Adelaide enjoyed a 40-point win over Woodville West Torrens at Woodville Oval on Sunday afternoon, off the back of a strong, a four-quarter effort.

Crouch's game-high possession count

Matt Crouch was at his ball winning best against Woodville-West Torrens, amassing a game-high 42 disposals and eight clearances

Crouch’s leadership on the field stood out to SANFL Coach Michael Godden, who was impressed with how he approached the game.

“(It was) another really solid game for Matt,” Godden said.

“Consistency is really important in any footballer and every game he has played for us he has been really consistent.

“He is playing at a really high level.”

Crouch continues his strong SANFL form, averaging 37.3 disposals a game through six matches.

Wright’s new role

In his 50th game as Captain of Adelaide's SANFL side, Skipper Matthew Wright was switched from his usual spot inside 50 into a role in defence.

Wright’s leadership and decision making when under pressure was an asset for the Crows, with the move proving beneficial for Godden’s side.

“(The move) was more around the balance of the team, a number of guys from our backline are either out of the side injured or playing AFL,” Godden said.

“Wrighty has played there before and he put his hand up to do it and I thought he was really good today.”

Despite spending most of the game down back, Wright still found a way to hit the scoreboard, sneaking forward to bomb one home from the 50m arc during the last term.

Wright finished with a season-high 31 disposals along with four marks, four tackles and eight rebound 50’s.

Ruck dominance

Kieran Strachan and Riley Thilthorpe dominated in the ruck against the Eagles, winning the hit-out battle 40-28.

Thilthorpe, who was returning from a rolled ankle, continued to show his ability to effectively pitch hit in the ruck, pleasing Godden.

“The Eagles were a little bit undersized today, they have a number of injuries,” Godden said.

“Obviously it was an area that we could expose.

“To have Riley and Kieran dominate the air was important, it gave our midfielders first look.

“Riley coming back this week I thought was really strong and he got better as the game wore on.

“It was nice to see him out there smiling because injuries and being in and out isn’t always easy for him.”

Strachan finished with 29 hit-outs, 15 touches and seven marks, while Thilthorpe had 11 hit-outs, 11 disposals and four contested marks.

Pedlar takes a step forward

Luke Pedlar made his presence felt up forward, competing hard from the opening bounce, laying big tackles and crashing packs.

While he struggled with accuracy in front of goal, kicking 1.3, Pedlar was involved in plenty of goal assists, setting up his teammates inside-50.

“The positive thing for me was his ability to impact the contest consistently as a forward,” Godden said.

“He’s played a little bit of midfield, he’s played a bit of forward but just settling down as a forward at the moment.

“He’s getting consistent games there and I thought he could have ended up with anything.

“He didn’t and you have to kick the goals to get it but it’s just pleasing to see he took that set forward today.”

Pedlar finished with 16 disposals, a team-high eight marks, three tackles and four inside 50’s.

Solid day for Crows' key forwards

Adelaide’s key forwards, Lachlan Gollant and Fischer McAsey, enjoyed productive days in front of goal, booting three goals each. 

The pair competed hard and made their presence felt up forward by bringing the ball to ground and getting the smalls involved. 

“(Gollant) was on Luke Thompson who is an extremely good defender, one of the best in the competition so it was a tough day for Lachie,” Godden said.

“He got the ball to ground when he needed too, he competed well, kicked three goals in the end and he defended well.

“(McAsey) was a big presence today.

“He had a quieter one last week which I know he was a bit frustrated with so it was really pleasing to see him compete in the air and on the ground today.”

The win lifts the Crows into second spot on the SANFL ladder and all-but guarantees the side a finals berth, with two minor rounds remaining.

Adelaide will face Central District at Adelaide Oval next Saturday at 5pm.

The match will follow the Club’s AFL game against North Melbourne, which kicks off at 1.40pm.

ADELAIDE:  3.3  7.7  11.13  17.14 (116)

WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS:  3.3  6.9  7.12  10.16 (76)

GOALS:
Adelaide: Gollant, McAsey 3, Cook, Rowe 2, Strachan, McKenzie, Pedlar, Newchurch, Turner, Taylor, Wright.

Woodville-West Torrens: Goldsworthy, Pearce 2, Comitogianni, Clarke, Hardie, Allmond, Rowland, Beecken.