Adelaide’s SANFL side was unable to match it with a determined Norwood outfit and went down by 63 points at Norwood Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The Redlegs made the most of their opportunities early and went on to to claim a 14.18 (102) to 5.9 (39) victory.
Here are the five key takeaways from the match.
Jones competes
Wingman Chayce Jones was composed with ball in hand and showed good decision making.
Jones competed hard from the opening bounce, leaving SANFL Senior Coach Michael Godden happy with the way he went about it, despite it being a difficult game at times for the 24-year-old.
“I really liked Chayce’s game, I thought he competed really hard for us,” Godden said.
“I put him in the midfield for a little while because it was one of those days where unfortunately the ball was going over the top of the wingers heads, but I was pleased with his attitude.”
Jones finished with 20 disposals, two marks, four clearances and two inside-50s.
Curtin shows promise on-ball
First-year player Dan Curtin played primarily as an on-baller against Norwood, where his size and athleticism gave Adelaide something different through the middle.
Curtin was strong in the air and when the ball was on the ground.
His contested work and tackling pressure were highlights of his game.
“It was good to see him have another game in the midfield, he’s played back and now he is having some time in the midfield,” Godden said.
“I thought individually he was pretty solid today, got enough of the footy, kicked a couple of goals, looked dangerous aerially which was a real positive for him.”
Curtin finished with 22 disposals, four marks, seven tackles, four clearances and two majors.
Borlase holds up well
Defender James Borlase held up well in one-on-one contests.
Borlase impressed Godden with his consistency and ability to continue to defend at a high-level despite the large number of inside-50s conceded.
“James has been a really consistent performer for us,” Godden said.
“Very tough today defending a lot of inside-50s, but another really strong game by him.”
Borlase amassed 16 disposals, three marks – two contested – three tackles and five rebound-50s.
Toby Murray provides aerial presence
Forward Toby Murray gave Adelaide an aerial presence and marking target around the ground.
Despite the lack of supply up forward, Murray influenced the game higher up the ground, taking multiple strong contested marks.
He also served well as a second ruck.
“Toby had moments, of course all of the forwards were under a lot of pressure because we didn’t have a lot of entries, so they had to make the most of every opportunity,” Godden said.
“Toby had his moments, he still has a bit to work on but he certainly gave us some good aerial power at times.”
Murray recorded 16 disposals, seven marks – two contested – 10 hit-outs and four inside-50s.
Ryan continues development
Defender Oscar Ryan continued his strong State League form, providing Adelaide with plenty of pace off half-back.
Ryan was strong distributing the ball early and took the game on well.
“Oscar has had a good period of footy, today was a bit tougher for him,” Godden said.
“The Norwood forwards got a hold of us a bit, but again they had a lot of supply so it was hard for our small backs to defend that.”
Ryan picked up 17 possessions, three marks and seven rebound-50s.
Adelaide’s SANFL team plays North Adelaide at Prospect Oval on Saturday, July 20, at 2:10pm.
SCOREBOARD
ADELAIDE: 0.6 1.8 1.8 5.9 (39)
NORWOOD: 5.5 8.7 13.13 14.18 (102)
GOALS:
Adelaide: Curtin 2, Burgess, Welsh, Thomas.
Norwood: Lowe 3, Murley, Hamilton 2, Morris, Kennerley, Gale, Twelftree, Callow, Cootee, Carroll.
BEST:
Curtin, Jones, McHenry, Borlase.
