Adelaide’s SANFL side had a strong showing in its first trial game of the season, defeating West Adelaide by 35 points at West Lakes on Saturday morning.
Here are the five key takeaways from the match.
Draftees showcase promising signs
Adelaide’s crop of new draftees all had exciting moments throughout the hit-out, showing flashes of what they can bring this season.
Defender Daniel Curtin displayed his intercept marking ability, taking a handful of nice grabs.
Midfielder Charlie Edwards was also solid and booted a goal in the second term, while backman Oscar Ryan showed how damaging he could be, providing dash and a penetrating kick.
“Curts has obviously had a few interruptions over the past six weeks, so I’m really happy to see him out there performing well, intercept marks and using the ball well,” Godden said.
“Charlie has beautiful hands inside and he is just working out stoppage craft and all the different things, but I thought he was really strong today.
“Oscar has some real excitement about him and for his first time playing against men at this level it is a great learning curve.”
Adelaide’s class shines through in second half
Coming off a tightly contested opening half, where both sides had their opportunities, Adelaide was able to control the momentum in the second half.
Despite some scoring inaccuracy, the Crows dominated time in forward half after the main break, highlighted by having 16 scoring shots compared to nine.
Crows SANFL Senior Coach Michael Godden said he was impressed with the overall performance, considering there being a number of fresh faces.
“I was really happy with the group, it’s a completely new group this year and obviously a lot less experienced than we have had in previous years,” Godden told AFC Media.
“There is going to be a lot to learn and to improve on but I was really impressed, their attitude was outstanding.”
Young midfielders stand up
Midfielder Zac Taylor was clean around the contest and amassed plenty of the ball.
Taylor was composed and took his time to pick out the right option.
He was well supported by fellow midfielder Hugh Bond, who was strong at stoppages, reading the ball off the hands of the ruckmen well to have multiple centre clearances.
“Zac is a player who missed a lot of last year, so we know the kid has talent and it was nice to see him get his hands on the footy today,” Godden said.
“It was Bond’s first time having a go in the midfield and I am really pleased for him because I thought he worked into the game strongly today.”
Goal kicking shared around
Adelaide shared the goal kicking duties around against the Bloods, with 10 players slotting majors.
For Godden the most pleasing part was seeing the SANFL-listed players also impacting the scoreboard with five of them finishing with goals.
“It’s a new group of development players as well, so we have got some guys that haven’t played at this level before,” Godden said.
“It’s really pleasing to see them hit the scoreboard and play as well as they did.
“It’s a credit to all the people who work behind the scenes.”
Cook’s big fourth term
Utility Brayden Cook split his time between the wing and the half-forward line to be one of the standout performers, particularly in the final term.
Cook finished with a game-high three goals and Godden said it was a reward for the 21-year-old’s solid pre-season.
“Brayden is a super talent, has played AFL footy and played well at AFL level,” Godden said.
“We know his future is very bright.
“He is playing more midfield than pushing forward and we have been really pleased with Brayden’s preseason.”
Adelaide’s SANFL side will play Sturt in a second trial game at Thebarton Oval on Saturday, March 16 at 10am.
ADELAIDE: 3.2 6.5 9.11 13.14 (92)
WESTIES: 1.2 5.5 6.5 8.9 (57)
GOALS: Cook 3, Smithson 2, T Murray, Daniele, Coleman, Edwards, Dowling, Gollant, Taylor, Davis.
