Adelaide’s SANFL side had a strong showing in its final trial game ahead of the start of the SANFL season next weekend, defeating Port Adelaide by 60-points at Alberton Oval on Sunday morning.
Here are the five key takeaways from the match:
Hot start
Adelaide got off to an impressive start, dominating the first quarter with seven goals while keeping Port goalless.
The Crows applied strong pressure throughout the quarter which allowed them to keep the game on their terms, however it was the attitude they brought which was most pleasing for SANFL Coach Michael Godden.
“For me, it was more about their attitude, obviously a 10 o’clock Sunday morning game, coming off the night before and then to get their preparation right,” Godden told AFC Media.
“Obviously they came with the correct attitude, and they were able to execute as well so that was the most pleasing thing.”
The goal scoring was shared with six different players hitting the scoreboard - Lachlan Gollant, Tariek Newchurch, Ned McHenry, Jack Madgen, Louis Sharrad and Chayce Jones.
Gollant kicks bag of six
Forward Lachlan Gollant proved Adelaide’s main avenue to goal throughout the contest, finishing the game with six majors to his name.
Gollant gave Adelaide an aerial presence up forward, presenting well and taking some big grabs to cap off a strong performance.
“Lachie has been really consistent this preseason, he’s got a couple of things in his game that he has been working on,” Godden said.
“He’s really flying at the footy and taking some nice marks and obviously finishing his goals now which is really important.
“Another great game and for him to kick six goals is a great effort.”
Jones provides dash
Wingman Chayce Jones gave the inside midfielders strong support from the opening bounce with his speed and smart ball use an asset for Adelaide.
Jones covered the ground well, helping link up the play and had an impact when he pushed forward, pleasing the Adelaide coaching staff.
“I think he had four shots on goal from on the wing which is a really good effort and that’s something he has been working on, to get more dangerous forward of the ball,” Godden said.
“Especially early I thought he was everywhere and as the game wore on continued to fight and it was a really solid effort.”
For his hard work pushing forward Jones was rewarded, booting two goals to highlight a strong game.
Bond in the middle
First year player Hugh Bond played as a midfielder against Port, where he competed hard and was able to showcase his skills as an on-baller.
Bond got in and under to try and win the ball along with supporting his fellow midfielders, a good learning experience for the 19-year-old according to Godden.
“I think Bondy has to spend sometime as a midfielder this season,” Godden said.
“Today, there was an opportunity for him to go in there and he did it and he would have learnt a lot.
“He’s still a young man and he went out there and had a go and that’s all you can ask for to start with.”
Strachan’s solid ruck work
Ruckman Kieran Strachan had a strong outing against Port, able to give Adelaide’s midfielders first use with his tap work.
Strachan made his impact felt around the ground, battling to influence the contests while giving Adelaide a tall target
He also worked hard defensively, playing a kick behind the ball to limit Port’s ability to progress forward when kicking down the line.
“He’s had a couple of weeks resting with his elbow and first game back he was like a kid in a candy store out there,” Godden said.
“We know the talent that he has got and he was really important once again as he generally always is.”
Adelaide will kick off its SANFL campaign next week against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, April 1 at 3:10pm.
The game will serve as a curtain raiser to the AFL Showdown.
ADELAIDE: 7.2 10.5 12.8 16.11 (107)
PORT: 0.5 2.7 3.9 6.11 (47)
GOALS:
Adelaide: Gollant 6, Sharrad, Jones, Newchurch 2, McHenry, Madgen, Cook, Templeton
Bests: Gollant, Borlase, Jones, Cook, Hately
