A nine-goal haul to James Podsiadly has helped Adelaide to its biggest SANFL win in Club history against Sturt at Unley.

Podsiady booted 9.1 from 23 possessions and 11 marks and almost had an opportunity to shoot for his elusive tenth major, but failed to hold on to a difficult marking chance in the dying moments.

David Mackay instead slotted the goal on the siren to push the final margin to a record 107 points from a final score of 24.12 (156) to 7.7 (49), surpassing the Club's 101-point victory over North Adelaide in Round 14.

Podsiadly's nine majors is the biggest bag ever kicked by a SANFL Crow in the local competition. It's the fourth time this season he's slotted five goals or more, including a handful last time Adelaide met the Double Blues in Round Nine.

The SANFL Crows also kicked the biggest first-term total in the team's young history on Saturday afternoon, slotting 8.3 (51) while holding the home side goalless to setup the record victory.

Sturt showed spirit with five goals to two in the second stanza, cutting the deficit to 31 points by the main break. But it was all Adelaide after half-time, with eight of Podsiadly's goals coming in two terms as the Crows piled on 14 goals to Sturt's two.

Podsiadly, who incredibly played a cameo role on the ball for large parts of the game, was the beneficiary of a dominant Adelaide midfield.

The trio of Matthew Wright (33 possessions, eight marks), Sam Kerridge (29 possessions, nine clearances) and Mitch Grigg (27 possessions, seven marks) continued to press their claims for a senior recall with prolific performances.

SANFL Stats: Round 18

The added dash of Mackay, who starred in his first SANFL game in over two years, was also devastating. The wingman's elite speed led to countless Crows scores and he finished with 29 possessions at 90 per cent efficiency along with two goals of his own.

Anthony Wilson's run was just as dangerous. The former Norwood premiership player collected 21 touches, six inside 50ms and could've had four goals next to his name but failed to finish on each occasion.

Kyle Cheney and Andy Otten were outstanding in defence. Both men claimed nine marks including four apiece from opposition kicks. Keenan Ramsey was also impressive in his second game playing a new role across half-back for the SANFL Crows.

Although Podsiadly was a standout, Crows SANFL coach Heath Younie said his nine-goal haul was the result of a complete team performance.

"I thought once again we had great team balance," Younie said.

"It's a credit to James. He's played at this sort of level - State League and AFL level - for a long time. He's meticulous with his preparation, meticulous with the way he goes about it and he's a great example to our younger guys coming into the competition.

"He played well, but I'm reluctant to individualise him because I thought it was a real team performance overall."

Younie said the performance came at a good time for the Club, with players in form across all positions on the ground.

"Most importantly for our footy club going forward, there's significant pressure coming from underneath," he said.

"In the first half of the year we probably didn't have that, injuries took their toll but now, if you don't play well up top, there's someone there ready to take your spot. I thought all those guys put their hand up again today."

"That second half was a ruthless performance and I just liked the brand of footy that we played."

The win completed a clean sweep for the Club at Peter Motley oval this season, after Adelaide defeated the Double Blues for the first time by 49 points in Round Nine.

Adelaide has now surpassed its record from last season, with 7 wins and a draw consolidating the Club's spot just above the eighth-placed Double Blues.

The SANFL Crows play their final game of the season in a twilight fixture against Glenelg at the Bay next Saturday, August 29.

 

 

ADELAIDE   8.3   10.6   16.10   24.12 (156)
STURT   0.2   5.5   7.6   7.7 (49)

GOALS
Adelaide: Podsiadly 9, Dear 3, Callinan 2, Spencely 2, McGovern 2, Mackay 2, Osborn, Grigg, Kelly, Lowden
Sturt: Duldig 3, Calabrese, Evans, Dawson, Taggert

BEST
Adelaide: Cheney, Wilson, Callinan, Podsiadly, Grigg, Mackay, Kerridge, Ramsey, Wright
Sturt: Kirkwood, Battersby, Kurtze, Taggert, Duldig

INJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
Sturt: Nil