Adelaide’s SANFL side recorded its third win of the season, knocking off Reigning Premier Glenelg by 39 points at Glenelg Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The Crows did not waste their chances in front of the big sticks, mounting on the scoreboard pressure early to topple the Tigers 15.6 (96) to 7.15 (57).

Here are the five key takeaways from the match.

Talls fire early

Adelaide took full advantage of kicking with the wind in the first term and put itself in a strong position with the tall forwards leading the way.

Lachlan Gollant booted the opening three goals of the game within the first 15 minutes.

Fellow tall Chris Burgess added two quick majors, before Riley Thilthorpe got on the board with one to give Adelaide a 29-point lead at the first break.

“They have been doing a heap of work with their ground level stuff, so I think it was really noticeable if they didn’t clunk it, they were able to follow up at ground level,” SANFL Assistant Coach Matthew Wright said.

“It helped us play the game in the front half, they all contributed solidly.”

Thilthorpe returns

AFL-listed forward Riley Thilthorpe played his first competitive match for the year in his return from a knee injury that had sidelined him since pre-season.

And the 21-year-old showed strong signs in his return.

Playing reduced game time, Thilthorpe worked his way into the game, led strongly and was rewarded with three goals.

“First and foremost it was awesome to have him back out there, I think everyone saw the work he has done in the gym to get himself into that position,” Wright said.

“For him to come in off a long layoff to then have an impact on the game against a quality back group it was pleasing.”

Thilthorpe also recorded nine disposals, five marks and four hi-touts.

Smith provides valuable leadership

Defender Brodie Smith gave Adelaide plenty of class off half-back, with his composure and proving an asset for the Crows. 

Smith’s experience and leadership was on full display, he vocal in defence to ensure the back six played together as a strong collective unit.

“He does all the stuff with ball in hand, but then to have an experienced head out there, he’s been a leader of our footy club for a long time,” Wright said.

“You could see when Glenelg got a bit of a role on and kicked a couple in a row he was able to get the backs group together and compose them.”

Smith finished with a game-high 26 disposals, eight marks, four tackles, seven inside-50s and 10 rebound-50s.

Strachan dominants aerially 

Ruckman Kieran Strachan proved to be to much for the hosts to handle, with the 28-year-old having a dominant performance both in the ruck and around the ground.

Strachan’s aerial presence was a standout. He took multiple contested marks down the line to deny Glenelg from transitioning the ball forward.

“He has been really dominant with hit-outs and clearances, but aerially I thought he got back to the Stranchy that we have seen the last few years and today he was huge in the air,” Wright said.

“He provided first-use, was able to get the ball going our way and gave our mids a fair crack at it.”

Strachan amassed 18 disposals, 11 marks – five contested – 41 hit-outs, three clearances and a game-high nine inside-50s.

Borlase locks down opponent

Defender James Borlase played an important role for Adelaide by limiting the impact of three-time SANFL Ken Farmer Medallist Liam McBean.

Often the last line of defence, Borlase stood tall, performing consistently throughout all four terms to help the Crows to victory. 

“It’s a credit to the amount of work that James has been able to do,” Wright said.

“He did a terrific job on Liam today, so its pleasing for him to come back in and play his role and execute.”

Borlase finished with 10 disposals, four marks and two tackles.

Adelaide plays Central District Elizabeth Oval on Sunday, July 7, with the first bounce at 1:10pm.

SCOREBOARD

ADELAIDE: 6.1  8.2  14.4  15.6  (96)

GLENELG: 1.2  2.8  5.10  7.15  (57)

GOALS

Adelaide: Gollant 4, Thilthorpe, Burgess 3, Edwards, H.Boyle, J.Boyle, McHenry, O’Leary.

Glenelg: Reynolds, McGree 2, Lyons, Gerloff, McBean.

BEST

Adelaide: Smith, Strachan, Burgess, Bond, Gollant, Ryan.