Adelaide has fallen short to a fast-starting North Adelaide outfit by nine-points at Prospect Oval on Sunday afternoon.
North Adelaide was hot out of the blocks, kicking six first term goals, with Adelaide unable to reduce the margin over the next three quarters.
The Crows ultimately went down 10.6 (66) to 7.15 (57).
Here are the five key takeaways.
Key backs intercept
Despite Adelaide coming under fire early, key defenders James Borlase and Mark Keane worked their way well into the game, taking important intercept marks.
This was on display during the second term where Adelaide was able to keep North to just one shot on goal from 10 inside 50s.
“I thought once we started to get a bit more pressure around the footy those guys were able to get their game going,” Godden said.
“I thought James was really good and Keaney as well.”
Borlase finished with 18 disposals and 13 marks, while Keane had 15 touches and 10 marks.
Crouch continues form
On-baller Matt Crouch continued his strong form, showing great patience with ball in hand and smart decision making throughout the day.
Adelaide looked to get the ball in Crouch’s hands, with the midfielder consistently able to pick out a teammate and help launch the Crows forward.
“Matt is a prolific ball finder and he is obviously very good at this level,” SANFL Senior Coach Michael Godden said.
“You can’t question his effort and it was another strong effort by him.”
Crouch finished with a game-high 36 disposals, eight marks, six clearances and four inside 50s.
Newchurch impressive finishes
Forward Tariek Newchurch made the most of his opportunities in front of goal, booting a game-high three majors.
Newchurch showcased his customary flair throughout the match, with two classy second quarter finishes helping get the Crows back into the game.
“His finishing was really nice but it was disappointing as a team that we have to rely on two or three bits of brilliance to keep us in the game,” Godden said.
“It was nice that he was able to finish and get onto the ends of those opportunities.”
Newchurch finished with 16 disposals, three marks and four inside 50’s.
Strachan and Himmelberg split ruck duties
Kieran Strachan and Elliott Himmelberg split time between ruck and forward against the Roosters, with the pair offering Adelaide a different dynamic.
Godden said that the splitting of time was needed for both players to make sure they are continuing to add to their game.
“There is an element of education in that, so we just make sure that Elliott is getting enough time in the ruck and Kieran has to look at some time forward” he said.
“They have to make sure that they are adding to their game so it’s less about structure and making sure they get what they need out of playing footy.”
Strachan finished with 18 disposals, seven marks and 17 hit-outs, while Himmelberg had 16 touches, eight marks – three contested – and 18 hit-outs.
Hamill shows growth
Defender Will Hamill gave Adelaide plenty of dash off half back and was willing to take the game to get Adelaide forward.
Hamill’s work rate was on display throughout the contest with the growth he has showed in his game pleasing Godden.
“There are a lot of things that he has been working on and he executed that today which we are most pleased about,” Godden said.
“Internally we were really happy with the things that he did, he has been building his game.”
Hamill finished with 18 disposals, two marks and three inside 50’s.
Adelaide’s next SANFL game will be against Central District at Nuriootpa Oval on Saturday afternoon with the first bounce at 2:30pm.
ADELAIDE: 1.3 4.6 6.9 7.15 (57)
NORTH: 6.3 7.3 9.6 10.6 (66)
GOALS
Adelaide: Newchurch 3, Gollant 2, McAdam, Hately
North: Lockyer, Szekely 2, Mayes, Patmore, Hilder, McCann, White, Dinning
BEST:
Crouch, Hamill, Borlase, Berry, Keane
