Adelaide SANFL coach Michael Godden praised the efforts of rising star James Borlase and James Rowe after Adelaide went down to reigning premiers Woodville-West Torrens on Sunday.
Borlase's versatility was on show in the 8.2 (50) to 17.13 (115) loss to the Eagles in the Breakthrough Community Round.
He spent time in the ruck, forward and in defence, following ruckman Kieran Strachan's elevation to the AFL side.
The 19-year-old, who joined the Crows via the Next Generation Academy at the end of 2020, finished the clash against the Eagles with 22 disposals, 23 hit-outs, 10 marks and two clearances.
Rowe, meanwhile, was used predominantly in the midfield and amassed 35 disposals, to go with 10 marks, six clearances and four tackles.
Adelaide's SANFL captain Matthew Wright collected 31 disposals and 11 marks, while key defender Josh Worrell had 26 touches and Ronin O’Connor claimed 19.
Tariek Newchurch produced a stunning coast-to-coast performance inside the opening minute.
He gathered the ball in the back pocket, took six bounces through the middle of the ground and eventually handballed to Fischer McAsey who snapped a goal.
Newchurch provided another spark when he ran onto a bouncing ball in the forward pocket and dribbled through a classy goal under opposition pressure to make it four goals to one in the third term.
Godden was proud of Borlase and Rowe who played out of their normal positions.
“With that (playing without a recognised ruckman) being thrust upon us we didn’t have much of a choice in the end than to send him (Borlase) into the ruck,” Godden said.
“I was really happy for him as he has played key defence all year which can be tough, but to come in, embrace the challenge and compete hard against big Jarrad Redden and Jack Hayes and find the ball around the ground is great, and should give him a lot of confidence.
“Rowe was really good around the midfield – we have lost a few midfielders in recent weeks and that has opened the door for him to run through the midfield and he has been excellent in that position.”
Players wore purple and blue tape to raise awareness for mental health as part of the Breakthrough Community Round.
The Crows will face Central District at Elizabeth Oval in Round 18.
SCOREBOARD:
ADELAIDE 2.0 2.0 6.2 8.2 (50)
WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS 4.4 10.5 12.10 17.13 (115)
BEST:
Rowe, Borlase, Worrell, Gollant, Wright, Boyle, Hodges.
GOALS:
Gollant 3, Clarke 2, McAsey, Newchurch, Salt.
