Adelaide’s SANFL season is off to impressive start following a hard-earned 32-point win over Sturt on Saturday afternoon.
The Crows’ young talent was on display at Unley Oval in the 14.8 (92) to 8.12 (60) win.
Recruit Tyson Stengle provided a spark up forward, booting four goals.
Captain Matthew Wright led the way in his first game in charge, also kicking four goals.
Myles Poholke consistently got his hands on the football with 25 disposals, seven marks, five clearances and five inside 50s.
The young backline forced turnovers with its pressure and the likes of Darcy Fogarty (10 rebound 50’s) and Jordon Butts (five rebound 50’s) provided run off half-back.
Ned McHenry was a strong link through the middle of the ground, having 20 touches, nine marks, three inside 50s and three rebound 50s.
State League coach Heath Younie said he was proud of the new look group, in particular its team defence.
“Their intent and effort today was outstanding from the first bounce to the end, and to beat a formidable opponent in Sturt will hopefully set us up for a good year,” Younie said.
“Sturt had 53 inside 50s, and I thought we defended the game really strongly to keep them to 61 points and we were able to set up out of the back half.
“Ideally, we’d like to turn the ball over a bit higher up the ground but the back seven were really strong.”
While players like Wright and Stengle reaped the awards, it was the fast chains of play up the field that allowed them to get onto the end.
“As a team, the way we moved the ball allowed our guys to hit the scoreboard,” Younie said.
“The most pleasing thing for me was the even contribution."
Strachan was concussed in the third term after hitting his head on the ground in a marking contest and sat out the remainder of the game. He will be monitored throughout the week.
ADELAIDE 2.2 7.4 9.4 14.9 (93)
STURT 1.1 3.4 6.9 8.13 (61)
GOALS:
Adelaide: Wright 4, Stengle 4, Poholke 3, Greenwood, Himmelberg, Latchford
West: Condon 2, Greenslade, Harms, Pearce, Penfold, Evans
BEST: Poholke, Hamill, McHenry, Wright, Ellis-Yolmen, Wilson, Stengle
