Adelaide’s SANFL side went down to Norwood by 18 points at the Parade on Friday night.

The undefeated Redlegs proved a tough test for the Crows, in the 10.12 (72) vs 7.12 (54) defeat. 

Here are the five key takeaways from the match: 

Stratchan works into contest 

Ruckman Kieran Strachan led from the front against Norwood, battling hard through all four quarters. 

Along with providing strong tap work, Stratchan covered the ground well, playing a kick behind the ball which led to him taking multiple intercept marks. 

“I think it was a really strong battle in the ruck, and as the game went on Strachan got better,” SANFL Senior Coach Michael Godden said.

“I thought around the ground Kieran did some really nice things.”

Strachan finished with 22 disposals, eight marks, 32 hit outs and eight rebound 50s. 

Murphy plays at right tempo  

Forward Lachlan Murphy was active in Adelaide’s forward half, providing pressure and being lively in front of goals.

Murphy showed his unselfish nature, lowering the eyes on multiple occasions to find his teammates in more dangerous positions. 

“What you are looking for from someone like Lachie who has played a lot of AFL footy is to play at AFL speed and we have seen that the last couple of weeks,” Godden said.

“The pleasing thing was even though he got starved of opportunities, everything he did, he did at AFL level.”

Murphy finished with 21 disposals, five marks, three clearances, three inside 50s and a goal.

Reliable Borlase

Defender James Borlase was a reliable force at full back all night for the Crows, rarely losing a one-on-one contest and showing great composure with ball in hand. 

On multiple occasions Borlase impacted contests with spoils, and showed his ability to read the play, leaving his man to impact opposition attacks. 

“Every time he plays at the moment it is at a super high level, I thought he was outstanding tonight both one-on-one and coming off helping,” Godden said. 

“A few weeks ago I said it was one of his best games, but I think tonight was the best.” 

Borlase finished with 15 disposals, five marks and four rebound 50s. 

Ryan shows resilience 

Defender Oscar Ryan showed plenty of attack on the ball, helping to launch Adelaide off half back, while also applying defensive pressure. 

Godden was impressed with the resilience Ryan showed, especially given the pressure the Crows’ backline was under. 

“Those young backs like Oscar, they have a lot to learn, but tonight he put up a solid effort against tough conditions, with the ball coming in pretty fast,” he said. 

“Every game is a great learning experience and only helps him grow.”

Ryan finished with 16 disposals, six tackles, three inside 50s and three rebound 50s. 

Midfielders toil hard 

Adelaide’s on-ballers battled throughout the night, with the likes of Harry Schoenberg, Billy Dowling, Sam Berry and Zac Taylor all impacting in different ways. 

Against quality opposition, Godden was happy with how they worked together. 

“I thought all the mids battled hard, those guys worked really hard together to do the best they could,” Godden said. 

“I thought collectively we fought the game out and they all did what they could to impact.” 

Schoenberg finished with 23 disposals and eight clearances, Dowling had 22 disposals and 10 tackles, while Berry laid 11 tackles and Taylor had five clearances. 

There will be no SANFL next weekend with a league wide bye.

Adelaide’s next SANFL game will be against Sturt at Unley Oval on Saturday May 25, with the first bounce at 2:30pm.

ADELAIDE: 1.4  3.7  6.8  7.12  (54)

NORWOOD: 2.2  6.6  9.10  10.12  (72)

GOALS:

Adelaide: Gollant 2, Dowling, Murphy, Boyle, Clifford, Madgen

Norwood: Heard 2, McLean 2, Callow, Cootee, Hamilton Twelftree, Morris, Nelligan 

BEST:
Borlase, Murphy, Bond, Hamill, Schoenberg