McKernan was rated best afield in South Adelaide’s win over top side the Eagles on Monday at Noarlunga, booting five goals in a match-winning performance. Playing in the ruck and as a forward, McKernan finished with 15 possessions and 18 hit-outs. Daniel Talia started well for the Panthers in defence, controlling his opponent. He finished with 13 possessions.
Jaensch, who travelled to Melbourne as an emergency for the Crows on Friday night, returned to play for Sturt on Sunday and was a key contributor in its win over Central District at Elizabeth. He had 17 kicks and 10 handballs playing across half back and his disposal was again a feature of his game.
For Central, ruckman Jonathon Griffin lifted in the second half to finish with 25 hit-outs and nine possessions. Jack Gunston made his league debut for the Bulldogs and had some good moments. He had 10 possessions and seven marks after starting as a forward and then going into defence.
Taylor Walker booted three goals for Norwood (from about 10 possessions) to help the Redlegs opening their winning account in 2010 under former Crow Nathan Bassett. Will Young (10 possessions) was again solid in defence and worked hard to create run. Scott Stevens, returning from concussion, played for the Port Magpies mainly as a forward and finished with about 15 possessions.
Rookie Matt Wright collected 20 possessions as a midfielder/forward in North Adelaide’s narrow loss to Glenelg. James Craig again showed some good signs in ruck for North and Tony Armstrong picked up 10 possessions.
In the reserves, rookie Aidan Riley had another good game for Sturt. Not only did he pick up 25 possessions and dominate around stoppages, the NSW recruit backed up his hard work by kicking two goals. Brian Donnelly had a dozen possessions in defence for Central District and Luke Thompson had a similar number of possessions for the Eagles.
