Adelaide has kicked off its 2022 SANFL season in style with a comprehensive 62-point win over cross town rivals Port Adelaide on Friday evening at Adelaide Oval. 

Captain Wright

Adelaide captain Matthew Wright was one of the Crows best, showing his class up forward from the opening bounce, kicking the first two goals of the game.

The crafty veteran forward added three more to his tally, to finish with a bag of five, impressing Crows SANFL coach Michael Godden.

“He’s had a really good preseason, he’s still got a lot of class left in that body so it was great to see him finish with five goals,” said Godden.

Shane Flies

In typical Shane McAdam fashion, the small forward put on a show for the Adelaide faithful, kicking three goals and taking a massive hanger in the goal square during the final term to get the crowd on their feet.

“The big hanger is always nice, that’s what he brings to the table,” said Godden.

“Three goals was good reward for him, he always gives a good contest.”

Claiming momentum

Leading by four goals for a large part of the first half, the Crows swung the momentum their way late in the third-quarter.

Adelaide kicked four straight to end the quarter and finished the game with 10 of the final 12 goals.

“The guys to their credit lifted their effort and just gave us opportunities,” Godden told AFC Media.

“We didn’t change anything, nothing structurally, it was just more about the players being able to go back to the basics and execute the game plan.”

The Young Boys

Riley Thilthorpe made his presence felt up forward, presenting well all day according to Godden which saw him rewarded for his efforts with three goals.

Sam Berry’s contested work was on full display all game, being one of the Crows stand out performers, with Godden labelling it as one of the best games he’s played for the side.

“He was really good around stoppage and 11 tackles says it all in regards to his intent,” he said.

Berry finished the game amassing 28 disposals, nine clearances and a goal.

Another solid contributor through the middle of the park was Jay Boyle who led the team with 29 touches impressing Godden with what he brought after working hard over the preseason.

The game served as the curtain raiser to the first Friday night AFL Showdown.

Adelaide will look to carry this momentum into next week’s game against North Adelaide on Saturday afternoon at Prospect Oval.

 

ADELAIDE: 3.4  8.7  12.10  18.15 (123)

PORT:         1.5  4.7  6.9  8.13 (61)

 

GOALS:

Adelaide: Wright 5, McAdam, Thilthorpe 3, Boyle, Hamill, Sharrad, Templeton, Soligo, Berry, Taylor

Port: Wilson 3, Lord 2, Appleton, Williams, Finlayson