Adelaide has locked up a top three SANFL finish after defeating West Adelaide by 38 points at Johnstone Park, Murray Bridge on Sunday.
The Crows' accuracy in front of goals helped them get off to a strong start to the game and ultimately run out 15.6 (96) to 8.10 (58) winners.
The game was the inaugural Neil Kerley Memorial Match, serving as an opportunity to remember the South Australian Football great.
Here are the five key takeaways.
Strachan wins Neil Kerley Medal
Kieran Strachan dominated the ruck battle against West Adelaide, and for his outstanding performance was awarded the inaugural Neil Kerley Medal.
Strachan helped Adelaide win the hitout battle 63 to 14, having 59 himself, after sole rucking for most of the afternoon with Elliott Himmelberg going down early.
“Kieran has had a really good period, week in and week out he is just a great competitor for us,” SANFL Senior Coach Michael Godden said.
“He had a bit of an injury with his hand and he was in a fair bit of pain but he stuck it out for the boys, so really happy.”
Strachan finished with 19 disposals, six marks and five tackles.
Gollant bags six
Forward Lachlan Gollant was pivotal in getting the Crows off to a strong start, booting three first quarter goals to set up a haul of six for the day.
He was also a dominant presence around the ground, with his contested marking a highlight of what Godden described as an excellent all-round performance.
“Lachie has been in really good form recently and obviously jumps at the ball at the highest point,” Godden said.
“Even when the ball was wet his hands were really sticky, he kicked truly so it was an outstanding effort.”
Gollant finished with 15 disposals, five marks – three contested marks – and two tackles.
Dowling dangerous up front
First-year midfielder Billy Dowling took another solid step forward in his development, with another strong outing against West Adelaide.
Dowling made his presence felt around the ground, winning plenty of the ball and was dangerous when up forward, booting the first two goals of the second quarter.
“It is great that he can impact a game forward, it’s important for guys to be able to play in multiple roles,” Godden said.
“When the ball was a bit drier he was really dangerous up front, so today was another step in the right direction.”
Dowling finished with 20 disposals, five marks, eight tackles and six inside 50’s.
Midfielders bring the pressure
Midfielders Sam Berry, Jackson Hately and Tyler Brown excelled as an on-ball unit, bringing the heat from the first bounce.
The trio all recorded double digit tackles, with Adelaide as a team laying 102.
“It was one of those types of days where it drizzled most of the game so there was a fair bit of ball on the ground,” Godden said.
“Those guys have been outstanding for us for a long time and they continue to fight.”
Berry finished with 25 disposals, 11 tackles and four inside 50s, Hately had 26 touches, 16 tackles and eight inside 50s while Brown collected 18 disposals, 11 tackles and four marks.
Defenders hold strong
Adelaide’s back six held strong throughout the afternoon, and was able to limit the effectiveness of the Bloods’ inside 50 entries.
It was a different looking backline with the likes of Mark Keane, James Borlase and Luke Nankervis all being elevated to the AFL squad, however Godden was pleased with the effort of those who stepped up.
“It was a really tough day, we have elevated some guys to the AFL and we do thin out a bit,” Godden said.
“For the guys who have come in Jaidan Kappler, Blayne O’Loughlin, obviously Madgen and Riley Clamp went back so for those guys to stand up as a back seven was really pleasing.”
Adelaide’s next SANFL game will be against Sturt at Unley Oval on Saturday afternoon with the first bounce at 2:10pm.
ADELAIDE: 5.0 9.0 12.4 15.6 (96)
WEST ADELAIDE: 3.2 3.4 6.8 8.10 (58)
GOALS
Adelaide: Gollant 6, Wright 4, Dowling 2, McHenry, Hately, Sharrad
West Adelaide: Beech 4, Corbett, Johnson, Steele, Maguire
Best: Strachan, Gollant, Hatley, Wright, Parnell, Berry
