A nine-goal final term has helped Adelaide to its first-ever win over West Adelaide in the SANFL by 63 points.

The 18.13 (121) to 9.4 (58) result continued the Club’s recent resurgence in the SANFL, marking back-to-back wins for the first time this season and the Club’s fourth victory from its last six State League games.

The Crows kicked the opening four goals of the contest and were never headed at City Mazda Stadium despite a strong challenge by the third-placed Bloods during the third term.

West Adelaide closed to within three points late in the third quarter and looked to have momentum on its side following four unanswered goals of their own.

But the visitors piled on seven unanswered goals to kick off the final quarter and put the result beyond doubt.

James Podsiadly bagged another five-goal haul after claiming a handful in last week’s record-breaking win over the Roosters. The Geelong premiership player has now kicked 20 goals from his past six games at SANFL level.

Adelaide’s midfield dominated the possession (356-320) and inside 50m count (60-28), led by tough duo Jarryd Lyons and Matt Crouch. The pair was unstoppable in the clinches, combining for 23 clearances and 14 inside 50ms.

Lyons collected a season-high 35 possessions along with eight marks and a goal, while Crouch also had a season-best 33 disposals, six marks and a major.

Reilly O’Brien continued his outstanding season with another dominant display in the ruck. The 19-year-old fed Adelaide’s star-studded midfield with 28 hit-outs along with 14 possessions and five marks – including four contested.

SANFL Stats: Round 15

The Crows’ defensive unit was also strong all afternoon in blustery conditions at City Mazda Stadium.

Andy Otten produced his best performance since returning from a knee reconstruction. The 192cm defender read the play beautifully across half-back and was composed with his ball use, finishing with a game-high 10 marks and 20 disposals.

Kyle Cheney played deep at times on Bloods match-winner Jono Beech, restricting him to just one goal for the game, while left-footer Harrison Wigg had his best outing as a Crow with a career-best 24 possessions at 83 per cent efficiency.

Experienced duo Nathan van Berlo (18 possessions, five tackles) and Ian Callinan (17 possessions, nine inside 50ms) always looked to bring their teammates into the game and contributed to many Crows scores.

Cam Ellis-Yolmen (27 possessions, seven marks) Mitch Grigg (25 possessions, nine marks) and Sam Kerridge (20 possessions, six marks) pressed their claims for senior selection with solid showings, while Mitch McGovern got through his first game in over a month unscathed.

After a difficult start to the year, Crows SANFL coach Heath Younie said the Club was reaping the benefits of a shrinking injury list.

“We’ve got great depth at the moment, especially through that middle part of the ground,” he said.

“We played 18 AFL-listed players today – that’s the first time we’ve done that all year and the first time we’ve done that in our two years I think. To have those numbers back and to have some experience in each part of the ground, it’s really important.

“But we’ve still got to be able to implement what we want to do, and I thought we did that today.”

Younie lauded his team’s maturity to turn things around after the Crows’ lackluster third term.

“Full credit to Westies, they were always going to come at some point,” Younie said.

“I thought their third quarter was terrific they started to win the ball inside a little bit, but full credit to our guys I thought their response after three-quarter time was outstanding.

“The scoreboard just reflects the process.”

Sam Siggins was Adelaide's only injury concern out of the game. The defender sat out the fourth quarter after receiving a heavy knock to the head late in the third term.

Adelaide remains in the SANFL finals race mathematically, although other results from the round went against the Crows including victories to South Adelaide and Sturt.

The Crows’ next match is against reigning premiers Norwood at The Parade on Saturday, August 1.

 

ADELAIDE                 5.0   8.3   9.7   18.13 (121)
WEST ADELAIDE   3.1   4.1   8.3   9.4 (58)

GOALS
Adelaide: Podsiadly 5, Osborn 2, van Berlo, McGovern, Grigg, Ramsey, Callinan, Spencely, Crouch, Lowden, Lyons, Ellis-Yolmen, Otten
West Adelaide: Stevens 2, Anderson 2, Silverlock, Middleton, Porplyzia, Green, Beech

BEST
Adelaide: Lyons, Otten, Cheney, O’Brien, M Crouch, Wigg, Podsiadly, Ramsey
West Adelaide: Schmidt, Porplyzia, Tuck, Stevens, Anderson, Silverlock

INJURIES
Adelaide: Siggins (head knock)
West Adelaide: Nil