Win built on third term surge
A stunning start to the third term helped Adelaide set up victory over the Cats on Sunday afternoon. Charlie Cameron struck within the first 20 seconds with a super snap around the body before captain Taylor Walker put his team into the lead for the first time since the opening quarter with a trademark long goal. A clever checkside from Rory Atkins and a running goal to key forward Harry Dear marked a 25-point turnaround for the home side in just a 10-minute period, transforming an eight-point half-time deficit into a 17-point lead. Cameron chimed in again in the dying minutes to push Adelaide’s advantage out to 28 points at the final change. In comparison, Geelong managed just one behind for the term. It proved to be just enough, as the Cats responded with three goals to zero in the final quarter but were unable to claw their way back into the lead.


The kids are alright
Adelaide was without a host of senior players at Richmond Oval. Rory Sloane, Brad Crouch, Scott Thompson, Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins, Kyle Cheney, Paul Seedsman, Jake Lever and Mitch McGovern were among those watching from the sidelines. Pleasingly, several youngsters stood up and assumed responsibility in their absence. Matt Crouch (28 possessions, seven clearances) and Rory Atkins (20 possessions, three goals) were standouts, and it’s easy to forget that Rory Laird (23 possessions, five marks) is only 23 years of age. Charlie Cameron, Harrison Wigg, Wayne Milera Junior, Harry Dear and Jordan Gallucci all contributed while Myles Poholke, Hugh Greenwood and Dean Gore, whose match ended early following a big collision, received valuable exposure against a strong Geelong side.

Ruck rule rears its head
There might be a clarification to come from AFL headquarters regarding the new ruck rule following a bizarre free kick paid against the Crows in the opening term. Young midfielder Dean Gore had his back turned to a boundary throw-in as he positioned himself front and square at the feet of the two competing ruckmen. Windy conditions and a shallow throw meant the Sherrin struck Gore in the middle of his back, and immediately a free kick was paid to Geelong. The relevant rule states that only the two nominated ruckmen can touch the footy before it hits the ground at any stoppage, meaning it was technically the correct decision. Judging by the reaction of the crowd and commentators, one wonders if the new rule will be tweaked one more time before the start of the premiership season.

Match report: JLT 2 v Geelong

Harto the quiet achiever
Defender Kyle Hartigan keeps on keeping on as one of the quiet achievers in Adelaide’s backline. He played all-but one game in a career-best season last year and looks determined to carry that form into 2017. ‘Harto’ held Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins to just four marks and one behind despite being under siege against the wind during the second and final terms. The 25-year-old put his body on the line in several aerial contests and registered six ‘one percenters’ – equal with fellow defender Andy Otten for the most in the match. Hartigan also contributed offensively, collecting 15 disposals at 73 per cent efficiency. The former rookie continues to improve with every outing and has become an important part of Adelaide’s defensive structure.

One last chance to impress
It’s likely that Adelaide will look to take a strong and settled lineup into its final JLT Community Series clash with Brisbane next weekend as the Club continues to build towards Round One. But it’s also the last opportunity for players to press for senior selection before the premiership season. The squeeze will be first felt at the selection table, with team sizes to be reduced from 26 to 24 players (six on the interchange instead of eight) in the final round of the pre-season series. Saturday also looms as the Club’s first ‘triple header’, with Adelaide’s SANFL side in action during the morning, the AFL team competing against the Lions in the afternoon and the AFLW Crows to confront Melbourne at TIO Stadium in Darwin in the evening. Clear your calendar!