Adelaide suffered its first loss of the SANFL Finals Series on Sunday, falling to minor premier Glenelg by 32 points at Adelaide Oval.
Battling for a spot in the Grand Final, an underwhelming third term ultimately cost the Crows, as the Bays kicked five unanswered goals to set-up a 16.8 (104) to 11.6 (72) victory.
Here are the five key takeaways.
Berry powerful in the centre
Adelaide midfielder Sam Berry led from the front, having a massive influence on the contest.
Berry was powerful around clearances, shrugging off tackles and bursting out of packs with pace to launch the Crows forward.
“I thought that his power out of the stoppage and his ability to break out and leave players in his wake was brilliant,” SANFL Senior Coach Michael Godden said.
“I was really proud of the way he played today because it can be a challenge, but I thought he was one of our better performers.”
Berry finished with 23 disposals, a team-high 11 tackles, eight clearances and eight inside 50s.
Cook impacts forward
Brayden Cook spent the first half playing primarily as a forward, and was able to consistently get into dangerous positions and hit the scoreboard.
Godden was pleased with Cook's game - the 21-year-old finished with three goals.
“He has played more minutes as a forward lately, so that’s given him the opportunity to kick some goals,” Godden said.
“He has shown the ability to hit the scoreboard and he’s a classy player.”
Dynamic Gollant
Forward Lachlan Gollant helped get Adelaide off to a fast start, booting two of his three majors in the first term.
Gollant showcased his ability to find the goals and get his teammates involved, with Godden labelling the key forward’s performance as “dynamic.”
“They (Glenelg) got one back in front of him a couple of times which was a bit hard for him, but I thought he conducted himself really well today,” Godden said.
“He competed as well as he always does and was very dynamic.”
Gollant also played a role in the ruck to finish with nine disposals, four marks, three tackles and six hitouts.
Hamill provides run and carry
Defender Will Hamill gave Adelaide lots of run and carry out of defence, breaking lines and propelling the ball forward.
Hamill left his mark on the contest, with Godden highlighting his ball-use and ability to put his teammates into dangerous positions.
“Will has been reasonably consistent for us all year,” Godden said.
“His ability to break into space and use the ball well is really important to us and I think he will be really important in the coming weeks.”
Hamill finished with 21 disposals, two tackles, three inside 50s and four rebound 50s.
McKenzie gets reward
Adelaide Development Player Isaya McKenzie was classy with ball in hand and penetrating with his kicks inside 50.
McKenzie received his due reward for his good work late, booting two final quarter goals to give the Crows life after the Bays’ third quarter onslaught.
“Isaya has worked his way into the season,” Godden said.
“Whenever he plays he always gives us everything and today I thought he got his reward.”
McKenzie finished with nine disposals, three marks, three tackles and five inside 50s.
Adelaide will now face Sturt in a Preliminary Final at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, with the first bounce at 3.15pm.
If the Crows win, they will book their spot in the SANFL Grand Final.
ADELAIDE: 5.2 7.4 7.5 11.5 (72)
GLENELG: 5.0 7.4 12.7 16.8 (104)
GOALS
Adelaide: Gollant, Cook 3, McKenzie 2, Dowling, Coleman, Newchurch
Glenelg: McBean, Hosie 3, Reynolds, Turner, Allen 2, Bell, Partington, Lovelock, Snook
BEST
Berry, Cook, Hamill, Madgen, Gollant
