A three-goal haul from Tariek Newchurch helped Adelaide claim a 56-point win over West Coast in a second hit-out on Friday.
The game was played across three, 25-minute periods at Mineral Resources Park, with AFL-listed players who did not feature in the first game, including Riley Thilthorpe, Ned McHenry and Zac Taylor, taking to the field.
Newchurch had plenty of support up-forward in the 12.11 (83) to 4.3 (27) victory, with Wright and Lachlan Gollant booting two majors each.
Adelaide’s quick ball movement through the centre of the ground was a highlight and the forwards capitalised, with McHenry, Lachlan Murphy, Billy Dowling, Will Hamill and James Borlase getting their names on the scoresheet.
The victory followed the Crows’ 52-point triumph in the earlier match.
SANFL Senior Coach Mick Godden said he was impressed with the way those who played in the second game overcame a few challenges.
“The most pleasing thing for me was the maturity of the group to handle a few different things that got thrown at them,” Godden said.
“Today the bus was late, the game was broken up into (three) periods, so it wasn’t a normal game for them.
“But the way they reacted and handled that in a very professional way was the most pleasing for me.”
Borlase and Thilthorpe shared ruck duties in the game and Godden said both showed plenty of positive signs.
“James has played ruck for us before and done some really good things,” Godden said.
“He is a young man who’s still got things to learn but he was really powerful and strong out there.”
Godden said he was also impressed with the intensity the side showed, with the pressure for spots heating up ahead of Round One.
“Part of our Club philosophy is one in, all in, and we’ve got to support and put pressure on the AFL team.
“Every opportunity we get, we are going to push them and that’s part of our role.”
Final score:
Adelaide: 12.11 (83)
West Coast: 4.3 (27)
Adelaide Goals:
Newchurch 3, Wright, Gollant 2, McHenry, Borlase, Murphy, Dowling, Hamill.
