Adelaide continued its winning ways on Saturday afternoon, comfortably defeating cross town rivals Port Adelaide by 65 points at Adelaide Oval.
The Crows were the far more polished side in front of goal, kicking the first 13 majors of the game to claim a comprehensive 14.8 (92) to 2.15 (27) victory.
The win marks the first time since 2016 that Adelaide has won both SANFL Showdowns in a season.
Here are the five key takeaways
Capitalising on opportunities
Adelaide’s ability to make the most of its chances played a pivotal role in the Showdown victory.
Despite both sides having 10 scoring shots at half time, the Crows were poised when opportunities presented, and kicked 8.2 compared to Port’s 0.10.
This gave Adelaide a 40-point cushion at the main break to seal its 11th win of the season.
“Scoreboard pressure is everything and it can become a bit like a pandemic when you’re kicking points,” SANFL Senior Coach Michael Godden said.
“Finishing and connection is really important and we were lucky to finish.”
Berry dominates clearances
Midfielder Sam Berry was a standout contributor through the midfield, winning a game-high 29 disposals and nine clearances.
Berry was clinical around the stoppages all day and showed his class to give the Crows forwards ample opportunity to kick a winning score.
Godden said it was pleasing to see Berry put together such a complete game.
“Sam has been in really good touch, and he is really building,” Godden said.
“We know what a quality player he is, and he just needs consistency in his game, and he has got that at the moment.”
Cook hits the scoreboard
Wingman Brayden Cook was at his damaging best against the Magpies, floating forward from the wing to kick three goals.
Cook showcased his football IQ and was able to read the game to get into dangerous positions.
“I thought he was pressing the game and he got on the end of a couple which was through working hard,” Godden said.
“That is a good response for a guy that went up and played AFL last week, he would have been disappointed not to play this week, so to come out and kick three and play the way he did was great.”
Cook finished with three majors, 17 disposals, three marks and four rebound 50s.
McHenry’s hard running on display
Ned McHenry enjoyed a strong performance against Port Adelaide, with his hard running on full display.
McHenry played the ultimate team game, being unselfish in the forward 50 to set up others for scoring opportunities.
“Ned hasn’t played a lot of game time this year because he has played a lot as the sub,” Godden said.
“For him to get the opportunity to play a full game was very pleasing and he got a good run under his belt.”
McHenry finished with 24 disposals, nine marks and two inside 50s.
Himmelberg’s complete game
Forward Elliott Himmelberg was the focal point of Adelaide’s attack on Saturday afternoon, booting four goals.
But it was not just his work around the sticks that made his game so impressive, as he also pushed hard up the ground to collect 17 disposals, take eight marks and lay five tackles.
“Really happy with Elliott, the last few weeks he has been really good and tonight he got the reward,” Godden said.
“His work in the air and on the ground as a forward and ruck was very good.”
There will be no SANFL game next week with a league wide bye.
Adelaide will return to SANFL action the following week against West Adelaide at Richmond Oval on Sunday the 13th of August, with the first bounce at 2:10pm.
ADELAIDE: 3.2 8.2 12.5 14.8 (92)
PORT: 0.4 0.10 0.12 2.15 (27)
GOALS
Adelaide: Himmelberg 4, Cook, Newchurch 3, Boyle, McHenry, Gollant, Sharrad
Port: Mead, Jackson
BEST:
Himmelberg, Madgen, Berry, Strachan, Sholl, Cook
