Brad Crouch has responded to his exclusion from senior selection with a best-on-ground performance in Saturday morning’s SANFL trial against South Adelaide.

It was an emphatic display from the midfielder, who was removed from Adelaide’s final NAB Challenge squad along with Rory Atkins for failing to meet Club standards.

Crouch amassed a match-high 40 possessions and nine clearances in what was his first game in over eight months. The 22-year-old had 24 touches to half-time and continued to lead the way in the second half as the SANFL Crows were shaded 8.14 (62) to South Adelaide’s 9.12 (66).

Brad just happy to be back

Atkins also impressed with 27 disposals at 89 per cent efficiency. The left-footer was creative off a wing and always looked to bring his teammates into the match.

Sam Shaw was a standout in defence for Adelaide. The athletic defender locked down his opponent, but also provided great drive off half-back with 25 possessions and eight marks. A courageous spoil back with the flight of the ball during the third term typified his performance.

Harrison Wigg was again industrious in the midfield to earn 37 disposals, while fellow left-footer Mitch Grigg was rested in the second half with a cork after an eye-catching 13-disposal performance.

The clash was Adelaide’s first match under the SANFL’s new interchange cap of 50 rotations introduced for 2016.

Fielding 14 AFL-listed players, the Crows were jumped early by South but steadied as the quarter rolled on to take a five-point lead by the first change.

Hugh Greenwood set up Troy Menzel with a classy pass then snapped a goal of his own from the forward pocket as Adelaide gained momentum.

Ruckman Paul Hunter then roved his first goal in Crows colours, while Jonathon Beech also slotted his maiden major for his new Club in his first outing of the year.

SANFL Stats: Trial Two v South Adelaide

Adelaide led by as much as 20 points midway through the second term, but conceded a string of late goals to the Panthers heading into the major break. The visitors then controlled play in the final term to snatch the lead off the tiring Crows.

Adelaide had late opportunities through Matthew Spencely and Luke Lowden to win the match, but both players missed their mark. The Crows failed to register a major in the final quarter.

The Panthers chose against limiting themselves to the reduced interchange cap given the club has another trial scheduled next weekend.

Trade period recruit Curtly Hampton was a late withdrawal from the contest with a foot complaint.

Both Adelaide's AFL and SANFL teams have next weekend off ahead of Round One on Saturday, March 26, when the senior team plays North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium and the SANFL Crows confront West Adelaide at City Mazda Stadium.

 

ADELAIDE                3.2   7.6   8.10   8.14 (62)
SOUTH ADELAIDE    2.3   6.6   7.8   9.12 (66)

GOALS
Adelaide: Spencely 2, Ramsey 2, Greenwood, Hunter, Menzel, Beech

BEST
Adelaide: Crouch, Shaw, Wigg, Atkins, Castree, Ramsey

INJURIES
Adelaide: Grigg (cork)