Jake Lever has pressed his case for senior selection with a strong performance in Adelaide’s SANFL trial against Norwood on Friday night.

The 21-year-old defender warmed his way into the game against the Redlegs, but finished as one of the Club’s better performers in the 10.10 (70) to 15.9 (99) result.

Lever provided a formidable presence and directed his teammates throughout the match, addressing the team on the field at half-time in a great show of leadership.

He collected 18 possessions, claimed six marks and took several trademark intercepts across half-back.

Untried duo Harrison Wigg and Hugh Greenwood also impressed as the pair continue to hunt an AFL debut.

Wigg worked tirelessly off a wing and across half-back in another dominant SANFL outing for the 20-year-old, who featured in two JLT Community Series matches earlier in the year.

The skilful left-footer was often Adelaide’s go-to player in transition, racking up a team-high 22 possessions, seven inside 50ms and four rebound 50ms. Wigg also snuck forward to snap a classy goal early in the final term.

Crows SANFL co-captain Hugh Greenwood was a workhorse in the midfield. The rookie-listed Crow had 21 possessions and kicked Adelaide’s first goal of the game along with six clearances and six tackles.


Young forward Elliott Himmelberg showed promising signs, kicking two goals and hauling down several strong contested marks against more experienced opponents.

Fellow first-year Crow Jordan Gallucci (17 possessions, four tackles) showed great speed and could’ve had three goals to his name if not for some wayward finishing.

Ruckman Reilly O’Brien (two goals, six marks) and State League Club Champion Jonathon Beech (16 possessions, two goals) were also solid contributors.

SANFL stats: Trial v Norwood

Midfielder Scott Thompson copped a corked adductor early in the match and was used sparingly in the second half.  

The Crows gave up the opening five goals of the game at The Parade on Friday night. The sluggish start proved the difference in the end, with Adelaide unable to bridge the gap at any stage during the match.

The visitors moved to within nine points of the lead late in the second term but conceded two quick goals in the shadows of half-time to fall 23 points adrift at the main change.

Norwood then controlled the margin to run out eventual 29-point winners.

The SANFL Crows are without a win from three pre-season trial matches heading into next Sunday’s season-opener against Sturt at Peter Motley Oval.

ADELAIDE   1.1   5.3   8.7   10.10 (70)
NORWOOD   5.5   8.8   13.9   15.9 (99)

Crows Goals: Himmelberg 2, O’Brien 2, Beech 2, Greenwood, Poholke, Wigg, Jarman
Crows Best: Wigg, Greenwood, Lever, O’Brien, Gallucci, Beech

Injuries: Thompson (corked adductor)