Adelaide cruised to a comfortable 54-point win over West in Round Six of the SANFL on Saturday. Here are five key takeaways from the match:
Second quarter scoring blitz
Adelaide took control of the game in the second term, kicking eight goals to West Adelaide’s solitary behind.
The Crows recorded seven different goal scorers in the term to enter halftime with a commanding 63-point lead.
“I felt that when the drizzle hit halfway through the first quarter we continued to play dry weather footy, we turned the ball over in our back half too much,” Crows SANFL coach Mick Godden said.
“I just wanted us to play a bit more direct.
“If the weather shows you something you play the way the weather gives it to you, and I thought we just played a bit more direct, gave our forwards a chance and they repaid us.”
Crouch’s dominance
With 132 games of AFL experience, Matt Crouch’s class was on show today.
In typical fashion, Crouch went to work from the opening bounce, accumulating touches to finish with a game high-36 disposals.
“The numbers were always going to come from Matt because that’s what he does, he finds the ball,” Godden said.
“(The questions to ask were) what he did with it, how did he penetrate, how did he go defensively… I thought he was really strong,” Godden told AFC Media.
“From a leadership perspective I thought he did what his role was and he certainly contributed.”
Crouch also added eight marks, six tackles, 10 clearances, five inside 50’s.
Soligo’s hard work pays off
Jake Soligo offered plenty of support to Crouch on his way to 29 touches, a game-high 11 tackles and a goal.
Soligo was a workhorse for Adelaide running hard from siren to siren, with his hard work in the middle not going unnoticed by Godden.
“I really liked Jake’s game, I really like him as a player, he does everything right - today I thought he was exceptional,” he said.
“His cleanliness is what sets him apart and that’s what’s going to help him at AFL level.
“He’s been playing predominantly on the wing and today we played him inside to give him some minutes there. He showed he’s capable of playing inside and outside.”
Strachan stars
Crows ruckman Kieran Strachan dominated the ruck in Round Six against West Adelaide.
Strachan recorded 57 hit-outs but it was his follow up work around the ground which impressed Godden.
“Every week he is putting out some good numbers but he’s also moving well. He competed well around the ground,” Godden said.
“It is a tough position for Strachan because ROB’s our number one ruck at the moment but he’s just got to keep putting consistent performances together.”
Strachan finished the day with 19 disposals, eight marks and seven clearances - alongside his season-high hit-out count.
Debutant Smithson’s goal spree
It was a day to remember for debutant Josh Smithson, who booted two goals with his opening two kicks.
Smithson shined up front, kicking four for the day alongside 12 disposals, three marks and three tackles.
“It was the first time we tested the depth of our SANFL squad… that was the deepest we have had to go so that was really pleasing for guys like Josh to be able to finish with four,” Godden said.
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Round Seven of the SANFL season will commence in two weeks, following a bye for the State side’s clash with the WA in Perth.
Adelaide will next face Woodville West Torrens on Friday, May 20 at 7.40pm.
ADELAIDE: 5.1 13.5 16.6 19.11 (125)
WESTIES: 3.1 3.2 7.2 11.5 (71)
GOALS:
Adelaide: Smithson 4, Fogarty 2, Worrell, Newchurch, Hall, McAsey, Soligo, Boyle, Parnell, Nankervis, Freeman, McKenzie, Lewis
West Adelaide: Ryan, McKenzie 2, Cleeland, Allan, Carmichael, Squire, Marslen, Gore
