Playing under the lights of Adelaide Oval for the first time on Saturday night is an experience teenager Lachlan Sholl will never forget.
The first-year Crow said although his side didn’t come away with the win, he loved every minute of their clash with Port Adelaide - even the boos from the opposition cheer squad.
“It was pretty unreal… running out to the boos of the Port Adelaide supporters was something different,” Sholl laughed.
“It’s pretty cool warming up with the grandstand right there, it was an awesome experience and something we’ll all learn from for sure.”
It was the first taste of senior finals football for all but six Crows out on field and Sholl described the match as an invaluable learning opportunity for the entire squad.
It’s time #SANFL #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/J0yWmBtvoo
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) August 31, 2019
After a tightly contested opening three quarters, the Magpies ran away with the win - skill execution letting the Crows down in the final term.
“We discussed as a team it was just the fundamentals that at times we may not have executed,” Sholl said.
“There were little lapses where we gave up a couple of easy ground balls and missed tackles.
“I thought we were great for most of the match, it was just those lapses in the final quarter that cost us - we’ll have to clean that up in the week.”
The 19-year-old was impressive off half-back, recording 24 disposals, six marks, five rebound 50s and three clearances.
“I had moments where I executed things I’ve been working on like ground balls, tackles, clean takes and ball security,” Sholl said.
“Those moments where more pleasing than the overall picture and things I will take forward in the coming weeks.
“We’ve got Norwood next week, they’re a great outfit as well so we won’t be taking them lightly.”
The SANFL Crows will take on the Redlegs in a semi-final at Adelaide Oval next Sunday at 12.15pm.