Adelaide’s SANFL side has gone down to Sturt in its second trial game of the season by 15-points at Thebarton Oval on Saturday morning.

Here are the five key takeaways from the match:

Consistent Nankervis 

Utility Luke Nankervis worked his way into the game against the Double Blues, spending the bulk of the game on the wing.

The 20-year-old’s ball use was strong throughout the four quarters, giving Adelaide a solid outside option around stoppages.

A highlight of his game for SANFL Assistant Coach Matthew Wright was his versatility and the work rate he showed.

“He has been really consistent and one of those that probably benefits from a big summer,” Wright told AFC Media.

“He is versatile, works hard up and down the wings, obviously can play behind the footy at time as well if needed and I thought today was another opportunity for him to put his hand up.”

Hamill’s speed on display

Defender Will Hamill continued to threaten off half-back with his speed and dash helping to launch Adelaide forward.

Hamill used his pace to his advantage, willing to take the game on and impact.

He was also composed with ball in hand able to pick out the right option even when under pressure. 

“He is playing some really good footy at the minute,” Wright said. 

“His opportunity to get those handball receives and then bring in his strengths which is his leg speed, drive and ability to penetrate with ball in hands.”

Curtin providing the highlights

Defender Daniel Curtin had a strong performance showing plenty of exciting moments throughout the game.

During the first term, the 19-year-old charged forward to bomb through a goal from 50 metres out on the run.

In the second quarter Curtin got his coaches and teammates excited again, taking a specky over the top of the pack just in front of Sturt’s goal square. 

“He was impressive, very tidy below his knee, good in the air and is playing with a really good balance between offence and defence at the minute,” Wright said.

“He is getting his man done and then finding opportunities to use the ball in the hand.”

Keane leads from the back

Defender Mark Keane led Adelaide’s backline well all game, rarely being beaten one-on-one.

The key defender showed his ability to read the play when the ball was in the air, taking multiple intercept marks.

Keane was able to turn those intercept possessions into attack for the Crows and drove outline out from defence.

“I thought Keane led the backline and the team brilliantly today,” Wright said.

“Obviously it’s disappointing to miss out on AFL selection but to come back and firstly get his man done and then able to provide some offensive drive off the back of that, I thought he was really impressive.”

Development Players find the goals

Adelaide Development Players Josh Smithson and Jayden Davis gave Adelaide reliable avenues to goal throughout the game, able to both finish with multiple majors. 

Smithson booted two first half goals, while Davis plyed his trade after halftime with two of his own, impressing Wright with how the pair went about it.

“It is huge for our development program, they do a mountain of work so to come out and fit in with our AFL-listed boys, they do that pretty seamlessly,” Wright said.

“Smitho has played a bit of footy for us now, he is an experienced campaginer and is often one of our leaders ahead of the ball.

“Jayden Davis in the second half did a few tidy things, he popped up today with a couple off the back of his pressure.”

Adelaide’s SANFL side will play its last preseason trial against Woodville West Torrens at Footy Park next Friday at 4.45pm ACDT. 

ADELAIDE: 2.3  5.4  7.6  10.10 (70)
STURT: 4.2  9.4  12.7  13.7 (85)

GOALS: Smithson, Welsh, Davis 2, Curtin, Cook, Burton