Strong performances from Hugh Greenwood and Ben Davis were not enough to get the SANFL Crows over line as they went down to the Magpies by 15 points in Friday night’s trial game.
The Crows finished with 10.5 (65) to Port Adelaide’s 12.8 (80) at Alberton Oval.
Greenwood bagged two goals and saw plenty of the football in the centre of the ground.
“I thought we were alright, but shot ourselves in the foot a few times,” Greenwood told AFC Media post-game.
“At the end of the day it’s a trial, next week the real stuff starts and we’ll be in a good position.”
Davis delivered big in the forward line, booting three goals and building pressure on the defence.
Despite a strong individual performance, the 21-year-old heaped praise on his teammates efforts.
“When everyone plays their role, there’s always one bloke who gets on the end of it more,” Davis said.
“I’m feeling good after this preseason, I wanted to build my fitness up a bit.
“There’s still some inroads to go, AFL requires that little bit extra to give you an edge.”
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Myles Poholke shined in the middle, racking up touches and adding a goal thanks to a selfless pass off from Jordan Gallucci.
Speaking on the game, SANFL coach Heath Younie said the Crows got what they needed out of the match-up.
“It was good to expose some of the younger players, especially against another AFL club,” Younie said.
“We go into the season proper and look forward to next week.
“We’ll do some prep work (on Sturt) this week, (but) our focus is how we’re going to play.
Paul Hunter performed well in the ruck while Kyle Hartigan led the way in the backline.
Elliott Himmelberg, Tyson Stengle and Kieran Strachan all bagged a goal each.
Late in the final quarter, forward Shane McAdam was assisted from the ground by trainers with what appeared to be a leg injury and will be assessed further in the coming days.
Port Adelaide 2.2 7.3 10.5 12.8 (80)
Adelaide 3.2 5.2 9.4 10.5 (65)
Goals:
Davis 3, Greenwood 2, Poholke 1, Stengle 1, Hunter 1, Himmelberg 1, Strachan 1
