Adelaide turned around a slow start to run over the top of South Adelaide by 59-points at Noarlunga.

Crouch the ball magnet 

Matt Crouch was dominant in the midfield and finished with a game-high 42 disposals. 

SANFL Coach Mick Godden was pleased with Crouch’s performance and in particular his leadership.

“The most important thing is when a player comes in like that, they do the things that are required by the team and I thought Matt did that all day,” Godden said.

“The statistics are big because he is a great player but it was also what he did off the ball, around the contest to organise players.”

Crouch also kicked a goal, along with laying six tackles, 10 clearances and seven inside 50s.

Aerial Frampton 

Billy Frampton displayed his marking ability from the outset, intercepting South Adelaide’s forward entries to finish with a season-high 14 marks. 

Frampton led the way down back with Godden labelling it the best performance he had seen from the key defender.

“Aerially he was outstanding, he just read the ball really well but he also defended strongly,” Godden said.

“He won his one-on-one contests and that’s probably the best I’ve seen him defend as a genuine defender.”

Frampton finished with 22 disposals, three contested marks and six rebound 50’s.

Newchurch provides the spark

Tariek Newchurch was at his scintillating best against the Panthers, with his two first quarter goals keeping Adelaide in the game early.

Playing more time on the wing and around the ball, Newchurch was able to use his pace and agility to impact the game with 19 disposals.

“He’s had a few quiet ones so today was a great break out game,” Godden said.

“He could have had a couple more goals, giving some off and over ran one in the second.

“He has the attributes that could give something exciting at AFL level.

“The challenge being he’s got areas of his game which we have been working on because you don’t want to get exposed at the higher level.”

Sharrad BOG in 100th game

In his 100th SANFL game, hard-nosed midfielder Louis Sharrad had his best performance of the season, with the coach naming him best on ground.

Sharrad capped off a memorable day with 29 disposals, six marks, six tackles and 10 clearances. 

“It’s just great for a player like him,” Godden said. 

“His SANFL career had pretty much stalled.

“For him to have that opportunity to come back and play in a team like this, and really bring his own unique style to it is pleasing.

“He played with a really good heart today and that’s what he’s been brought here to do.”

McPherson finding form

Andrew McPherson looked back to his best and he was a valuable contributor.

“He had a bit of an injury interrupted start to the season and he’s worked his way back into some really good form and that was Macca’s best game by far today,” Godden said.

“He was really good above his head, he pressed the game when he needed to and used the ball well.

“As a back six, that’s the best we’ve defended all year.”

McPherson collected 30 disposals, as well as eight marks.

Adelaide takes on Glenelg at Glenelg next Saturday at 1.10pm.

ADELAIDE:  2.1  6.7  11.7  15.17 (107)

SOUTH ADELAIDE:  3.3  4.3  6.3 7.6 (48)

GOALS:
Adelaide: Wright, Newchurch 4, Murphy, Gollant 2, McKenzie, Crouch, Cook.
South Adelaide: Heaslip 3, Freitag 2, Gunther, Wilkinson.