Adelaide’s SANFL campaign came to and end when the side went down to Sturt by 17 points in the Preliminary Final at Adelaide Oval on Sunday afternoon.
Sturt controlled the momentum from the opening bounce and the Crows were unable to match the Double Blues, ultimately falling short, 8.12 (60) to 6.7 (43).
Here are the five key takeaways.
Godden praises players' effort
Adelaide’s SANFL Coach Michael Godden was proud of how his team went about the SANFL season, highlighting the consistent effort players showed each week.
Godden said the AFL listed players showed dedication and had a strong attitude for the entire season.
“The guys that have consistently played SANFL footy have just been tremendous,” Godden said.
“They have tried to push the AFL players to get in the team and when they are not, they are working really hard for our program.”
Strachan battles hard
Ruckman Kieran Strachan was a welcomed addition to Adelaide’s side, having missed the past two finals with a wrist injury.
Strachan made an immediate impact upon his return to the side, with his ability to intercept mark.
“I thought he battled really well, he started the game strongly, he was obviously restricted in his ability to move,” Godden said.
“He fought his way through like he always has for us."
Strachan finished with 10 disposals, three marks – two contested – four tackles and 25 hit-outs.
McPherson returns
Defender Andrew McPherson also made a return to the Crows SANFL side, after overcoming a quad injury.
McPherson provided strong leadership and influenced the game with good ball usage and marks.
“He is just one of the great human beings Andrew,” Godden said.
“It is disappointing that he has had so many injuries and we are just rapt to give him the opportunity, he deserved the opportunity.”
McPherson finished with 15 disposals, seven marks and four rebound 50s.
Parnell continues strong form
Defender Patrick Parnell had another strong performance to cap an impressive SANFL Finals series.
Parnell provided Adelaide with rebound out of defence and pushed forward to be rewarded with a major in the fourth term.
“Patty has been really strong throughout this year,” Godden said.
“He’s a great player and the last few finals he has been really strong for us.”
Parnell amassed a team-high 21 disposals, six marks and six rebound 50s.
Skipper caps 300th AFL/SANFL game
Adelaide SANFL Captain Matthew Wright proved to be Adelaide’s main avenue to goal against Sturt, booting a team-high three goals for the afternoon.
The match was Wright’s final game for Adelaide’s SANFL side, with it also coinciding with his 300th game of senior footy, having played 159 in the AFL and 141 in the SANFL.
“He’s been a great contributor to our footy club and to the game,” Godden said.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t send him off the way we wanted to but I am sure he has a long future in the coaching game.
“It’s been a pleasure watching him and it’s been a pleasure coaching him.”
Wright finished with seven disposals, three marks and two tackles.
Wright is Adelaide’s longest serving SANFL Captain and debuted for the Crows in the SANFL in 2015, before returning to the club in 2019 from Carlton to take up captaincy duties.
SCOREBOARD
ADELAIDE: 0.3 2.4 3.5 6.7 (43)
STURT: 3.2 5.6 6.8 8.12 (60)
GOALS
Adelaide: Wright 3, Gollant 2, Parnell
Sturt: McFadyen 2, Grivell, Richards, Lewis, Hone, Fahey-Sparks, Dakin
