Adelaide’s SANFL side has fallen by 53 points against a dominant Woodville-West Torrens outfit at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The Crows were unable to match it with the Eagles after quarter time, going down 15.12 (102) vs 7.7 (49).
Here are the five key takeaways from the match:
Taylor impacts going forward
Midfielder Zac Taylor was a bright spot for Adelaide with his connections to the forwards a standout according to SANFL Assistant Coach Matthew Wright.
Taylor backed up a strong performance last week with another complete game, winning plenty of the footy across the ground.
“He is one that wins his own ball (and) can do some things around the footy that not many can. His ball usage is outstanding,” Wright said.
“His ability as a midfielder to impact the scoreboard – it is not always going to be kicking goals – and connecting inside 50 were a standout today for us.”
Taylor finished with 26 disposals, six marks, four tackles, six inside 50s and one goal.
Draftees continue to grow
Adelaide’s 2023 draft crop all showed positive signs in their development against Woodville-West Torrens.
Oscar Ryan was Adelaide’s second leading disposal getter with 22 touches, Charlie Edwards had a team-high six clearances, while Dan Curtin showcased his high-marking ability with five grabs.
“They are coming in and they are doing a lot of heavy lifting themselves, which has been awesome for their development,” Wright said.
“We are starting to see their games grow week after week.
“Oscar I thought nailed some really important moments today, DC has been going to work with the others during the week and it is starting to pay dividends now, and Charlie is only getting better and better.”
O’Brien’s total game
Ruckmen Reilly O’Brien had his work cut out for him against the Eagles, having to battling with both Eagles ruckman Jarrad Redden and Connor Ballenden to leave his mark on the contest.
“His work around the ground was outstanding, Redden is a great ruckman so it was a pretty good battle,” Wright said.
“Reilly was able to get his impact on the game, gave us looks at times, was able to get involved, strong in the contest… it was a typical Burto game.”
O’Brien finished with 21 disposals, five tackles, 35 hitouts and five clearances.
Pedlar continues midfield development
Forward-midfielder Luke Pedlar played the entire game in the guts for the second consecutive week, performing strongly again.
His ability to impact inside and apply tackling pressure was a highlight according to Wright.
“In terms of his ability to impact and get it out, I thought his body work and his craft inside were good, so it's pleasing for him to back it up,” Wright said.
“He is one who has had an interrupted six to eight weeks so to be able to front up again this week and perform and keep building is a positive.”
Pedlar finished with 19 disposals, four marks, seven tackles, and six inside 50s.
Thomas’ fast start
SANFL Development Player Lachlan Thomas had a fast start to the game, amassing plenty of the ball and serving as a link up target around the ground.
In the opening quarter Thomas had nine disposals along with taking nine marks to help Adelaide to an early advantage.
“He made the most of his opportunity, – this is just his third game – he has been awesome with his work rate and his intensity,” Wright said.
“I am really pumped for Lachlan that he is getting some reward for that and to play his third game at Adelaide Oval, he took his opportunities tonight.”
Thomas finished with 18 disposals, a team-high 10 marks and four tackles.
Adelaide’s SANFL side will not play next week due to a bye. Their next game will be on June 29 against Glenelg at Glenelg Oval with the first bounce at 2:10pm.
ADELAIDE: 4.0 5.0 6.5 7.7 (49)
WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS: 1.3 6.7 10.11 15.12 (102)
GOALS:
Adelaide: Gallagher 2, Burgess, Taylor, Gollant, McHenry, Boyle
Woodville: Buck, Wheare 3, Weckert, Beattie, McKay 2, Williams, Ballenden, Nicholls
