Skipper Ian Callinan says Adelaide’s breakthrough 52-point victory over Central District shows the SANFL Crows are on the right path.
Adelaide suffered heavy losses to North Adelaide and Sturt in the opening two rounds of the SANFL season, prompting some to question the Club’s move into the local competition.
But the Crows responded in emphatic fashion at Elizabeth on Saturday, running the Bulldogs ragged to record a historic win and kick-start the side’s 2014 campaign.
“It’s a great moment,” Callinan told afc.com.au post-match.
“We’ve been disappointed with our first two weeks. This week we just spoke about team values and what each player could bring to the table.
“We just needed everyone on the same page. To win games of footy against great footy clubs you’ve got to have weight of numbers and today I didn’t think we had any passengers.”
Adelaide looked a polished outfit in comparison to its first two outings, with AFL-hardened players Mitch Grigg (28 possessions, one goal), Jason Porplyzia (22 possessions, one goal), Andy Otten (24 possessions, 11 marks) and Jarryd Lyons (26 possesions, 14 clearances) steering the side to its inaugural win.
“We put it on them this week, being the older guys of the group,” Callinan said.
“We needed some leadership out there and I thought those guys led the structure and played their role for the team.
“They were outstanding.”
Otten in particular was magnificent across half-back for Adelaide. In his first match since suffering a knee injury over a month ago, the 24-year-old looked a class above and cut down the Bulldogs’ forwards on a number of occasions.
However, it was the SANFL Crows’ young brigade that provided the most excitement.
Cam Ellis-Yolmen (23 disposals, six clearances) continued to push his case for an AFL berth with an eye-catching display. Hard-running 19-year-old Riley Knight (20 disposals, two goals) played his best game in Crows colours. Left-footer Rory Atkins (20 disposals, six marks) found plenty of space on the wide wings of Elizabeth Oval, while young defensive duo Sam Siggins and Jake Kelly were also solid down back.
Callinan said the side would only grow stronger as Adelaide’s young charges continue to develop their football understanding.
“Without a doubt we knew it was going to take time,” Callinan said.
“But I thought we took a huge step this week, and we’ve just got to keep building from there. It was fantastic to come away with a win and to give the young guys a taste of success.
“Hopefully it spurs them on.”
