Adelaide’s "gutsy" SANFL victory over Port Adelaide could be exactly what the Crows needed heading into the second half of the year, says youngster Rory Atkins.
Adelaide kicked three of the first four goals of Sunday’s SANFL Showdown IV, but lost midfielder Brad Crouch to foot soreness midway through the opening term.
With the elder Crouch unable to return to the field, the SANFL Crows were forced to battle last year’s Grand Finalists with one less rotation for the majority of the contest.
The second half loomed as the visitors’ biggest test given the limited interchange, and the Magpies made their move in the third term with three unanswered goals to cut the Crows’ advantage to just eight points at three-quarter time.
But Adelaide’s young charges showed great mettle under pressure on enemy soil, resisting Port Adelaide’s challenge to claim the Club’s first-ever SANFL Showdown win.
Atkins, who was among Adelaide’s best against the Magpies, said it was a courageous victory over last year’s SANFL Grand Finalists.
“It was a gutsy effort by the boys,” Atkins said post-match.
“It was a great win today to have one man down at the start of the game and finish it off like that.
“It’s always a bit hard when you lose a rotation early, because you have to stay out on the ground a bit longer and rotate a bit quicker, and Crouchy’s obviously a quality player as well.
“We had a number of young guys stand up when it mattered today. It was good to finally get a win over them.”
Atkins said Sunday’s win over the Crows’ cross-town rivals could be perfect springboard after a difficult start to the season.
“We’re looking forward to the rest of the season and hopefully getting a few more wins on the board,” Atkins said following only the Club’s second SANFL victory of the year.
“We’re playing well at the moment, even though the ladder doesn’t quite reflect that. We came home strong against the Eagles last week but just left it a bit too late.
“I think we’ve shown some good form so we can keep that up and get a few more good results.”
Adelaide’s SANFL team featured four teenagers and 12 players 22-years-old or younger. Twelve members of the side, including the Crows’ four development players, had not played at AFL level.
Tough onballer Jarryd Lyons was again outstanding in the clinches with 29 disposals and 11 clearances, along with the experience of Brodie Martin (24 possessions) and Ricky Henderson (19 possessions).
But it was Adelaide’s next tier of players that made the difference.
Riley Knight, who flew back from Brisbane the morning of the game, was workmanlike with 18 possessions, six inside 50ms and a goal.
Atkins used his raking left boot to great effect, collecting 22 touches and slotting a clutch goal in the second quarter.
The 20-year-old, who was twice an AFL emergency last season, has averaged 25 possessions at 75 per cent efficiency in four SANFL games this season after returning from a pre-season knee injury.
Atkins said he remains focused on developing his game to stand up at AFL level if given the opportunity.
“I’m always trying to improve as a player and work on the things that the coaching staff think I need to play at that level,” he said.
“I’d still like to improve my kicking. I think that’s a strength of my game but I’d still like to better that. I’m always working on my intensity in the contest with things like ground balls and tackling.
“Slowly but surely, I think I’m getting closer to it.”
