Adelaide has recorded its ninth win this season, defeating Glenelg by 74-points at Glenelg Oval on Saturday afternoon as part of the SANFL’s Indigenous Round.

Crouch sets the tone

Matt Crouch asserted his dominance in the centre from the opening bounce to finish with a game-high 42 disposals and 11 clearances.

Glenelg had no way of stopping Crouch, showcased by him collecting 17 touches and eight clearances by quarter-time.

His ability to win the ball from stoppages helped get Adelaide off to a strong start according to SANFL Coach Michael Godden.

“He set the tone for the team,” Godden said.

“That’s what he can control and he did that. I thought he was damaging throughout the day.

“It’s been well publicised where Matt is at and all he can do is keep turning up and what he did today was really good for the team.”

Crouch also hit the scoreboard kicking two goals to go along with eight inside 50’s. 

Turner’s debut 

In his first game for the Club, Brett Turner showed signs of why he was a highly touted recruit. 

Against his former side, Turner built himself into the game to finish with 22 disposals, three clearances and five inside 50’s.

“He was a bit shaky early, he hasn’t played for a long time and it’s his first game in the colours,” Godden said.

“It was probably a little emotionally tough for him as well playing against Glenelg, but I thought he handled himself really well throughout the week and today.

“He built throughout the day and I thought his last quarter was really strong.”

Davis damaging off halfback

Ben Davis offered Adelaide plenty of dash off halfback, playing one of his best games of the year, according to Godden.

Davis was damaging on both sides of the ball, cutting off Glenelg’s forward progression and then lacing out teammates to launch the Crows into attack.

“I thought the last couple of weeks he has been really good,” Godden said.

“His timing off halfback to press or get back and help his teammates has been really good and his use today was very good.”

Davis finished with 22 disposals, eight marks, seven tackles, five inside 50’s and a goal. 

Tall timber firing

Adelaide’s forward line functioned strongly against the Bays, led by key forwards Fischer McAsey, Lachlan Gollant and Elliot Himmelberg who combined for seven goals.

Adelaide shared the scoring around with 11 different goal kickers.

“The forwards as a unit worked really well,” he said.

“Fish McAsey is showing some nice signs, he’s jumping at the footy, he’s strong in the air.

“Elliott Himmelberg competed against two or three quite often today and his job is to mark it but if not get it to ground and I thought he was strong as well.” 

Consistent Strachan  

Kieran Strachan continued his strong form against the Glenelg, making his presence felt in the ruck and around the ground.

Strachan showcased his ability to follow up his own ruck work finishing with five clearances to go along with 41 hit outs.

“He is a consistent performer and he’s ready to go when his time comes,” Godden said.

“ROB at the moment is in our ruck spot but once again all Strachany can do is keep putting performances in.”

Strachan also collected 22 disposals, six marks, five inside 50’s and a goal. 

The game also served as an opportunity to remember South Australian Football great, Neil Kerley with a minute of silence taking place before the first bounce.

Adelaide’s following SANFL game will be against Sturt next Sunday at Unley Oval starting at 2:10pm.

ADELAIDE:  6.1  12.6  14.8  19.12 (126)

GLENELG:  2.3  2.4  7.4  8.4 (52)

GOALS:

Adelaide: Wright, Gollant 3, Boyle, Himmelberg, McAsey, Crouch 2, Taylor, Davis, Strachan, McKenzie, Hall

Glenelg: McBean 2, Stagg, Partington, Kuller, Reynolds, Murdoch, Hannath