Adelaide’s SANFL side went down by 38 points at Glenelg Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The Bays controlled the momentum for the opening three terms to comfortably win 16.10 (106) vs 10.8 (68).
Here are the five key takeaways from the match:
Schoenberg returns
Midfielder Harry Schoenberg played his first competitive game of footy for the year, and had an immediate impact with his ability to win the ball.
While on reduced game time returning from an Achilles injury sustained late last season, Schoenberg looked like he had not missed a step, playing through the midfield when on the ground.
“We are just rapt for Harry to get back and play footy,” SANFL Senior Coach Michael Godden said.
“It has been a long offseason for him and with the club’s growing injuries list it is nice to see someone come back and play well.”
Schoenberg finished with 19 disposals, three tackles, three clearances and four inside 50s.
High-flying Burgess
Forward Chris Burgess showed his forward craft throughout the contest, making the most of his opportunities when they presented.
Burgess’ ability to impact in the air was on display, taking multiple high-flying contested marks, taking four for the afternoon.
“I thought he was really good, competed well, finished his work, kicked a beautiful goal from that outer pocket,” Godden said.
“He had limited opportunities but I thought he fought well.”
Burgess booted three goals, to go along with 12 disposals, seven marks and three inside 50s.
Rebounding Ryan
Oscar Ryan provided plenty of drive out of the Crows’ defence, recording a game-high 10 rebound 50s.
Ryan spent the game playing on last season’s Ken Farmer Medallist Lachlan Hosie, with Godden labelling it a great learning experience for him.
“That was great for him and in terms of education you can’t get any better than that,” Godden said.
“We allowed him as well as Dan Curtin and Hugh Bond to play one-on-one against good players and I think all three will walk away better players.”
The 19-year-old amassed 21 disposals, three marks and five tackles.
Strachan makes impact
The Crows were able to remain competitive in the clearance battle (39-30) thanks in part to the tap-work of ruckman Kieran Strachan.
Strachan had 36 hit outs himself, with Adelaide winning the hit outs 49 vs 25.
“Kieran we know is a premier ruck in the competition and he is a consistent performer for us,” Godden said.
“He is in good form.”
Strachan finished with 14 disposals, two marks, three tackles, three inside 50s and three rebound 50s.
Crows fight to the end
Down by 77 points early in the fourth term Adelaide showed a never say die attitude, fighting to kick the final six goals of the game.
The effort to remain composed and continue to battle pleased Godden, considering the side featured a number of young players.
“They are a bunch of really inexperienced kids that had just got smacked in the face so for them to keep going and keep adhering to what we are trying to achieve and take the scoreboard out of it was really pleasing,” Godden said
“That is not easy to do, so I was really happy with them today.”
Adelaide’s SANFL side next game will be against North Adelaide at Prospect Oval with the first bounce at 2:30pm.
ADELAIDE: 0.2 3.3 4.3 10.8 (68)
GLENELG: 5.3 9.6 15.8 16.10 (106)
GOALS:
Adelaide: Burgess 3, Smithson 3, Himmelberg 2, Dowling, Pedlar
Glenelg: McBean 5, Hosie 4, Reynolds 3, Bailey, Bell, Allen, Holder
BEST:
Himmelberg, Burgess, J.Boyle, Schoenberg, Madgen, Curtin
