It was talked up as the SANFL match of the year and Adelaide’s Round 15 clash against Glenelg didn’t disappoint, with the Crows falling agonisingly short – losing by just two points on Saturday afternoon.
After eight lead changes throughout the match, the ball was deep in Adelaide’s forward line when the final siren went as Glenelg held onto a 15.4 (96) to 14.10 (94) win at ACH Group Stadium.
The Crows trailed by 20 points at the last change after Glenelg gained the ascendancy through an efficient seven-goal third-quarter.
Star forward Eddie Betts did his best to try to lift his side over the line, booting two final-quarter goals to finish with four for the game from 14 disposals.
Richard Douglas had the opportunity to put the Crows in front late with a set shot from 55 metres but fell short. The experienced Crow was influential across the four quarters with 34 disposals, eight inside 50s and three goals.
Bryce Gibbs impressed with his work-rate, collecting 40 touches to go with 10 clearances and 10 tackles, while Hugh Greenwood had 23 disposals and 11 clearances.
Ruckman Sam Jacobs was a highlights reel early with two first-term goals - a left-foot snap from the forward pocket and the next after a one-handed mark - before finishing with 13 disposals and 29 hitouts.
Development squad members Tom Hutchesson (14 disposals and six inside 50s) and Pierce Seymour (19 touches and five spoils) were also strong contributors.
For Glenelg, tall forward Liam McBean was impressive against the Crows once again with four goals, but young Crows defender Jordon Butts kept him to just one in the second half.
AFL MATCH REPORT: Blues earn win
State League coach Heath Younie said the game demonstrated a great brand of football and was a great representation of what the SANFL can be like.
“We gave ourselves the best opportunity today, it was a really positive performance,” Younie said.
“You look at the numbers – the contest, the inside 50s and the tackles were pretty even.
“When that happens, you get that on the scoreboard and unfortunately we were on the other side of it today.”
Younie was pleased with the efforts of Adelaide’s experienced players.
“Eddie’s brought great energy and he got up the ground and put pressure on and he got reward for that,” Younie said.
“Bryce continued with his form, Jacobs had some good patches, Douglas showed why he is a 200-game player which allowed us to be in that position.
“I am really proud of those guys because it shows the younger kids that it doesn’t matter what level you play at, if you bring a positive attitude and a maximum effort, that puts you in the best position to play good footy.”
No injuries were reported out of the match.
Next week, the SANFL Crows have a bye as part of a split round and will play again on Sunday, August 11 against West Adelaide.
ADELAIDE 4.4 8.7 11.8 14.10 (94)
GLENELG 4.2 8.3 15.4 15.4 (96)
GOALS:
Adelaide: Betts 4, Douglas 3, Jacobs 2, Fogarty, Gallucci, Greenwood, Jones, Wright
Glenelg: McBean 4, Reynolds 4, Agnew 2, Close, Le Cornu, Motlop, Partington, White,
BEST: Douglas, Betts, Gibbs, Greenwood, Hutchesson, Seymour
