Adelaide has been overrun by bottom-placed West Adelaide by 21 points in Saturday’s SANFL clash at City Mazda Stadium.

An eight-goal streak by the Bloods either side of three-quarter time ripped the result away from the Crows after Adelaide threatened to run away with the match during the second and third terms.

Troy Menzel inspired the visitors early with two second-quarter goals as the Crows crept out to a 22-point lead midway through the term, yet the visitors took just an eight-point advantage into the main break.

Adelaide then kicked clear with the first three goals after half-time through Menzel, teenager Myles Poholke, who finished with a career-best three goals to his name, and debutant Josh Vandermeer who nailed his maiden goal in SANFL football.


The Crows built a 25-point lead and again looked likely winners before the home side responded with a devastating second-half display.

West Adelaide piled on 14 of the next 17 scoring shots to hand the Crows their third consecutive SANFL loss 12.4 (76) to 14.13 (97).

A late goal to Elliott Himmelberg was Adelaide’s only major of the final term, such was the home side’s dominance.

The Crows remain in seventh spot on the SANFL ladder just one win outside the top five while West Adelaide has now won three of its last four matches.

Crows SANFL coach Ryan O’Keefe said his side, which featured 10 players from the Club’s SANFL development list, lacked concentration when the game was there to be won.

“We played some good footy for three quarters but really fell away in that last quarter and a bit, and that’s what cost us,” O’Keefe said.

“It’s probably a mix of concentration, fatigue and that instinct to go on with it. We need to be able to sustain our intensity for longer otherwise that’s what can happen.

“It’s another lesson for our players.”

SANFL stats: Round 13 v West Adelaide

Rookie ruckman Paul Hunter relished lead ruck responsibilities with a season-best 33 hit-outs, 17 disposals and four clearances. The 200cm Crow also claimed several big marks at crucial stages.

Menzel and Poholke combined for six goals and 11 score involvements and looked dangerous every time they went near the ball.

Midfielder Scott Thompson finished as Adelaide’s top ball winner with 22 possessions, nine tackles, five clearances and a goal in his return to state league action.

Young duo Matthew Signorello (concussion) and Harry Dear (quad) were both withdrawn from the match pre-game.

The SANFL Crows battle Norwood next weekend at Coopers Stadium on Sunday, July 23.


ADELAIDE            2.2   8.2   11.3   12.4 (76)
WEST ADELAIDE   2.3   6.6   9.10   14.13 (97)

GOALS
Adelaide: Poholke 3, Menzel 3, Thompson, Pinyon, Boxer, Jarman, Vandermeer, Himmelberg
West Adelaide: Green 5, Stevens 2, Caire 2, Schiller 2, Karpany, Haysman, Silverlock,

BEST
Adelaide: Hunter, Poholke, Menzel, Thompson, Keath, Jarman, Fry
West Adelaide: Stevens, Green, Middleton, Agostino, Schiller, Burgess

INJURIES
Adelaide: Harry Dear (quad) and Matthew Signorello (concussion) withdrawn pre-game
West Adelaide: Nil