Adelaide showed its composure to defeat North Adelaide by 47 points at Prospect Oval on Saturday afternoon.

It was a back-and-forth affair, with multiple switches in momentum, however Adelaide proved the more clinical side, claiming a 13.10 (88) to 5.11 (41) victory.

Here are the five key takeaways.

Game of two quarters

Adelaide’s defenders found themselves under siege early against North Adelaide, however were able to hold strong to keep the Roosters to just five scoring shots from 14 inside 50s.

Kicking with the wind in the second quarter, the Crows flipped the script and were far more methodical with ball in hand to force a 30-point turnaround.

Adelaide put the clamps on, keeping North Adelaide goalless, allowing just two inside 50s, while having 19 of its own, along with 11 scoring shots.

“The first quarter we really had to hang on and the boys had to fight hard to not allow North to get away from us,” SANFL Senior Coach Michael Godden said.

“I thought the first quarter was solid, the system was there and the second quarter we got our reward.

“I think we played 93 per cent of the second quarter in our front half.”

Rebounding backs

To slow the Roosters' momentum during periods of the game, Adelaide employed a kick-mark style game plan.

Defenders Will Hamill, Patrick Parnell and Josh Worrell all played a critical role in controlling the possession and helping Adelaide slowly build up from the back.

“They controlled the ball in the back half for periods, like when we were up against that breeze they were able shift the ball,” Godden said.

“It was more about keeping the ball away from the opposition for periods and they executed that really well.”

Hamill finished with 28 disposals and nine marks, Parnell had 26 touches and 10 marks and Worrell recorded 25 disposals and 11 marks.

Clamp’s big second half

SANFL development player Riley Clamp had a big say on the outcome of the game, making the most of his chances in front of goal in the second half.

Clamp kicked Adelaide’s only two goals of the third term, which proved crucial and helped swing momentum back in the Crows’ favour.  

Clamp continued to hit the scoreboard in the final term, booting two more goals to finish with a four majors.

“To kick four today was a reward for effort because there were times where he had to fight two versus one,” Godden said.

“I was really impressed with him, he’s been a great contributor since he’s been with us.”

McPherson leads backline

Defender Andrew McPherson was a key part of Adelaide’s victory, providing leadership in defence.

McPherson showed his ability to defend and attack, as he rebounded strongly off of half-back.

“He’s had some challenges with his body but today he got back to some of his best form,” Godden said.

“He defended really strongly and got a fair bit of the footy as well.”

McPherson capped a strong performance with 29 disposals, 11 marks and three rebound 50s.

Cook takes step forward

Wingman Brayden Cook gave Adelaide plenty of outside run and carry against North Adelaide.

Cook worked himself into the game, showcasing his ability to cover the ground, while providing a marking option as well.

“He has just got to keep ticking off small boxes and today was a step forward for him,” Godden said.

“If he keeps turning out performances like that he will continue to grow.”

Cook finished with 20 disposals, eight marks and a goal.

Adelaide’s SANFL team will next face Sturt at Unley Oval on Saturday, May 13 at 2:30pm.

ADELAIDE: 1.0  6.6  8.6  13.10 (88)

NORTH ADELAIDE: 2.3  2.4  4.9  5.11 (41)

GOALS:

Adelaide: Clamp 4, Gollant 3, Wright 2, Cook, Berry, Madgen, Schoenberg.

North: Magor, Grubb, Hilder, Ramsey, Harvey.

Best:

Adelaide: Worrell, McPherson, Schoenberg, Hamill Clamp.