Adelaide has lost its first SANFL game of the season in dramatic fashion after being overrun by South Adelaide by one point at Hickinbotham Oval on Sunday.

Having trailed all afternoon, the Panthers booted six unanswered goals in an incredible final-quarter fightback to snatch victory from the Crows with the last kick of the day.

South Adelaide ruckman Daniel Bass slotted a set shot goal from 45 metres out to give the home side the lead for the first time all afternoon. The siren sounded seconds later after the resumption of play in the centre square.

Adelaide led by as much as 41 points early in the third quarter before giving up nine of the next 11 majors in the 13.12 (90) to 14.7 (91) cliffhanger.

The Crows managed just three behinds in the frenetic final term. It was Adelaide’s only goalless quarter of the season so far.

The SANFL’s leading goalkicker Brett Eddy was the star for the home side with six goals.

Brad Crouch and Wayne Milera put their hands up for an immediate recall to the senior team with strong individual performances against the Panthers.

Crouch, returning from a hamstring complaint, used his trademark strength around the contest to collect a game-high 36 possessions and 10 clearances while Milera dazzled with his dash and flair, kicking three goals and having a hand in several others with his 22 disposals.


Left-footer Mitch Grigg produced his best performance of the season with 26 touches, eight marks and four inside 50ms in a workmanlike performance. Cam Ellis-Yolmen also impressed in the clinches, amassing 32 possessions, eight clearances and a goal.

Nathan van Berlo and Ricky Henderson stood tall among an inexperienced Adelaide defence missing Andy Otten, Sam Shaw and Jake Kelly.

Port District captain Trent Heffernan worked hard for his 19 disposals in his Crows SANFL debut. Fellow development player Scott Spriggs also had some nice moments in his first outing for the Club.

SANFL Stats: Round Six

Wasteful finishing in front of goal ultimately cost the Crows. The visitors had 22 scoring shots to South’s 12 by three-quarter time but failed to put the Panthers away.

Crows SANFL coach Heath Younie was disappointed his side lost its way in the chaotic final term.

“We lost our composure,” he said.

“We thought we gave them the tools to be able to execute the last part of the game. Unfortunately, we broke down in some areas.

“We had some really young kids out there, especially in the back half. We just lot a little bit of our way. We’ll have to address that, we’ll learn from it and we’ll educate it.”

The loss was further soured with first-year defender Tom Doedee reported for an incident involving South Adelaide’s Nic Schwarz in the final quarter.

Tall forward Harry Dear was concussed in a head clash with Tarak Redigolo in the opening term and did not feature after quarter-time.

The SANFL Crows head to Prospect Oval next Sunday to confront North Adelaide in Round Seven.

 

ADELAIDE                 4.3   8.7   13.9   13.12 (90)
SOUTH ADELAIDE     3.2   5.3   8.4   14.7 (91)

GOALS
Adelaide: Milera 3, Lowden 2, Hunter 2, Henderson, Gore, O’Brien, Grigg, Ellis-Yolmen, Greenwood
South Adelaide: Eddy 6, Barnes 2, Overall 2, Veide, Schwarz, Hitchcock, Bass

BEST
Adelaide: Grigg, Ellis-Yolmen, van Berlo, Doedee, Crouch, Heffernan
South Adelaide: Veide, Eddy, Rose, De Visser, Cross, Barnes

INJURIES
Adelaide: Harry Dear (concussion)
South Adelaide: Nil

REPORTS
Adelaide: Tom Doedee reported for engaging in rough conduct with South Adelaide’s Nic Schwarz in the final quarter
South Adelaide: Nil