Adelaide’s SANFL side suffered a 16-point defeat in its Anzac Round clash with North Adelaide at Prospect Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The Crows mounted a late comeback with a five-goal-to-one final term, but fell 12.12 (84) to 10.8 (68).
Here are the five key takeaways from the match.
Butts returns
Defender Jordon Butts returned to action, working his back from a hamstring strain, which forced him to miss last week.
The 24-year-old was strong down back, spoiling many of North’s inside-50 entries, and SANFL Assistant Coach Matthew Wright was pleased with how he executed his role.
“He got himself fit, missed out on AFL selection and then came back and executed his role for the team beautifully,” Wright said.
“He is one who does the work so it doesn’t surprise me.”
Butts finished with 16 disposals, seven marks, three tackles and four defensive-50 rebounds.
Murphy provides energy
Forward Lachlan Murphy played his first game in almost a month against North Adelaide, having been sidelined with a knee injury.
Spending time further up the ground around stoppages, Murphy gave Adelaide extra speed and energy around the ball.
“He is one who has played 100-odd games of AFL footy so he knows how to prepare and get himself to the start line,” Wright said
“He was one that provided a lot of energy for us, I thought he was really impressive today.”
Murphy finished with 14 disposals, seven marks, two clearances and three inside-50s.
Curtin continues development
New draftee Curtin put together a complete four-quarter performance against the Roosters, getting plenty of the ball in his hands to help set up Adelaide’s offense from down back.
The defender was impactful both in the air and on the ground, impressing Wright.
"This week we played him up a bit higher and tried to get the ball in his hands, which he executed really well,” Wright said.
“His ability to intercept mark, his ability to run off, there are not too many big fellas that can take off the way that he does.”
Curtin recorded a team-high 30 disposals, to go along with seven marks, three rebound 50s and one major.
Schoenberg showing positive signs
Midfielder Harry Schoenberg continued to work his way back to full match fitness, following an Achilles injury and he played more game time than last week, proving to again be influential.
Schoenberg was showed plenty of promise both inside the contest and with his outside run.
"With Harry it is not always about the possession numbers but when he has got it his ability to drive his legs and penetrate with ball and hand,” Wright said.
"He missed a whole lot of footy so we have to build him back up now when he gets his opportunity, but he is building beautifully.”
Schoenberg finished with 23 disposals, eight tackles, seven clearances and seven inside 50s.
Burgess finishes work
Forward Chris Burgess did not need much of the ball to make an impact, booting four goals from seven kicks.
Burgess’ proved to be strong in the air, beating his opponent in one-on-one contest and he also took several big pack marks.
“It is awesome reward for effort for him to kick those goals,” Wright said.
“He is one that if you can get it to him one-on-one more often then not he is going to win most of them.”
Burgess amassed eight disposals, six marks and three contested marks.
Adelaide side will take on Port Adelaide in a SANFL 'Showdown' at Adelaide Oval on Thursday at 3.40pm.
The game will serve as a curtain raiser to the AFL Showdown.
ADELAIDE: 2.1 4.3 5.6 10.8 (68)
NORTH 6.3 7.5 11.8 12.12 (84)
GOALS:
Adelaide: Burgess 4, T.Murray 2, Gallagher, Taylor, Smithson, Curtin.
North: Harvey, Lockyer 3, Finlay 2, Szekely, McInerney, Rypstra, Fellows.
BEST:
Curtin, Butts, Burgess, Schoenberg, T.Murray, Ryan.
