Adelaide has all-but cemented its maiden SANFL finals campaign after downing Port Adelaide by 25-points at Alberton Oval on Sunday.

The Crows showed great character in a pulsating SANFL Showdown VI, overcoming a 24-point deficit in the opening term and seeing off a late Magpies charge to record an important 16.8 (104) to 12.7 (79) victory.

The result was the SANFL Crows’ third consecutive win over Port Adelaide and consolidates the Club’s place in fourth position on the SANFL ladder, three games clear of the sixth-placed Magpies.

It is still mathematically possible that the Crows could still miss the top five, but it’s an unlikely scenario with just four rounds remaining.

Magarey Medal contender Cam Ellis-Yolmen continued his fine SANFL season with a best-on-ground display. The dynamic midfielder lifted when the game was on the line in the final term and finished with 34 possessions, nine clearances, seven inside 50ms and two goals.

Fellow onballer Mitch Grigg also amassed 34 disposals and nine clearances of his own, while Jonathon Beech recaptured his early-season form with a strong 27-possession performance off a wing.

Sam Shaw, Troy Menzel and Luke Lowden all impressed in their returns from injury. Shaw claimed three intercept marks and looked composed across half-back, Menzel bagged two goals and was an important link-up player, while Lowden marked strongly up forward all afternoon.

SANFL Stats: Round 18

The Magpies piled on the opening four goals of the game but the Crows were able to claw their way back into the contest through goals to sharpshooters Keenan Ramsey and Dylan Schoenmakers.

Ellis-Yolmen then nailed an incredible left-foot snap from deep in a forward pocket to cut the margin to just seven points by the first change.

Curtly Hampton’s growing confidence was on show in his fourth game for the Club. The fleet-footed defender laid a strong tackle up the ground and kicked his first goal for the Crows in the second term as the visitors made their move.

Former basketballer Hugh Greenwood then showed off some sublime soccer skills to give Adelaide the lead for the first time since the opening minutes.

The Crows continued to pepper the scoreboard with nine scoring shots to Port’s three in the second quarter helping Adelaide claim a 14-point break at half-time.

Beech sees bright future

Livewire left-footer Troy Menzel used his smarts to take a strong mark deep inside forward 50 and slot the all-important first goal of the third term. Dean Gore followed up with another quick major as Adelaide extended its margin to a game-high 26 points.

But the Magpies rallied in the third term and closed the deficit to just seven points at the final change setting up a tense fourth quarter.

The two teams traded goals early in the final term before an end-to-end play involving Grigg and Ellis-Yolmen put down the Port Adelaide resistance.

SANFL assistant coach Tate Kaesler said he was proud of how the players responded to Port's late challenge.

"They showed some real maturity to withstand and respond to that pressure," Kaesler said.

"We knew they're a quality outfit and they would come at us like that, but we were really proud of the boys' ability to absorb that, stay calm, and stick to our game plan. That's what got us the reward in the end."

Adelaide shared the load up forward with 12 different goalkickers, which also pleased Crows coaching staff.

"It's a real positive for us to have so many different avenues to goal today," Kaesler said.

"It means we're a bit less predictable for other sides matching up on us too."

An ankle injury to Keenan Ramsey was the only sour note in the result. The 19-year-old landed awkwardly in a marking contest in the third term and took no further part in the contest.

Adelaide takes its final SANFL bye next weekend before tackling Norwood at Coopers Stadium on Saturday, August 13.


ADELAIDE             3.1   7.6   11.6   16.8 (104)
PORT ADELAIDE   4.2   5.4   10.5   12.7 (79)

GOALS
Adelaide: Hunter 2, Ellis-Yolmen 2, Spriggs 2, Menzel 2, Dear, Ramsey, Schoenmakers, Hampton, Greenwood, Gore, Milera, O’Brien
Port Adelaide: T. Gray 3, Schulz 3, Neade 2, Snelling, White, Frampton, Reynolds

BEST
Adelaide: Ellis-Yolmen, Grigg, O’Brien, Hampton, Gore, Greenwood, Menzel
Port Adelaide: O’Shea, Rudloff, T. Gray, Snelling, Mitchell, Neade

INJURIES
Adelaide: Ramsey (left ankle)
Port Adelaide: Nil