Adelaide's SANFL season came to an end with an 11-point loss to Norwood in the Preliminary Final at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

After leading for the first three quarters, Norwood came home strong, kicking four last quarter goals to earn the 12.9 (81) to 10.10 (70) win in a hard fought game.

Turner's experience shines

Mid-season recruit Brett Turner continued to show his big game experience, leading the way in Adelaide’s midfield.

Turner’s strong decision making and feel for the game proved to be an asset again for Godden’s sid.

He finished with 26 disposals, 10 tackles and 11 clearances.

“You can see moments in the game when he just looks a step above,” Godden said.

“It’s great for him because it’s been a really difficult thing what he’s done to come into a new club in the middle of the year especially having an injury.

“So for him to build his game and play in three finals and play really well, he’s done what he can control.”

Turner averaged 25.7 disposals and 10.7 clearances a game over the finals series.

Taylor impresses

Midfielder Zac Taylor was lively early, winning the first two centre clearances of the game, helping to give Adelaide an early two-goal advantage.

Taylor’s early impact appeared to worry Norwood’s coaching staff, with extra attention being put into the 19-year-old from then on to try and slow his impact, a testament to his importance to the side according to SANFL Senior Coach Michael Godden.

“It has been an awesome year for Zac, (I'm) happy for him,” Godden said.

“He came into the program this year and had to learn a lot very quickly and now he is one of the most important players that we have got at 19 years of age.

“He’s got challenged a number of times in the last two weeks but that is only going to make him better in the future.”

Taylor finished the game with 15 disposals, nine tackles and six inside 50s.

Himmelberg’s hot start

Key forward Elliott Himmelberg had a large influence on the game early, presenting well to help Adelaide take a lead into quarter-time with two, first-term goals.

Himmelberg continued to compete hard as the game progressed and offered support in the ruck to collect 16 disposals and take six marks.

“Elliott has been really good for us all year,” Godden said.

“He’s a player that has got a little bit more experience and he stood up when it mattered and really helped our group.

“I can’t thank Elliott enough for the effort he has put in.”

Himmelberg finished the game with three goals, four contested marks and three clearances.

Borlase shows growth

In the biggest game of his young career, key defender James Borlase stepped up against Norwood, taking multiple intercept marks to limit the Redlegs' scoring chances.

Borlase's ability to read the play was a highlight of his game, along with keeping his direct opponent, Connor McLean, to just one goal and six touches.  

“He’s another young player whose been thrust into a lot of big jobs this season,” Godden said.

“He along with our whole back six have been really strong all year.

“Sometimes they are up and sometimes they are down, but they all pick each other up and James was really solid.”

Borlase had 10 disposals, five marks – two contested – three rebound 50s and two inside 50s.

Sharrad's strength

Adelaide SANFL-listed utility Louis Sharrad played a strong defensive role, providing the Crows with some toughness in the midfield.

Sharrad made his impact felt with his tackling pressure and finished the game with a season-high 16 tackles.

“He’s been critical,” Godden said.

“He’s a strong body and he brings some aggression.

“When we don’t have our AFL listed players there, we need guys that can battle on this stage against these types of players.

“Often people don’t have an understanding of how good SANFL players are.

“To bring in Louis who has had a bit of experience to fight in there was really important for our group.”

Godden was proud of what the team had accomplished this season.

“Obviously I am very disappointed that we didn’t get through to a Grand Final but second of all very proud of the football Club,” Godden told AFC Media

“We have come together, played a really good brand of footy, we’ve pushed all the best teams and we were two kicks away from a Grand Final twice.

“We’ve embraced the competition and we’ve been hard to play against so I’m proud of that.”

ADELAIDE: 4.3  7.5  9.7  10.10 (70)

NORWOOD: 3.3  7.4  8.6  12.9 (81)

GOALS:

Adelaide: McAsey, Himmelberg 3, McKenzie, Boyle, Newchurch, Wright

Norwood: Lowe 4, Panos 2, Jarvis, Nelligan, McLean, Rantall, Surman, Carroll