Adelaide has kicked off their 2023 SANFL season in style, running over the top of Port Adelaide by 78-points at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon. 

Here are the five key takeaways.

McPherson leads from the back

Defender Andrew McPherson stood tall down back for Adelaide, helping organise the back six while winning plenty of the ball.

McPherson launched Adelaide into attack from halfback with his accurate kicking and smart decision making, leaving SANFL Coach Michael Godden happy with his return from the contest. 

“Obviously he has been around the system now for a few years and he has had his injury troubles but I thought today he was outstanding,” Godden told AFC Media.

“Especially in the first half, when we were under the pump I thought he controlled that back six really well and used the ball well.”

McPherson finished with 26 disposals, eight marks and seven rebound 50’s.

Schoenberg responds

On-baller Harry Schoenberg set the tone from the opening bounce for Adelaide to leave his mark on the game.

Schoenberg was damaging with ball, able to push forward and kick three goals, including a bomb from 70 metres out which bounced through.

“To do what he did tonight in the contest and on the outside was really pleasing for Harry.” Godden said.

“He held himself really well tonight, did the team things and finished his work.”

To cap off a strong performance, Schoenberg finished with a game-high 34 disposals, eight clearances, eight marks and eight inside 50’s. 

Crouch returns

Midfielder Matt Crouch’s composure with ball in hand and experience was on full display against Port in his return from a leg injury.

Crouch did not miss a beat, being his trademark self, getting in and under to win contested ball, get clearances and help spring Adelaide forward. 

“To come in with that fractured leg and be able to fight his way through that is a credit to him,” Godden said.

“He played multiple roles, on the wing and half forward so for him to be able to adjust and adapt his game was pleasing.”

In his return, Crouch finished with 29 disposals, four marks and six clearances.

Borlase embraces the challenge

Defender James Borlase competed hard all day, making his presence felt in the air either spoiling or intercepting Port’s kicks inside 50.

While under fire early, Borlase was rarely beaten one-on-one, able to limit the impact of his direct opponent Mitch Georgiades.

“Very happy with James, he has just been going about his business for a couple of years now and he’s had things to work on which he has worked on extremely hard,” Godden said.

“Tonight was a great reward for him because Mitch is a very good player and a different type of player than James normally plays on and he really stuck to the task.”

Borlase had 17 disposals, eight marks – two contested and six rebound 50’s.

Electric Newchurch

Forward Tariek Newchurch was dangerous up forward against Port, causing its defenders problems limiting his scoring impact.

Newchurch gave fans plenty of exciting moments forward including taking a specky during the second term but it was the rest of his game that Godden praised.  

“The stuff you don’t see from Tariek is what I was really happy with tonight,” Godden said.

“He’s a goal kicker but it’s the other stuff that we want from him and I thought tonight was a big step forward for him.”

Newchurch ended the afternoon booting four goals along with having 15 disposals.

The game served as the curtain raiser to the AFL Showdown.

Adelaide will look to carry this momentum into next week’s game against West Adelaide at Richmond Oval on Friday afternoon with the first bounce at 2:10pm.

ADELAIDE: 3.0  8.2  14.5  19.10 (124)
PORT: 2.2  3.6  5.8  6.10 (46)

GOALS:

Adelaide: Newchurch 4, Himmelberg, Schoenberg 3, Wright, McHenry 2, Taylor, Madgen, Strachan, McKenzie, Hately
Port: Lord, Sutcliffe, Hagan, Hayes, Scully, Georgiades

Bests: McPherson, Schoenberg, Borlase, McHenry, Cook, Newchurch