Curtly Hampton has made an impressive start to his Crows career in Saturday’s SANFL trial against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval.
The former Giant showed pace and confidence off Adelaide’s half-back line in his first competitive outing for his new Club.
Coming into the match off a modified pre-season, Hampton played the game’s first three quarters, using his athleticism to set up the Crows from defence regularly. His flair and creativity was encouraging, despite missing the odd target while looking to break play open.
The 22-year-old was one of six AFL-listed Crows to confront the Magpies. Keenan Ramsey, Luke Lowden and Harrison Wigg all played their first games of the year while the match marked the Club debuts of rookie duo Hugh Greenwood and Paul Hunter.
Left-footer Wigg spent the majority of the match in a new midfield role. The second-year Crow was Adelaide’s most prolific onballer, although official statistics were not recorded at the game.
Fellow teen Ramsey worked hard and kicked two set shot goals from limited opportunity. Former Glenelg Tiger Wade Hancock was Adelaide’s other multiple goalkicker booting two of his own.
Greenwood featured predominately in attack in his first official match in eight years, although was released up the ground during the latter stages. Lowden and Hunter rotated ruck and forward line duties, with Hunter rested after half-time as part of his load management.
The trial was also Luke Carey’s maiden game as Adelaide’s new SANFL captain. The big-bodied backman was among his side’s best, claiming several strong defensive marks opposed to Power-listed forward Paul Stewart.
Port Adelaide fielded an experienced team featuring several players with AFL experience including Stewart, Alipate Carlile, Kane Mitchell and Sam Colquhoun.
But the Crows matched the Magpies in the opening half, claiming the lead midway through the second term following back-to-back goals to Scott Spriggs and Brock Castree.
Port’s experience came to the fore in a five-goal to one third term, helping the home side to a 43-point advantage at the final change. The final margin was 64 points.
The scoreboard was never the main priority in the trial, but SANFL coach Heath Younie said there was plenty to take out of the clash.
“They had some quality personnel out there today and we showed we could match them in that first half,” Younie said.
“Clearly, we’ve still got plenty to work on and we saw that after half-time.
“We’ll review, learn and grow from that. Overall, we’re pretty happy with the endeavour and the effort from the boys.”
The Club reported no injuries from the contest. Adelaide’s next SANFL trial is against South Adelaide at Football Park on Saturday, March 12.
ADELAIDE 2.1 4.5 5.8 6.10 (46)
PORT ADELAIDE 2.4 7.7 12.9 16.14 (110)
GOALS
Adelaide: Ramsey 2, Hancock 2, Spriggs, Castree
BEST
Adelaide: Wigg, Carey, Hampton, Spriggs, Lindsay, Spencely
INJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
