A clash against reigning back-to-back premier Glenelg will provide Adelaide’s SANFL side a chance to prove it can be a contender this season, according to Development Coach Andrew McPherson.

The Good Friday blockbuster will be a perfect litmus test for the second-placed Crows, who will be eyeing a big scalp after producing a pair of strong wins against West Adelaide and North Adelaide to start their campaign.

The Bays, however, have started their campaign in a similar vein, and sit marginally above the Crows on the ladder, with Friday’s clash set to be a battle for top spot. 

Speaking to AFC Media in the lead-up to the match, McPherson said the squad was excited by the challenge..

“This game could not have come at a better time for us, it’ll test us out in a number of areas which is exactly what we need,” McPherson said.

“The Bays are in pretty good form, continuing on from the last couple of years where they won the premiership, so it is probably as close as our boys will come to playing against an AFL side in the SANFL.

“They (Glenelg) are really strong, they have been for a while now, and have a lot of guys who have played AFL footy in the past, so it’s great experience for our guys to come up against that.

“Obviously our list is in a great spot at the moment, so I feel we can really match them and take it to them.”

Glenelg has been the SANFL’s pace setters for the past two seasons, as it sports a list full of high-level talent that has proved itself in big matches.

McPherson acknowledged the class of the upcoming opponent and highlighted what the Crows needed to do to give themselves a chance to win.

“They are a massively talented team, especially ahead of the footy they’ve got some very dangerous targets, so put simply, we need to limit their supply,” McPherson said. 

“That will come by winning it (the ball) at the source, getting it done on the inside of the contest and playing front half of footy.

“Being the quality of team they are, we know they will get on top at times, we just need to be able to absorb that pressure and quickly get the game on our terms.”

Adelaide finds itself in a strong position in terms of availability, with just three players on its injury list, meaning it has had a strong representation of AFL listed players in its SANFL side.

McPherson said that influx of experience was critical to the Crows’ strong start to 2025. 

“It’s been a really good start to the season for us and I think the pleasing thing is so many guys have showcased they are playing above the level now and giving themselves the best opportunity to play AFL footy,” McPherson said.

“The boys have come together and worked really well as a unit so far, it’s been such a great team effort which has been excellent to see.

“In terms of standouts it's hard to pick out individuals, but I think having the experience of guys like Brodie Smith and Lachie Murphy has been invaluable for us this year, and given the group that extra bit of composure which has really shone through.” 

Similarly to the players he is mentoring, McPherson is on a development journey, as he embarks on his second season on Adelaide’s coaching staff.

Assuming the position only months after his playing career ended, he said the transition into life as a coach had been seamless.

“I’m loving it (my coaching role) at the moment, it’s been a really nice transition from playing to coaching,” McPherson said.

“Being able to still be part of the competitive side of things in footy, without actually being on the ground, has been really great.

“To still be involved in footy is a very fortunate position to be in, and to be able to help the young guys we have at the Club on their journey has been very fulfilling.”

Adelaide’s SANFL side takes on Glenelg at Glenelg Oval (Stratarama Stadium) on Friday afternoon, with the first bounce at 4.10pm (ACST).

The game will be broadcast on the SANFL’s streaming platform, SANFL Now.