Adelaide Crows Secure Strong Win, Bulldogs’ Draft Prospect Shines
In a thrilling week of SANFL action, several standout performances emerged across the league. Adelaide Crows continued their push for AFL selection, while a promising Bulldogs draft prospect made an impressive debut. Sturt managed to overcome a significant challenge from South Adelaide, maintaining their unbeaten record.
Adelaide Crows Dominate Norwood
Adelaide Crows delivered a powerful performance against Norwood, securing a 20-point victory that solidified their top-three position. The Crows started strongly with four goals in the opening nine minutes and seven majors by quarter time. Despite Norwood’s efforts to close the gap, they were ultimately unable to match the Crows’ quality and precision.
Several AFL-listed players showcased their talent on the field. Matt Crouch led the way with 33 disposals, eight tackles, five clearances, and a goal. Sid Draper contributed significantly with 20 disposals, five clearances, and a goal. Harry Schoenberg added 22 disposals and two goals, while Lachie Murphy and Luke Pedlar each had impactful performances.
Billy Dowling and Lachie Sholl played crucial roles on their respective wings. Kieran Strachan commanded the ruck duel, while James Borlase and Charlie Edwards provided strong contributions in defense. Jack Madgen and Blake Drury led the backline with notable performances.
On the attacking end, Chris Burgess and Tyler Welsh were instrumental, with Burgess kicking three goals and Welsh adding two. Toby Murray returned from injury to contribute one goal and 15 hit-outs. Matthew Ling was the standout for Norwood, recording a career-high 35 disposals and five rebound 50s. Other key contributors included Billy Cootee, Baynen Lowe, Nik Rokahr, and Jacob Kennerley.
Central District Secures Victory Over North Adelaide
Central District secured a comfortable 45-point win over North Adelaide, ensuring a third consecutive finals berth. Starting with a dominant first quarter, the Dogs never looked back despite injuries affecting North Adelaide. Key players like Aiden Grace and Beau Thomas made significant contributions, while Magarey Medallist Harry Grant returned to the midfield with 20 disposals and four clearances.
Leyton Chisolm and Kade Dittmar had impactful performances, while Dyson Sharp and Kai Pudney showcased their potential as draft prospects. Jack Tomkinson stepped up in the ruck after Kobe Annand’s injury, and Luca Whitelum provided strong defensive work. Angus Schumacher and Hughen Wissman were key contributors for North Adelaide.
Sturt Overcome South Adelaide Challenge
Sturt faced a massive scare from South Adelaide but managed to secure a 19-point victory. South Adelaide led by 29 points at halftime, but Sturt staged a remarkable comeback. Tom Lewis was instrumental with 26 touches, 15 tackles, and six clearances. Angus Anderson and Luke Giacometti also made significant contributions.
Amos Doyle celebrated his 50th league game with a stellar performance, while Josh Hone led the attack with five second-half goals. Sam Conforti, Oliver Grivell, and Tom Emmett all contributed to the win. Zac Becker and Henry Carey provided strong rebound work, while Casey Voss and Flynn Perez were influential in defense.
Oliver Davis stepped up in the midfield after Callum McCarty’s injury, and Luke Bogle impressed with 17 disposals and two goals. Tye McManus and Olivier Northam added valuable contributions, while Elliot Dunkin and Charlie Duncan provided reliable performances in defense.
Port Adelaide Secures Important Victory
Port Adelaide overcame West Adelaide in a hard-fought match, propelling them into the top five. Ewan Mackinlay was the standout performer with 25 disposals, four clearances, nine inside 50s, and two goals. Willie Rioli and Ivan Soldo also made significant contributions, while Jack Watkins and Nick Moore were productive at the stoppages.
Josh Lai and Harrison Ramm provided strong performances in defense, while Rome Burgoyne and Jez McLennan competed well in aerial battles. Jeremy Finlayson and Tom Anastasopoulos added goals, while Shay Linke and Austin Harris were valuable targets in attack.
West Adelaide’s Lachie Squire and Brady Searle put in strong performances, while Dylan White and Dylan McCormick made important contributions on the wings. Will Patton impressed as a key defender, and Tom Morrish and Jonti Schuback worked hard to find the ball.
Glenelg Dominates Woodville-West Torrens
Glenelg secured a decisive 67-point victory over Woodville-West Torrens. Jarryd Lyons led the charge with 28 disposals, 11 marks, four clearances, and a goal. Matthew Allen and Luke Partington were also instrumental, while Corey Lyons and Cameron McGree made solid returns from injury.
Cole Gerloff and Darcy Bailey contributed effectively, while Lachie Hosie and Liam McBean were dangerous up front. Luke Reynolds and Hugh Stagg provided strong support in attack, while Max Proud and Karl Finlay offered key intercepts in defense.
Kobe Mutch led the Eagles with 29 disposals, seven tackles, and nine clearances, while James Rowe and Max Beattie made significant contributions. Jordan Lukac and Joe Sinor were key defenders, while Cameron Fleeton and Jordan Tilbrook impressed in midfield. Connor Ballenden and Brody Mair added goals, while Jake Andrews and Lukas Cooke showed promise in their performances.