Adelaide has fallen just short of Glenelg, losing by two-points in a thriller at Glenelg Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Glenelg entered the game second on the ladder while Adelaide was third, with the game living up to the excitement with multiple swings in momentum.
However it was the Bays who prevailed 12.10 (82) to 12.8 (80).
Here are the five key takeaways.
Exceptional Schoenberg
Midfielder Harry Schoenberg impressed again against Glenelg, winning lots of the ball and applying tackling pressure around the ground.
Schoenberg’s endeavour to compete and impact the contest was evident, with SANFL Senior Coach Michael Godden labelling him amongst the bests.
“His last two weeks have been exceptional,” Godden said.
“He broke lines today, he was good in the contest and had 11 tackles which is a great effort by Harry.”
Schoenberg finished with 26 disposals, 11 tackles, seven clearances and eight inside 50’s.
Borlase’s solid 50th game
Playing his 50th game of State League footy for Adelaide, defender James Borlase put in another commanding defensive display.
Borlase was rarely beaten one-on-on and limited Glenelg forward Lachlan Hosie, who entered the game with 22 goals from seven games, to just one major.
“James has really improved his game and it was a great reward today with 50 games,” Godden said.
“Every game is a new experience for him and I thought he along with the other defenders dealt with a lot of inside 50’s today and they stood up well.”
Borlase finished with 11 disposals, six marks and five rebound 50’s.
Midfielders hit the scoreboard
Adelaide’s midfielders got in on the scoring action against the Bays, with the likes of Harry Schoenberg, Billy Dowling, Tyler Brown, Jay Boyle and Jackson Hatley all kicking majors.
Dowling booted Adelaide’s first goal of the game, while Brown’s quick reactions helped him get on the board snapping one through from a stoppage during the second term.
Schoenberg kicked two goals in the first half, with the second being a long bomb from outside 50.
Boyle added one in the third term, while Hately kicked an important goal in the final term to give Adelaide a nine-point advantage.
“Every time your midfield can break a line and score is really important,” Godden said.
“It was a good fight in the midfield and Glenelg has some very good players in there as well so it was a good battle.”
Nankervis builds game
Defender Luke Nankervis showcased his composure down back for Adelaide, able to win multiple one on ones and limit the damage of Glenelg’s inside 50 entries.
Nankervis played an important role for the Crows competing well both in the air and on ground to intercept the ball and launch Adelaide forward.
“He is learning how to play as a back, he has never played a lot as a back, so this year is new to him,” Godden said.
“To play against a talented forward line and do what he did was pleasing, so he is just building his game week in and week out.”
Nankervis finished with 18 disposals, six marks and five tackles.
Gollant impresses
Forward Lachlan Gollant proved a problem for Glenelg’s defenders, able to leave his mark on the contest.
Gollant crashed packs and consistently led for the ball, being rewarded by booting a goal in every quarter of the game to finish with four majors for the afternoon.
“His consistency now is outstanding, he is always there, always turning up,” Godden said.
“His game is getting better and better, there is a lot to like.”
Gollant also added 15 disposals, three tackles and three marks.
Adelaide’s SANFL team will play Woodville West Torrens at Adelaide Oval next Saturday afternoon with the first bounce at 12:35pm.
The game will serve as a curtain raiser to the AFL side’s clash with the West Coast Eagles.
ADELAIDE: 4.4 7.5 9.6 12.8 (80)
GLENELG: 2.2 5.7 10.8 12.10 (82)
GOALS
Adelaide: Gollant 4, Schoenberg 2, Dowling, Clamp, Brown, Boyle, Himmelberg, Hately
Glenelg: McBean 5, Reynolds 2, Lyons, Proud, Hosie, Turner, Allen
BEST:
Schoenberg, Hamill, Crouch, Gollant
