The Club's SANFL side was unable to match it with a determined West Adelaide outfit, falling short by 20 points at Richmond Oval on Saturday afternoon.

A dominant third term by the Bloods, in which they outscored Adelaide five-goals-to-one proved the difference in their 11.8 (74) to 7.12 (54) victory.

The match marked the second week of the SANFL’s First Nations Round, celebrating the contribution of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island players, with the Club changing its name to Kuwarna during the special rounds.

Here are the five key takeaways from the match:

Murray makes successful return

Defender Nick Murray made his long-awaited return to competitive footy, following an ACL injury, and he looked back at home in the back six.

Playing alongside his younger brother Toby for the first time in almost a decade after the Club secured him at the AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, Murray's intercept marking was strong.

His one-on-one defending was also prolific, with SANFL Assistant Coach Matthew Wright saying it was a credit to Murray for the work he had put in.

“For him to come in and perform the way he did, aerially and ball in hand, he was excellent against his direct opponent and leadership,” Wright said.

“For us it was about him getting back and playing footy, he has really high standards of himself which ultimately is why he performed the way he did today.”

Murray finished with 17 disposals, six marks - four contested - three tackles, two inside-50s and six rebound-50s.

Billy’s big day

On-baller Billy Dowling led the way for Kuwarna through the midfield, winning lots of the ball and helping to link up the play.

Dowling continued his strong State League form, working hard around the ground.

“He is playing really good footy, we sometimes forget he is a kid playing inside mid at SANFL level which is no easy task,” Wright said.

“He is working his backside off and he is very diligent doing what he does, he is one that just needs to keep building his game.”

Dowling amassed a game-high 29 disposals, eight marks, four tackles and six inside-50s.

Strachan tap work on display

Ruckman Kieran Strachan dominated the hit-outs against the Bloods, helping Kuwarna to a 53-21 advantage, having 44 of his own.

Strachan also impacted once the ball hit the deck and around the ground and he also stood tall as a strong target.

“He was able to impact in the air, give our mids first look which isn’t translating to clearances but he is doing what he can at the minute,” Wright said.

“I thought aerially he has been back to the level we have come to know and expect from him the last couple of week.”

Strachan finished with 20 disposals, seven marks, four clearances, four inside-50s and one goal.

Toby Murray’s first game as an AFL-listed player

Ruck/forward Toby Murray had his first hit-out since officially becoming Kuwarna AFL player after being picked up by the Club in the Mid-Season Draft and he showed his versatility.

The younger Murray provided support in the ruck, along with being a marking target in the forward 50, where he competed well to bring the ball to ground or take marks himself.

“He’s one that is going to be really important for us going forward not just at SANFL level but at AFL level,” Wright said.

“He definitely has the attributes which is why he ends up on a list, so he just needs to consistently keep building his game.”

Murray recorded with 10 disposals, five marks, nine hit-outs and two goals.

Curtin creates opportunities

Defender Dan Curtin spent more time higher up the field against West Adelaide and was able to influence the game.

The youngster created opportunities with his penetrating run and booming kick.

“He is tracking really well, he has done a heap of work to get himself physically prepared and we are seeing all come together now,” Wright said.

“Consistency is going to be his best friend if he can just consistently do the right things well over and over.”

Curtin finished with 21 disposals, seven marks, two tackles and seven rebound 50s.

The Club will take on South Adelaide in Round Nine at Noarlunga Oval on Saturday, June 8 at 1.15pm.

SCOREBOARD

KUWARNA: 0.2  3.5  4.9  7.12  (54)

WEST ADELAIDE: 3.2  4.4  9.7  11.8 (74)

GOALS

Kuwarna: T.Murray, Gallagher 2, Strachan, Clifford, Edwards.

West Adelaide: Redfern 2, Ellem, McCormick, Laudato, Morrish, Patton, Ryan, Searle, Johnson, Stevens.

BEST

Kuwarna: N.Murray, Strachan, Dowling, Gallagher, Bond.