Adelaide returned to the SANFL winners list in the best possible way on Sunday afternoon, beating West Adelaide by 65 points at City Mazda Stadium.
It was a tight first half but the Crows dominated after the main break, kicking 10 goals to one – including nine in a row – to finish 15.15 (105) to 5.10 (40) winners.
There were even contributions all across the field for Adelaide, with a number of players standing out.
Myles Poholke kicked two goals from the midfield to go along with his 28 disposals, 10 marks and seven inside 50s.
Paul Seedsman ran hard from a wing, finishing with 25 disposals, eight marks and five tackles, while Patrick Wilson was in the thick of it again, having 26 touches and six clearances.
In the absence of regular rucks Sam Jacobs and Paul Hunter, young tall Kieran Strachan shouldered majority of the ruck load and impressed with 15 disposals, 20 hitouts and a goal.
Hugh Greenwood’s guernsey was more brown than white at the final siren after competing hard all day, finishing with 19 disposals, 10 tackles and eight clearances.
Up forward, Elliott Himmelberg, Jordan Gallucci, Shane McAdam, Matthew Wright and Tyson Stengle all kicked multiple goals.
UNSUNG LEADER: Matt Merrett has been a key member of the SANFL Crows
After a “scratchy” first half, SANFL defensive coach Brent Reilly said he was pleased with how the team responded in the second half.
“We didn’t really play our way in the first half but come out in the second half and played our way, the boys fought it out,” Reilly said.
“Our contested ball but also our loose ball gets were at the level, so it was a good team effort in the end – everyone played their role.
“If everyone can come out with that attitude and play some good footy for one another, it certainly shows on the scoreboard.”
Reilly was particularly impressed with young defender Jordon Butts who had 26 disposals, four intercept marks and four rebound 50s.
“Jordon is coming along really well, he’s got a good ability to win his one-on-ones but he’s also starting to take some marks now,” Reilly said.
“He always finds the ball, he’s got the uncanny ability to just find it.”
The Crows will take on Woodville-West Torrens on Sunday, August 18 in Round 17.
ADELAIDE 3.4 5.10 8.13 15.15 (105)
WEST 2.3 4.4 5.8 5.10 (40)
GOALS:
Adelaide: Himmelberg 3, Gallucci 2, McAdam 2, Stengle 2, Poholke 2, Wright 2, Hutchesson, Strachan
West: Karpany 2, Keugh 2, Haysman
BEST: Poholke, Seedsman, Butts, Strachan, Wilson, Greenwood, Davey
