Adelaide’s SANFL side continued its perfect start to season 2025, as it defeated reigning premier Glenelg by four points in a thriller at Glenelg Oval on Friday evening.

The Crows conceded the first three goals, before responding with five of the next six majors. 

Once Adelaide had the lead, they did not surrender it, holding off the Bays’ fast finish to come away 14.14 (98) vs 14.10 (94) winners.

Here are the five key takeaways from the match. 

Edwards takes another step forward

Defender Charlie Edwards continued his strong start to the season, with another big game against the Bays.

Playing off half back, Edwards gave Adelaide plenty of rebound out of its back half, along with using the ball well under pressure.

“He’s now playing some really consistent footy and the challenge for him is to play above league footy level and keep pushing himself,” Wright said.

“He had some really nice moments tonight and he is in a really good spot.”

Edwards finished with 24 disposals, five marks, six inside 50s and three rebound 50s.

Equal contribution pleases Wright

An equal spread of contributors helped lift the Crows to a critical victory at Glenelg Oval. 

Adelaide had 10 different goal kickers, along with 10 players finishing with 15 or more disposals. 

“We spoke about in the post-match about executing and playing your role and ultimately, we had blokes that stood out, but there weren’t many that missed,” Wright said.

“All the boys are in great positions, their attitude, effort, desire, their want for the contest has been second to none and puts us in a good position going forward.

“It could have gone either way and I’m proud of the resilience that our boys showed to come away with the win.”

Drury’s complete performance

Adelaide SANFL Marquee player Blake Drury was in good touch, with his endeavour to impact at every contest noticeable through all four terms.

Drury made his presence felt on both sides of the ball, whether it was winning it in the contest, applying tackling pressure or getting the ball into dangerous positions, he was able to do it all in a complete performance.

“He’s the ultimate professional, he’s so diligent with how he prepares, he can play so many roles, he is just a really important player for us,” Wright said.

“We are really fortunate to have him at our footy club and hopefully he can end up back in the AFL system.”

Drury amassed an equal game-high 24 touches, eight tackles, game-high eight clearances and seven inside 50s.  

Skipper makes his mark up front

Crows Skipper Jack Madgen was moved from defence to forward, to cover the loss of Toby Murray, and had an immediate impact. 

Madgen booted a team-high three goals, with his second coming just before half-time to give Adelaide a crucial lead, while his third was his team’s only major of the final term.

“His leadership and his ability to connect the development group with the AFL boys is incredible, he is another coach out there on the field,” Wright said.

“We were able to swing him forward today, he just competed so hard and he’s so passionate as we saw when he kicked a goal.”

Madgen also had 13 disposals, four marks and four clearances.

Smith sets the benchmark

Defender Brodie Smith gave the Crows a cool, calm head down back, instrumental in their ability to hold on in the final term. 

His leadership and ability to get others involved in the game was a highlight for Wright, with Adelaide’s young defenders playing taller with him by their side. 

“He has 250 games of AFL experience behind him, and you are super impressed by not surprised with his ability to perform at a high level.”

“He brings other players along with him like Oscar Ryan and Charlie Edwards and he’s a benchmark and that’s what those boys are chasing.”

Smith finished with 22 disposals, four marks, five tackles, three rebound 50s and one major.

Adelaide’s SANFL side will next play Woodville West-Torrens at Woodville Oval on Sunday with the first bounce at 2:10pm.

ADELAIDE: 5.7  9.10  13.12  14.14  (98)

GLENELG: 4.3  9.5  12.6  14.10  (94)

GOALS:

Adelaide: Madgen 3, Burgess, Dowling 2, Murphy, Smith, O’Leary, Atkinson, Tahana, Welsh, Cook

Glenelg: McBean, Reynolds 4, Hosie 2, Chandler, Bell, Lyons, Allen

Best: Madgen, Boyle, Burgess, Smith, Drury, Murphy