Adelaide has claimed its second victory over Port Adelaide in the space of 24 hours, winning a spirited SANFL Showdown V at Mannum Oval on Sunday afternoon.

The Crows were in full control in the first half and looked like running away with the match early, cruising to a 26-point lead by the midway point of the second term.

But Port Adelaide responded after the main break, snatching the lead by three-quarter time and building a 15-point advantage early in the final term off the back of John Butcher’s third goal for the afternoon.

However, Adelaide refused to go away, piling on seven unanswered goals to finish the game. Career-best four-goal hauls to Keenan Ramsey and Riley Knight helped the Crows secure a 30-point win and continue the Club’s undefeated start to the SANFL season.

The pair booted two clutch goals each during Adelaide’s final-quarter fightback, which lifts the Crows to the top of the SANFL premiership table for the first time in Club history.

Ramsey lauds resilience

Mitch Grigg (29 possessions) and Jarryd Lyons (26) were Adelaide’s main midfield architects, using their strength and grunt to hunt the ball in close. The duo combined for 14 clearances and nine inside 50ms to kick-start the Crows from the centre square.

Cam Ellis-Yolmen also impressed with 25 disposals and five clearances of his own, including several telling touches in the final term when the result was on the line.

Rookie Reilly O’Brien continued his stellar start to the season, notching up 43 hit-outs to give Adelaide first use around the ground, while ruck partner Luke Lowden took a game-high 11 marks and kicked two crucial goals.

Veterans Nathan van Berlo and Andy Otten stood firm across half-back and repelled the Magpies on several occasions during the tense final term. Youngster Jake Kelly also featured down back with 20 possessions and six marks - including three from opposition kicks.

SANFL Stats: Round Two

Draftee Tom Doedee got through his first game in Crows colours unscathed, picking up 11 possessions in his SANFL debut.

Crows SANFL coach Heath Younie was pleased with his side’s ability to respond to the Magpies’ challenge after half-time.

“We had a good team performance in Round One, but our boys showed real spirit to get that win today,” Younie said.

“The start was strong and credit to Port to fight back. They never stopped working and really challenged us in that second half.

“But I thought the maturity and resolve of our players to get back on task and finish off the game was terrific.

“We’ve clearly got some areas to improve on, but overall it’s a great weekend for our footy club.”

Sam Shaw suffered a migraine and was not risked after half-time. The Club reported no other injury concerns.

Adelaide confronts 2015 Grand Finalist Woodville-West Torrens next Sunday afternoon at Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval in Round Three.

 

 

ADELAIDE             3.3   7.7   8.10   15.14 (104)
PORT ADELAIDE   1.5   5.8   9.13    10.14 (74)

GOALS
Adelaide: Knight 4, Ramsey 4, Lowden 2, Lyons, Menzel, Wigg, Beech, Cameron
Port Adelaide: Butcher 3, Reynolds 2, Ross, Byrne-Jones, Mitchell, Summerton

BEST
Adelaide: Lyons, Knight, O’Brien, Ramsey, Kelly, van Berlo, Ellis-Yolmen
Port Adelaide: Mitchell, Butcher, Summerton, Bonner, Reynolds

INJURIES
Adelaide: Shaw (migraine)
Port Adelaide: Nil