A stunning second-half fightback from the SANFL Crows has earned them an 18-point win over the previously undefeated Redlegs on Friday night.
The Crows kept Norwood goalless in the second half while booting seven of their own after entering the half-time break trailing by 23 points.
Norwood’s execution gave them the upper hand in the opening half, as the home side were cleaner in the slippery conditions at Norwood Oval.
However, a much-improved Crows side came out after half-time, with players in every area of the ground contributing to the win.
Young guns Ned McHenry (25 disposals and five inside 50s), Chayce Jones (24 touches and eight clearances) and Patrick Wilson (25 disposals and seven tackles) all led the way for the Crows.
Andy Otten impressed down back, having 16 touches and seven marks.
Shane McAdam kicked three goals in his second game in the tricolours, while Tyson Stengle continued to be dangerous in the forward 50, slotting two.
In his first game of the season, Luke Brown played a solid game in defence getting 14 touches and providing great leadership for the young defenders.
State League coach Heath Younie said he was impressed with the way the team fought back after half-time.
“Their attitude, effort to fight back, they should be very proud of themselves because that was a very good win,” Younie said.
“Our contest work went up, we were able to get the ball going our way and once we got some field position, our defence locked the ball in and really put some pressure on them.
“It was a really hard-fought win, but one I know the coaching group and the Club are really proud of.”
Younie said the best part about the performance was the team effort, with all players contributing.
“We’ve been preaching team-first footy and at different stages, different players had huge contributions in the game,” he said.
“You don’t win games like that at Norwood against the top team without doing that.
“Those wins are really important for our younger players to experience at an early stage of their career.”
No injuries were reported out of the match.
The SANFL has a bye week next weekend for the State game against Western Australia.
Adelaide’s next game is the SANFL Showdown on Saturday, May 18.
ADELAIDE 2.3 5.6 8.10 12.14 (86)
NORWOOD 5.0 9.5 9.10 9.13 (68)
GOALS:
Adelaide: McAdam 3, Wilson 2, Stengle 2, Hutchesson, Johnson, Jones, Strachan, Wright
Norwood: Barry 3, Dawe 2, Baulderstone, Gerloff, Stephens, Wilson
BEST: McHenry, Wilson, Otten, Jones, Hunter, Hamill
