SANFL trial match vs Woodville-West Torrens: Five key takeaways

Adelaide began its preparations for the 2025 SANFL season with a clinical 50-point win over Woodville-West Torrens in a trial match at West Lakes on Friday evening.

The Crows kicked the first goal of the game inside the first minute, and did not relinquish their advantage from then on, as they led at every change to run away 14.9 (93) to 5.13 (43) victors.

Here are SANFL Senior Coach Matthew Wright’s five key takeaways from the match.

Experienced duo have great impact

The experience of Brodie Smith and Lachie Murphy proved invaluable for the Crows, as they were each prolific throughout the match and helped guide their younger teammates along the way.

Murphy was named best afield after a complete performance, where he kicked two goals and got involved heavily up the ground.

Smith showed his experience, leading the backline with great poise and executing his skills to a high standard throughout the night.

Wright spoke glowingly of the duo and the influence they had on the team.

“Their attitude has always been first class, and they are proven performers, who are constantly driving this group forward,” Wright said.

“The younger boys play bigger around them, and it was great to see them help guide their teammates throughout the four quarters.

“I thought their impact on the game was immense and both of them are playing some outstanding footy at the minute.”

Edwards impresses in new role

Second year Crow Charlie Edwards made the switch from midfielder to defender over the summer, and showed positive signs in his new position against the Eagles.

A calming presence across half back, the 19-year-old did not look out of place in defence, as he worked hard to quell the influence of his opponent and had an impact with ball in hand.

He also managed to sneak forward and kick a goal from outside 50 late in the match, to cap off an impressive night.

Wright said it was great to see Edwards add another dimension to his game.

“It (the positional change) is great for his development, he played a lot of league footy last season and I thought by the end of the year he grew into a really good midfielder at this level,” Wright said.

“So for him to go down back this summer and settle in really well, it adds another string to his bow, and today we caught a good glimpse of what he can do in that role across half back.

“He, along with the rest of our backs, defended strongly and took the game on when required, and I think he took a real step forward today which was pleasing.”

McAndrew caps off big week

Ruckman Lachlan McAndrew celebrated his recent addition to Adelaide’s AFL list with a stand-out performance.

The 210cm New South Welshman set the tone for the Crows, giving his midfielders first look at the footy, and throwing himself into the contest both in the air and on the ground.

He also showcased his skills up forward, taking a nice mark in the pocket late in the final term and executing a perfect drop punt to add his name to the goal-kickers list.

“I thought he serviced our mids beautifully all day, it was a super impressive performance,” Wright said.

“He just wants to compete, and when that’s the starting point from your ruckman you are in a pretty good place.

“We also saw him drop that set shot in from the pocket, which not many big men can do to be honest, so his game is a great space and he’s really taken his opportunity with both hands.”

Drury’s reward for effort

Marquee SANFL recruit Blake Drury showed the class he will bring to the Crows’ outfit in 2025 as he produced a complete performance against the Eagles.

Starting the game up forward, the 21-year-old made the most of his opportunities in front of the sticks, kicking a game-high three goals.

But it was his versatility that impressed Wright the most, as he spent time on the wing throughout the match and was influential in setting up the Crows’ ball movement.

“I’m not surprised at all with how Blake went today, he’s had an incredible summer and his ability to play multiple roles has been really valuable for us,” Wright said.

“He played forward and a bit of wing today and was really impressive in how he impacted the game.

“His buy into the program and leadership has been first class all summer, and to see him get some reward today was very pleasing.”

Midfield mix shows promise

Adelaide’s mix of midfielders displayed their class throughout the night, with their ability to win clearances and send the ball following allowing the match to be played on the Crows’ terms.

Harry Schoenberg, Sam Berry and Zac Taylor were all prolific in gathering the ball, while the injection of Murphy gave the group a different dimension which troubled the Eagles on a number of occasions.

“We had a pretty experienced line-up running through there and I thought they were pretty dynamic,” Wright said.

“You’ve got your inside bulls with Shonny (Harry Schoenberg) and Bez (Sam Berry) and you’ve got some speed and agility with Murph (Lachie Murphy) and Zaccy Taylor.

“I thought they complemented each other really well and were outstanding in giving us a lot of forward half footy today.”

SCOREBOARD

ADELAIDE: 4.3 7.7 10.7 14.9

WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS: 3.3 3.7 4.9 5.13

Goals: Drury 3, Murphy 2, T Murray 2, Edwards, Cook, Smith, Taylor, Schoenberg, McAndrew, O’Leary