Adelaide fell to Port Adelaide by three-points in a thriller at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon, missing out on the opportunity to finish as minor premiers.  

The result meant Adelaide finished the 2022 SANFL season second on the ladder. The Crows will play Norwood in the qualifying final next weekend.

Crouch accumulates

Matt Crouch left his mark on the game, leading the match in both disposals (41) and clearances (eight).

Crouch’s consistent effort throughout the game and his ability to play his role to benefit the team was a highlight of his game according to SANFL coach, Michael Godden.

“I’ve said it numerous times how consistent he has been when he’s played with us,” Godden told AFC Media.

“He’s embraced his role within the team and tonight was no different. He was really good in the contest.

“Unfortunately we weren’t great as a team but I thought he stood above the rest.”

Crouch rounded out a strong performance taking six marks and laying seven tackles.

Not eligible to play in the SANFL finals, Crouch finishes the SANFL season having averaged 36.9 disposals and eight clearances from eight games.

Damaging Pedlar

Luke Pedlar had another strong game up forward competing hard and applying pressure to Port Adelaide’s defenders.

Pedlar was damaging each time he touched the ball throughout the first half, either kicking goals himself or putting his teammates into scoring positions.

“I’m really happy with Luke tonight,” Godden said.

“He’s been building slowly and continuity with his game has been important because he’s had a lot of injuries, but he’s been able to get a number of games together now.

“Tonight I thought was a real breakout for him.

“I know that the stat sheet probably doesn’t show that but in terms of the way he impacted the game with his cleanliness around the contest and his power is exactly what we know he can do and he did that well.”

Pedlar finished with two goals, 16 disposals and four inside 50’s.

Big marking Frampton

Key defender Billy Frampton was a big aerial presence for Adelaide in defence, able to pick off Port’s inside 50 entries to finish with 14 marks.

Frampton spent time on Jake Weidemann and Ollie Lord and was able to nullify their impacts on the game, keeping both scoreless.

“He’s a really important player for us with his leadership and his ability to win the footy in the air and in the back half,” Godden said.

“Tonight was no exception, he did that consistently.

“We’ve got a big month ahead with a player like him and I am trusting he will continue with that really good form and continue to help us out back there.”

Frampton also collected 32 disposals – 31 being kicks, laid two tackles and had 14 rebound 50’s.

Himmelberg makes his impact felt

Fresh off inking a new deal with the club, Elliott Himmelberg continued his strong form, showing his versatility playing up forward and pinch hitting in the ruck.

Himmelberg led Adelaide’s goal kickers, finishing with 3.3, as well as giving the side a tall target around the ground.

“Elliott’s versatility is really important to us,” Godden said.

“He can obviously spend more time in the ruck if we feel that’s the right match up.

“He presents well, six shots on goal tonight is a really good effort in a game where we didn’t really move the ball that well.

“He created his opportunities and he’s been really good at that when he’s been playing with us.”

Himmelberg finished with 19 disposals, eight marks, five hit-outs and two inside 50’s

Classy Sholl

Lachlan Sholl backed up a solid month of footy with another good performance against Port, where his classy ball use was on full display.

Playing his usual role on the wing, Sholl was one of Adelaide’s major ball winners, amassing 30 touches.

“Once again he’s another whose finished off the year really strongly,” Godden said.

“Unfortunately he didn’t get his go back up in the AFL but he will be important to play in some SANFL finals and hopefully continue to push his case forward.”

Sholl also had eight marks and a team high five inside 50’s.

Having finished second on the ladder, Adelaide’s SANFL side will kick off their finals campaign against Norwood at Adelaide Oval next Sunday, with the first bounce at 3:15pm. 

ADELAIDE:  2.4  4.8  8.9  10.12 (72)
PORT ADELAIDE:  4.0  6.2  8.6  11.9 (75)

GOALS:

Adelaide: Himmelberg 3, Pedlar, Gollant 2, Smithson, Strachan, McKenzie

Port: Teakle 4, Visentini, Sutcliffe 2, N.Moore, Barkla, Williams