Adelaide has fallen to Central District by six points at Elizabeth Oval despite a stellar comeback performance from Ricky Henderson.
Henderson collected 24 possessions, nine marks and seven rebound 50ms in his first match of the season following a four-month layoff with a fractured lower leg.
The 25-year-old utility used his experience and poise to great effect across half-back, but could not lift the SANFL Crows over the line in the 9.11 (65) to 10.11 (71) defeat.
Brad Crouch continued his own comeback from injury in style, collecting 26 disposals in another impressive performance in the midfield.
Veteran Jason Porplyzia (26 disposals, 12 marks) and young left-footer Rory Atkins (24 disposals, four clearances) were also prominent, while Shaun McKernan was again an aggressive presence in the ruck with a match-high 36 hit-outs and five marks.
The SANFL Crows were in the hunt for victory right until the final siren, despite never claiming the lead at any stage of the match. After trailing by 24 points midway through the last quarter, Adelaide mounted a last-gasp surge with three goals in the space of five minutes to close within a kick.
Time eventually ran out for the SANFL Crows, but assistant coach Tate Kaesler said the coaching group was proud of the side’s endeavour.
“That was a hard-fought contest all day and we were really happy with the resilience of the boys to keep pushing hard in that last term,” Kaesler told afc.com.au post-match.
“We can’t question the effort and intensity of the team today, but we had a few costly skill errors that hurt us at certain points.
“But in the end, full credit to Centrals. They were certainly the better side today and deserved to win in the end.”
Kaesler said there were many positives to come from the contest despite the result, including the successful return of 25-year-old Henderson.
“He was fantastic today, particularly coming back from such a serious injury,” Kaesler said.
“Ricky settled into the match very quickly, and it was pleasing to see him get a bit of touch out there after such a long time out of the game.
“It was similar to Brad Crouch last week. Both guys have come back and look in great nick, which is a fantastic endorsement for our Club.”
The Bulldogs took charge early in a scrappy opening term, with Trent Goodrem booting the first major in his return from a hamstring injury. The Dogs controlled the ball for much of the first quarter, but failed to take full advantage on the scoreboard as three consecutive Bulldog shots rattled the woodwork.
Adelaide found its rhythm at the 10-minute mark as Porplyzia, Crouch and Battersby began to win their share of the ball. The Crows failed to convert their opportunities up forward however, as Adelaide produced its first goalless term for the season to trail by 18 points at quarter time.
Fresh from booting five goals against the Eagles, Gene Robinson eventually opened the visitors’ account two minutes into the second quarter.
Both sides traded blows for the remainder of the term, until a magical long-range bomb from Cam Ellis-Yolmen gifted the Crows consecutive majors for the first time in the match. The margin was just six points at the main break.
Adelaide threatened to take the lead after Ian Callinan booted his first major of the game against his old side late in the third stanza. But the Dogs kept their noses in front leading into a tense final term.
The contest looked over when Central booted the first four goals after the final break, but Adelaide refused to lie down. The young SANFL Crows mounted a courageous final strike with three goals in the space of five minutes, but were ultimately denied a third straight victory.
The Club reported no injuries from the contest at Elizabeth Oval, however Crows midfielder Brad Crouch was reported for allegedly striking a Bulldog opponent late in the second term.
Adelaide’s next SANFL assignment is against North Adelaide at Prospect Oval next Sunday afternoon.
ADELAIDE 0.5 4.7 6.8 9.11 (65)
CENTRAL DISTRICT 3.5 5.7 6.10 10.11 (71)
GOALS
Adelaide: Robinson 2, Graham 2, Osborn, Battersby, Ellis-Yolmen, Callinan, Knight
Central District: Retzlaff 2, Goodrem 2, McIntyre 2, Mabon, Glenn, Waldhuter, Jenner
BEST
Adelaide: Porplyzia, Henderson, Kelly, McKernan, Knight
Central District: Glenn, Goodrem, Williams, Schiller, Prior
INJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
Central District: Wagner (knee strain)
