Adelaide fell to Sturt by 11-points at Unley Oval on Sunday.

The Crows fought hard until the end but the Double Blues proved too strong.

Himmelberg provides spark in the ruck

Elliott Himmelberg showcased his ability to impact the game from multiple positions, being thrust into the ruck during the second quarter.

Himmelberg was able to follow up his own ruck work and serve as another onballer, laying seven tackles and having four clearances.

The move helped switch momentum back in Adelaide’s favour,  according to SANFL Coach Michael Godden.

“I thought when Himmelberg went into the ruck it did change the game,” Godden said.

“It gave us a different look.

“I thought Elliott was really good for the backend of that quarter.”

Himmelberg also made his presence felt up forward, kicking Adelaide’s first two goals of the game.

Frampton's intercepting on show

Billy Frampton played a pivotal role in negating Sturt’s entries inside-50 with his intercept marking.

Frampton took 12 marks and showcased his ability to read the play, knowing when to leave his man to impact another contest.

“He’s in some really good form, he’s playing some really good footy,” Godden said.

“He’s getting back, he’s beating his opponent one on one but his timing coming off and marking.

“Twelve marks is a great achievement for a key back.”

Frampton also won plenty of the ball, finishing with 25 disposals and four rebound 50’s.

Sholl’s solid second half

Lachlan Sholl was one of Adelaide’s major ball winners, collecting an equal team-high 25 disposals after being moved onto the wing in the second half.

Sholl showed his class with ball in hand, lacing out targets and providing outside run.

“Once again he had to go and play in the backline,” Godden said.

“He went back there and accepted that role and then at half-time, we put him on the wing.

“I thought his second half was really good, he found space and used the ball pretty well.”

Sholl finished the day with eight marks and a goal.

Boyle sets the tone in the middle

Adelaide SANFL-listed midfielder Jay Boyle showed plenty of heart and continued his strong form.

Boyle played a contested game, winning 22 disposals, to go along with 10 tackles and six clearances.

“His progression has been enormous this year, from local footy to playing SANFL last year and then he has elevated his game to another level this year,” Godden said.

“He’s one of our prime movers in the midfield now.”

The on-baller also made his impact felt on the scoreboard bagging two goals.

SANFL Development Players step up

Godden was also proud of the way Adelaide’s SANFL Development players stepped up against Sturt.

He said Louis Sharrad, Isaya McKenzie, Hayden Kernahan, Riley Clamp, Cameron Hutchens, Jacob Templeton and Jack Lewis played an important role for the side against Sturt.

“I was really proud of them because we’ve had a lot of AFL players in our squad week to week so we haven’t had the opportunity to play those guys,” Godden said.

“For them to get that experience is just fantastic.

“We know they come from local footy, so this is a big step up for them.