Matt Crouch suited up for his first match since Round 18 last year in Adelaide’s 54-point SANFL loss to North Adelaide at Prospect Oval on Saturday.
In his return from a groin injury, the 2017 All-Australian and Malcolm Blight Medallist found 28 disposals and eight clearances, while tall forward Billy Frampton made the most of a switch to the back line, collecting a team-high 31 disposals and 13 marks.
Frampton wasn’t the only one that switched ends, with usual defender Fischer McAsey kicking two goals as a key forward.
Crouch said it was good to be back after a frustrating year on the sidelines.
“It has been a long time, so it was great to be back out there, feel a bit of competition, hit some bodies and have a bit of fun,” he said.
“It’s been a long season to date but now there is light at the end of the tunnel and I am starting to see some game time which is good.
“I felt a bit rusty at times but I’m looking forward to stringing a few games together in the back part of the season.
“It was good to have a run around (in the SANFL) and play with some of the younger boys who are going to be really good players for us moving forward.”
In a tough day for the Crows ruckman Kieran Strachan collected 25 disposals, took 11 marks and won 45 hitouts.
Crouch found six disposals in the first term but the Roosters got off to a flying start, kicking the first two goals in the opening four minutes.
Frampton gathered 13 disposals and took four marks in the opening term as the Crows trailed by 27 points at the first break.
North kicked four unanswered goals with a stiff breeze towards the Farmer End, and at the first break led the inside 50m count 16-5.
Adelaide went inside 50m to start the second quarter, but the Roosters again found the first goal when Lachie Wilsdon marked a ball that floated over a large pack.
Competing well in the forward line, McAsey won a free kick 55m out, 10m from the boundary line and nailed the long goal for Adelaide’s first of the afternoon, and his first goal at SANFL level.
The Crows intensity lifted in the second quarter and found transitioning the ball a lot easier.
From a forward 50m stoppage Crouch broke two tackles and found Luke Pedlar with a handball who kicked a high ball to McAsey who marked and made it back-to-back goals.
The Crows had four straight goals when Riley Clamp and Shane McAdam marked and finished truly late in the half to reduce the half time margin to 10 points.
Frampton flourished in his defensive role, making a crucial run-down spoil to ruin a set shot chance for North and at half time had 19 disposals and seven marks, while Crouch had 16 touches and six clearances and Jackson Hately 13 disposals.
Kicking with the breeze again in the third term North started the quarter with 11 consecutive inside 50m entries and three quick goals to push the margin back past 30 points.
Adelaide went forward from a centre clearance and kicked its first goal to the Robran End through McAdam’s second major at the 12-minute mark of the third term.
The Roosters managed six goals to two in the quarter and led by 39 points at the final break.
Kicking with the wind Adelaide attacked early in the term but the home crowd erupted when North’s Lee Minervini ran into an open goal to open up a 44-point lead.
The Roosters were able to ramp up the tackling pressure and close out the game with two late goals.
Adelaide will head to Coopers Stadium next Saturday to take on Norwood.
SANFL
Adelaide 0.1, 4.1, 6.1, 6.5 (41)
North Adelaide 4.4, 5.5, 11.10, 14.11 (95)
Best: Frampton, Strachan
Goals: McAdam, McAsey 2, Wright, Clamp
