Adelaide will feature in the SANFL finals series for the first time ever after defeating Norwood by 42 points at Coopers Stadium on Saturday.

The SANFL Crows led by just one point after a competitive opening term at The Parade, but the visitors then assumed full control after quarter-time to charge to a convincing 18.10 (118) to 11.10 (76) victory.

Adelaide’s 10th SANFL win of the year moves the Crows out of reach of sixth-placed Port Adelaide with just two rounds remaining.

Ricky Henderson kicked the sealer from the boundary line midway through the final term at Coopers Stadium. The 27-year-old booted three goals off a wing from 20 possessions to cap off a strong return from an Achilles complaint.

Henderson was one of four Crows who made successful returns from injury in the clash with the Redlegs.

Fellow comeback Crow Andy Otten was outstanding in defence with 21 possessions and seven marks, including five intercepts.

Nathan van Berlo also provided a steady hand across half-back in his return from a foot injury, while Riley Knight impressed with 21 disposals, eight tackles and seven inside 50ms in his first game in over three months.

SANFL Stats: Round 20

It was a complete team performance across all lines for Adelaide. The Crows dominated the inside 50m count 53-39 and won the clearances, tackles and overall disposal tallies.

Mature-age rookie Jonathon Beech was a clear best-on-ground and sparked the Crows into action after quarter-time. The 25-year-old committed his body in a courageous contest in the second term to set the standard as Adelaide kicked six goals to Norwood’s three to edge 19 points clear by half-time.


Adelaide piled on four consecutive majors in a dominant third term as Otten and fellow defender Tom Doedee let little past them in defence, while the run of Beech, Curtly Hampton and the returning Knight helped the visitors extend their advantage to 27 points by three-quarter time.

The Crows finished the contest at a canter with the final three goals of the game to record their third straight victory.

Beech finished with an equal-team high 27 possessions, six marks, five inside 50ms and a goal, while tough onballer Harrison Wigg continued to press his claims for an AFL debut with 27 disposals of his own along with seven clearances.

Tea Tree Gully sharpshooter Dylan Schoenmakers kicked a season-best three goals in yet another impressive outing from the skilful 19-year-old.

Left footers Mitch Grigg (26 possessions, seven clearances) and Hugh Greenwood (16 possessions, five tackles) did a lot of the heavy lifting in close while Troy Menzel was damaging with all of his 19 disposals.

Knight's day comes

Crows SANFL coach Heath Younie said it was an exciting time for the Club with both teams in the finals mix.

“The Club in general is in a really healthy spot as we push towards finals,” Younie said.

“We were really pleased to get some guys come back in for their first games today (after injuries) and contribute quite strongly.

“It puts the pressure the AFL team to perform, they know there’s guys coming underneath. It’s a good problem to have.”

Defender Sam Shaw was a late withdrawal from the match due to concussion-related effects.

Ruckman Luke Lowden was helped from the field with a right ankle injury after being caught in a tackle late in the final term.

Adelaide’s SANFL side travels to Berri in the Riverland to confront West Adelaide next Sunday afternoon.

 

 

ADELAIDE   3.4   9.6   13.7   18.10 (118)
NORWOOD   3.3   6.5   8.10   11.10 (76)

GOALS
Adelaide: Schoenmakers 3, Henderson 3, Gore 2, Lowden 2, Dear 2, Greenwood, Hunter, Milera, Knight, Menzel, Beech
Norwood: Johnston 2, Panos 2, Viney, Fuller, Persinos, Wilson, Giannini, Wilson, Jefferies

BEST
Adelaide: Beech, Otten, Wigg, Doedee, Grigg, Greenwood, Menzel
Norwood: Panos, Chippendale, Baulderstone, Wilson, Cachia

INJURIES
Adelaide: Lowden (right ankle)
Norwood: Webber (left shoulder)