Adelaide fell to Central District by four-points in a thriller at Elizabeth Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Central fought its way back into the game late, kicking the final three goals, including one in the final 30 seconds to hand the Crows their first loss of the SANFL season - 11.15 (81) to 13.7 (85).
Here are the five key takeaways.
Schoenberg competes
Midfielder Harry Schoenberg was damaging with ball in hand, and was able to leave his mark on the scoreboard with two goals.
Schoenberg’s work rate was on display, battling hard from the opening bounce to impact the contest by providing tackling pressure.
“Every time Harry plays SANFL he’s a consistent performer,” Adelaide’s SANFL Senior Coach Michael Godden told AFC Media.
“He played inside and outside today, hit the scoreboard with a couple of goals which is great for Harry because that is something he has been working on.”
Schoenberg finished the game with 22 touches, six marks, three clearances and five frees for.
Parnell returns
Defender Patrick Parnell provided plenty of drive out of the back half for Adelaide in his return, with his ball use an asset.
Parnell’s composure combined with his defensive work rate pleased Godden.
“It’s obviously been some time since he has played, spending a number of weeks out,” Godden said.
“He showed some really good defensive action and gave us some drive off halfback, so it was nice to see him back out there.”
Parnell capped off a strong performance with 19 disposals, five marks and four rebound 50’s.
Clamp makes most of opportunities
SANFL Development Player Riley Clamp continued his strong form against Central District, being a goal scoring threat for Adelaide.
Clamp did not need much of the ball to make an impact, kicking three goals from six touches.
“Every opportunity he got he hit the scoreboard and his work off the ball was really good,” Godden said.
“He’s been a great development player since he has been with us, and he is one who got the late call up last night and did a great job to help out his team.”
Clamp also had four tackles, two inside 50’s and three marks.
Dowling provides effort
First-year player Billy Dowling showed positive signs in just his second game of SANFL footy, with his effort a highlight for Adelaide’s coaches.
“Billy has only ever played under-18’s footy, so this is a big step up for him,” Godden said.
“He was really solid today and he was playing out of position, so he’s adapting and that’s what you’ve got to do.
“I am really pleased for Billy because he is putting a lot of work in and his attention to detail is really good.”
Dowling had 15 disposals, five inside 50’s and kicked his first goal for the club.
Newchurch shows development
Forward Tariek Newchurch showed development in his game, pushing higher up the ground to provide a marking target.
While Newchurch was unable to capitalise on his opportunities in front of goal, it was the other aspects of his game which pleased Godden.
“Tariek has been working on some stuff and I thought I saw that today which doesn’t involve the scoreboard,” Godden said.
“Some of the work he did up the field I thought was much better, so now he just has to put the finish onto that.”
Newchurch finished with 14 disposals and a team-high eight marks.
Adelaide’s SANFL team will next face South Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday afternoon with the first bounce at 12:30pm.
The game will serve as a curtain raiser to the AFL side’s clash with Collingwood at 4:10pm.
ADELAIDE: 3.4 7.7 9.10 11.15 (81)
CENTRAL: 4.3 7.3 10.4 13.7 (85)
GOALS:
Adelaide: Clamp, Gollant 3, Schoenberg 2, Dowling, Wright, Cook
Central: Lange 4, Munn, Grace, Schiller 2, Pearce, Whitelum, Lochowiak
BEST:
Crouch, Schoenberg, Dowling, Gollant, Borlase, Cook
Match report photo: Cory Sutton
