball came into his area and he just needs to work on his positioning a bit, something that will come with game time.

Matthew Lobbe (for Port reserves v Central reserves @ Elizabeth) – Matty played CHF and in the ruck. He moved well to the contest, competed well in the air and his positioning in the forward line was good all day. When moved onto the ball he was strong in the ruck contests and was desperate on the ground at the stoppages.

Jesse Laurie (for West reserves v Eagles reserves @ Richmond) – Another good game across half back from Jesse with 23 possessions and some good defensive efforts. Kept his opponent quiet with no goals against. He’ll again be knocking on the door of senior selection

Past Cibo Glenelg Power SANFL Player of Week Award winners
Round 7 – Marlon Motlop
Round 6 – Josh Carr
Round 5 – Jonathon Giles
Round 4 – Marlon Motlop
Round 3 – Nick Lower
Round 2 – Matt Thomas
Round 1 – Nick Lower