An eight goal final quarter has seen Woodville-West Torrens topple Adelaide by 33 points in Saturday’s SANFL trial at AAMI Stadium.
Recruit James Boyd led the way for Eagles with three goals including two in the final term to seal the match. The former Bulldog was influential around the stoppages in tandem with Chris Kane and Luke Jarrad to lead the visitors to the 16.12 (108) to 11.9 (75) win.
The match was finely poised leading into the final quarter, with Crow development player Addison Burns slotting a set-shot to give Adelaide a one-point lead late in the third term. Woodville-West Torrens responded immediately from the next centre clearance with a major to Adam Grocke, reclaiming a five-point buffer at the three-quarter time break.
The Eagles’ big names then came to the fore in the final stanza, with Ainger, Goldsworthy, Kane and Boyd lifting the visitors to victory.
Excitement machine Charlie Cameron impressed for Adelaide, booting three goals and creating several opportunities up forward for his teammates. The rookie-listed speedster was also effective at times in the midfield with his evasive pace a highlight.
Kyle Hartigan, Luke Thompson and Brent Reilly were also standouts for the Crows down back while ruck duo Angus Graham (two goals) and ex-basketballer Jack Osborn (one) continued their fine pre-season form with their ascendency in the ruck and up forward.
Official statistics were unavailable for the trial, but draftees Matt Crouch and Riley Knight and rookie-listed Crow Alex Spina all found plenty of the footy to show they have a bright future ahead with the Crows.
SANFL assistant coach Tate Kaesler said Adelaide’s young SANFL squad will learn a lot from the clash with the near full-strength Eagles.
“It was a great contest and a really good hit out for our younger guys,” Kaesler said post-match.
“We stuck with them for most of the game and kept battling against those bigger bodies that they have in their midfield.
“The final quarter was a little disappointing, but it shows we still have plenty to work on as a team before Round One.”
Jared Petrenko played himself into good form against his former SANFL side, with his explosive pace and willingness to win the contested ball earning high praise from Crows’ coaching staff.
“Pup was very good, particularly in the second half,” Kaesler said.
“He has been working hard on the track and you could see that today with his run and spread from the contest.
“It was great to see him back in full flight.”
Adelaide’s State League side will play its third and final trial match against South Adelaide Hickinbotham Oval on Friday, March 28 at 7.40pm.
ADELAIDE 2.2 5.5 8.6 11.9 (75)
WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS 2.3 6.7 8.11 16.12 (108)
GOALS
Adelaide: Cameron 3, Graham 2, Atkins 2, Jenkins, Spina, Burns, Osborn
Woodville-West Torrens: Boyd 3, Poole 2, Ainger 2, Goldsworthy 2, Kane, McGregor, Borholm, Powell, Grocke, Appleton, Wundke
BEST
Adelaide: Hartigan, Reilly, Petrenko, Cameron, Osborn, Graham
Woodville-West Torrens: Boyd, Kane, Goldsworthy, Sumner, Jarrad, Ainger
INJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
Woodville-West Torrens: Nil
