Adelaide is now top of the SANFL ladder after triumphing over North Adelaide in Whyalla on Saturday.

The Crows held off the Roosters to win by 27 points in windy conditions at Bennett Oval.

Taylor shines

Zac Taylor has enjoyed a run of consistent performances over the past month, and against the Roosters he continued that, winning plenty of the ball.

Taylor displayed a different element to his game and was able to hit the scoreboard with two goals, which impressed SANFL Senior Coach Michael Godden.

“To finish with a couple of goals is good for Zac,” Godden said.

“He’s a first year draftee and he’s got a lot to learn.

“Playing against a North Adelaide midfield which is a very good midfield, it was really pleasing for him to get the reward.”

Taylor finished the game with 28 disposals, five clearances and four inside-50s.

Big marking Himmelberg

Elliott Himmelberg proved to be a handful for the Roosters' backmen, presenting well at the ball, taking eight marks.

Himmelberg was rewarded for his effort in the second quarter, bagging two goals.

“Elliott’s been pretty consistent the last few weeks for us,” Godden said.

“He’s playing a little bit of ruck and then playing as our key forward and ultimately he does have to go against two or three defenders at times.

“He held the footy in the forward half for us, he’s improving every week and that’s all we can ask.”

The key forward also worked his way up the ground to finish with 18 disposals.

Versatile Sholl

Lachlan Sholl also performed well, collecting a team-high 31 disposals.  

Sholl played on the wing and was then moved to half-back in the second half, where he was reliable by foot and cool under pressure. 

“I thought his drive off half-back was really good,” Godden said.

“We know he can go both sides of the body, but he used his legs, got into space and was able to connect with the forwards which was really good.”

Sholl also led the team in marks with 10, along with two tackles and three inside 50s.

Key backs with goal-saving efforts

Defenders Billy Frampton and James Borlase helped keep Adelaide in the game, with goal saving tackles against the Roosters.

During the second quarter, Frampton chased down one of North’s small forwards, while Borlase stopped a certain goal in the final term with a huge tackle in the goal square.

Josh Worrell also played an important role down back and finished with 26 disposals and six marks.

“The backs have been really solid all year,” Godden said.

“I’ve been really happy with their communication and balance that they get ahead of the footy.

“Those were really good goal saves there by Borlase and Billy.

“Really critical plays and that’s what the game needs sometimes.”

Turner and Crouch get the job done

In his third game for the club, Brett Turner had a big impact in the middle.

Turner was well supported by Matt Crouch, with both collecting 28 disposals and combining for 11 clearances and eight inside 50s.

“I thought for Brett today that was a really good step up for him,” Godden said.

“Today he just got back to playing the way he does which is powerful at stoppage.

“He should grow from here and get better and better.

“I thought Matt was really solid today.

“It was a tough day around stoppages, but he worked hard for the team all day.”

Adelaide takes on Norwood in a Round 18 clash at The Parade next Saturday at 1.10pm.

ADELAIDE:  1.0  7.9  7.11  10.15 (75)

NORTH:  2.7  2.8  6.9  6.12 (48)

GOALS:

Adelaide: Wright 3, Himmelberg, Taylor 2, Strachan, Templeton, Pedlar

North: Ramsey 3, LeBois, Hilder, Grubb