Adelaide’s SANFL side returned to the winners’ list when it convincingly defeated Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Thursday afternoon in the SANFL Showdown.
The Crows were quick out of the blocks and made the most of their opportunities in the 16.7 (103) vs 8.14 (62) victory.
Here are the five key takeaways from the match.
Fast starting Crows
Adelaide’s SANFL side’s had its best first term of the year, booting six goals, while allowing Port Adelaide just one to lead by 28 points at quarter-time.
Despite both sides being equal in clearances and Port Adelaide having more inside 50s, Adelaide was able to make the most of its forward entries, having eight scoring shots from 11 entries.
The Crows kicked three goals in seven minutes, along with the first five of the game, to get off to the perfect start.
“They (the players) came in with a very strong attitude, they prepared really well during the week and they wanted to set the scene for the AFL team,” SANFL Senior Coach Mick Godden said.
“As a group we want to be one club and make sure we did the right thing and we felt we did that.
Gollant bags five
Forward Lachlan Gollant played a key part in getting Adelaide off to a strong start, booting three first- term goals.
Gollant continued to look dangerous up forward through the first half, having kicked a bag of five by half-time.
“Lachie I thought made the most of every opportunity, his forward craft was excellent and he created himself opportunities,” Godden said.
“I thought it was a great step in the right direction for him.”
Gollant finished with nine disposals and six marks, (two contested).
Schoenberg enjoyed complete game
Midfielder Harry Schoenberg put together a complete game against Port Adelaide, showcasing his ability to play both on the inside and outside of the contest.
Schoenberg was powerful around the ball, broke away at stoppages and helped move the ball into Adelaide’s attacking half.
“I thought his body work and explosion from stoppages was excellent and then he got on the outside as well,” Godden said.
“His balance was where it needed to be and I thought he was excellent tonight.”
Schoenberg amassed 27 disposals, eight marks, five tackles, seven inside 50s, six rebound 50s and kicked one goal.
Borlase gets job done
Defender James Borlase was a standout contributor in Adelaide’s win and was rarely beaten in a one-on-one contest.
Godden was pleased with the way Borlase approached the game and the team-first attitude he showed.
“He has become a very reliable player at this club,” Godden said.
“Tonight I thought he just attacked it with the right attitude and attacked it with a team-first brand of footy.”
Borlase recorded 17 disposals, five marks, four tackles and four inside 50s.
Crows dynamic midfield duo shine
On-ballers Billy Dowling and Sam Berry were prolific, winning plenty of clearances, and were strong with their tackling pressure.
Dowling continued his solid State League form, while Berry had immediate impact after returning from an injury which sidelined him last week.
“Both of them were really good and I think that goes a long way for us,” Godden said.
“We haven’t had players like that in the midfield this year, those guys really led from the front early especially when the heat was on.”
Dowling finished with 26 disposals and eight clearances, while Berry had 20 touches and seven tackles.
The game served as a curtain raiser to the AFL Showdown, which the Crows won by 30 points.
Adelaide’s SANFL side will play Norwood at Norwood Oval on Friday night, with the first bounce at 7:40pm.
SCOREBOARD
ADELAIDE: 6.2 11.4 14.6 16.7 (103)
PORT ADELAIDE: 1.4 3.8 5.8 8.14 (62)
GOALS
Adelaide: Gollant 5, Burgess 3, Smithson 2, Strachan, Edwards, Schoenberg, O’Leary, Boyle, Gallagher
Port Adelaide: Finlayson 4, Charleson 2, Scully, Visentini.
BEST:Adelaide: Schoenberg, Berry, Borlase, Gollant, Burgess, Murphy, Strachan.
