The SANFL Crows endured a tough Saturday afternoon, losing to Woodville-West Torrens by 54 points at Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval.
The Eagles had the majority of the play in the first half, leaving the Crows to chase their lead for most of the game.
Adelaide fought back after half time and enjoyed some good patches where they kicked consecutive goals, but were never able to get back in it, losing 9.6 (60) to 16.18 (114).
Midfielder Patrick Wilson had one of his most complete games for the year, finishing with 34 disposals, 10 marks, eight clearances and five tackles.
Curtly Hampton was solid with 29 disposals, eight clearances, seven marks and five tackles, while Matthew Signorello worked hard for 24 touches, nine tackles and six clearances.
Kyle Cheney led the defence with 23 disposals and six marks, while forward Elliott Himmelberg’s contested work in the third quarter sparked his side.
State League coach Ryan O’Keefe said that he was pleased that the team never dropped their effort after quarter time.
“The first quarter just hurt us, in our contest base, we sort of got bullied around a bit,” O’Keefe said
“Then after that we were good, it’s just our turnover and probably a bit of the depth that we’ve got at the moment. We’ve got a lot of young guys, a lot of top up players.
“But their endeavour and their energy was fantastic, I can’t question that, and as coaches, that’s all we ask for and we’ll keep working at it.
“They are young and inexperienced, the Eagles probably had more AFL players than us but we’ll just keep plugging away and I thought that when we brought the contest we were good.”
Development squad member Blake Launer copped a knock to the head and sat out the end of the game with concussion, but no other injuries were reported out of the match.
ADELAIDE 1.1 2.1 6.4 9.6 (60)
EAGLES 4.5 6.12 10.16 16.18 (114)
GOALS:
Adelaide: McMahon 2, Davis 2, Wilson, O’Brien, Jarman, Leigh, Himmelberg
Eagles: N Hayes 3, Haylock 3, Johansen 2, Goldsworthy, Gray, Guilhaus, J Hayes, Westbrook, Boyd, Redden, Thompson
BESTS: Wilson, Hampton, Cheney, Leigh, Davis, Signorello, Edwards
