Adelaide’s SANFL season has come to an end after a 14-point loss to Sturt on Saturday afternoon.

Inaccuracy plagued both sides, with Sturt having more chances in front of goal, to come away 7.18 (60) vs 5.16 (46) victors.

Here are the five key takeaways from the match:

Hamill provides drive out of defence

Defender Will Hamill used the ball well off halfback for the Crows, always composed with ball in hand.

Hamill’s accuracy by foot was a highlight, along with his drive and punch out of defence.

“Will Hamill and Brodie Smith were our one-two punch, but they put a bit of work into Brodie which really freed up Will,” SANFL Assistant Coach Matthew Wright said.

“His punch off half back, his leg drive and ability to hit a target going forward was really important for us today.”

Hamill finished with 25 disposals, 22 kicks, five marks and 13 rebound 50s.

Rachele on ball

Forward/midfielder Josh Rachele played the majority of the game as an onballer, where he effectively worked his way into the game.

A new role for Rachele, Wright was pleased with his impact on the contest and how he approached the game.

“I thought he worked his backside off," Wright said.

"It’s been a big week and a half for him, but he bought in and he just wanted to make the team better today which he did.

“He played through the midfield which is a new role for him, and it is going to be part of his development going forward."

Rachele finished with 17 disposals, three marks, three tackles and six clearances.

Murray has chances

Forward Toby Murray looked dangerous from the first bounce, getting multiple chances at goal, including Adelaide’s first three scoring shots.

While he was unable to capitalise on all of his opportunities, Murray battled throughout the afternoon.

“It’s an awesome story. He comes into our program training one day a week to then get picked up in the Mid-season Draft and has given us everything,” Wright said.

“He couldn’t quite finish his work off today, but anytime you are having six shots on goal as a key forward it is generally a good day.”

Murray finished with nine disposals, five marks, eight hit outs and six scoring shots.

Himmelberg down back

Tall Elliott Himmelberg spent the afternoon playing at fullback, able to limit the impact of Sturt's key forwards.

With Adelaide lacking size in defence, Himmelberg moved down back to cover the void.

“He’s an AFL forward and we went to him and asked if he would play down back and help the team out,” Wright said.

“He played really well which is not only a credit to himself but a credit to the footy club and the buy-in we get into our SANFL program.”

Himmelberg finished with nine disposals, six marks and two tackles.

Crows narrowly miss out on Finals

Adelaide finishes its 2024 SANFL Season sixth on the ladder - missing out on Finals by percentage.

Following a slow start to the season, the side rallied to make a push up the ladder which included winning four of its last five games.

“To start the season with two wins and seven losses and then come away six and three after the bye was a really pleasing response for the work the boys put in,” Wright said.

“It would have been nice to get to Adelaide Oval in an elimination final, but unfortunately we are not going to be there.”

ADELAIDE: 2.2  2.9  4.11  5.16  (46)

STURT: 2.6  5.10  6.16  7.18  (60)

GOALS:

Adelaide: Gollant 2, T.Murray, Gallagher, Strachan

Sturt: Hone 2, Thiele, Burrows, Dakin, Grivell, Conforti

BESTS:

Hamill, Madgen, Rachele, T.Murray, McHenry, Himmelberg