Adelaide remains second on the SANFL ladder after defeating Central District by 55 points on Saturday.
The Crows took on the Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval after the Club's AFL win against North Melbourne and secured a 17.11 (113) to 8.10 (58) victory.
Midfield dominance
Adelaide’s midfield cohort of Jackson Hatley, Matt Crouch and Zac Taylor all had strong performances against Central District, winning the clearance battle 41-30.
The trio’s performance impressed SANFL coach Michael Godden.
“They all had really strong games,” Godden said.
“The game ebbed and flowed a bit throughout the night, we had some good moments and some not so good moments, but those guys were consistent throughout the game.
“They are very good players and they executed well."
Hately led the way with a team-high 31 disposals, eight tackles, six inside 50s and a goal.
He was well supported by Crouch, who collected 30 touches and six clearances.
Taylor backed up a consistent month of footy, finishing with 17 disposals, five clearances and a goal.
Crows rucks give midfielders first look
Adelaide’s midfield dominance came off the back of solid tap work from ruckmen Kieran Strachan and Elliott Himmelberg.
The pair won the hit-outs, 59-19.
Strachan also played a pivotal role as an intercept marker, with four of his grabs being contested and recording five rebound 50s.
Himmelberg also performed well, amassing 22 disposals, 10 marks and five inside 50s.
“Both of those guys had huge impacts on the game, both in the ruck and going forward,” Godden said.
“Elliott was really strong in the air and on the ground.
“That’s what we want, we want consistency from these guys whatever level they’re playing at.”
Defence derails Bulldogs attack
Central District won the inside-50 count by 12 (57-45) but couldn't capitalise on the scoreboard.
Adelaide’s backline worked well to limit Central’s scoring chances.
“It was disappointing to give up so many entries,” Godden said.
“I felt we played the game a bit more in the forward half but the numbers certainly show we played a bit more in our back half.
“The backline considering it’s a group of guys that haven’t played much footy together, I thought they held up well.
“The last couple of weeks they have been able to get a bit of continuity with each other and to be able to hold that score to 57 inside 50’s is a good effort.”
Gollant bags five
Forward Lachlan Gollant had a strong outing against the Bulldogs and finished with five majors.
Gollant was rewarded for his workrate after repeatedly creating leads but also defending strongly when the ball was in the Bulldogs' hands.
“Lachie has been really good his last few weeks,” Godden said.
“I thought last week he was really strong and then tonight he was very accurate kicking five straight.
“A lot of his offence came off that good defence.”
Gollant has now kicked a goal in all 10 SANFL games he has played this season.
Crafty Newchurch
Small forward Tariek Newchurch also proved handy inside-50 for the Crows, kicking 3.3
He used his agility and pace to make an impact.
“It was nice to see him hit the scoreboard,” Godden said.
“To kick 3.3 and I think he missed one all together as well so he could have had a really good night.
“It was a solid performance from Tariek.”
Adelaide’s SANFL side faces Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval in the final minor round of the SANFL season on Saturday at 3.20pm.
The match is a curtain raiser to the AFL Showdown between Adelaide and Port Adelaide, with the first bounce of that game at 7pm.
ADELAIDE: 3.3 5.5 12.8 17.11 (113)
CENTRAL: 1.2 4.4 4.5 8.10 (58)
GOALS:
Adelaide: Gollant 5, Newchurch 3, Cook, Hately, Turner, Strachan, McKenzie, Taylor, Nankervis, Smithson, McAsey.
Central: Grace 3, Kendall, Olsson, Lange, Dudley, Cowham.
