Adelaide’s SANFL side has continued its strong start to the season, knocking off Port Adelaide by 45 points at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon.

It was a tight game, with multiple swings in momentum, but the Crows showed composure throughout the match, and booted five goals to one in the final term to come away 13.10 (88) to 5.13 (43) winners. 

Here are Crows SANFL Coach Matthew Wright’s five key takeaways from the match.

McAndrew passes tough test

Ruckman Lachlan McAndrew had his work cut out for him against the Magpies, having to battle both Jordon Sweet and Ivan Soldo, in his toughest test of the season to date.

Entering the game Sweet led the AFL in total hitouts, averaging 38.9 per game, but McAndrew stepped up to the challenge to breakeven, both finishing with 21 apiece.

“We knew Sweet was going to be another challenge for him and it was one that he handled really well,” SANFL Senior Coach Matthew Wright said.

“I reckon his impact away from the ball was probably the best I have seen this year, with his ability to mark it or bring it to ground important.”

McAndrew finished with 13 disposals, four marks, five tackles and three clearances.

Diligent Drury shines

Marquee SANFL recruit Blake Drury continued his dominant State League form, and was influential no matter where he played.

It was the 21-year-old’s first time playing on Adelaide Oval as a Crow, and he did not disappoint, booting two nice goals.

“He continues to show up and play his role each week and that role changes whether it is forward midfield or chucked on a wing,” Wright said.

“He is a diligent operator, he does the work Monday to Friday and then when it comes gameday he has trust from his teammates in his ability to execute his role.”

Drury finished with 22 disposals, five marks, five tackles and two clearances.

Smith provides cool head

Defender Brodie Smith was lethal off half back, effective by foot, clean with ball in hand and provided plenty of run and carry.

Smith was calm under pressure, stepping up in the second and third quarter to halt Port’s momentum, with Wright crediting him for his role in those crucial moments.

“He is the ultimate club man, his ability to come up and perform at AFL level and then come back and play above the level again has been outstanding,” Wright said.

“Today in the second and third quarter when they were starting to get a run-on, he was one that was able to stand up and halt their momentum.”

Smith amassed a team-high 30 disposals, five marks, three tackles, four inside 50s and five rebound 50s.

Borlase shows resilience

Defender James Borlase spent the afternoon on Port’s Jack Whitlock, able to limit his impact, allowing him just one scoring shot for the day.

Borlase played a complete defender’s game, knowing when to leave his man to provide support, either intercept marking or coming across to spoil.

“He was touch and go to get to the start line, so for him to get himself prepared and come out and perform the way he did is one externally that won’t be talked about as much as we rated it,” Wright said.

“His ability to get the job down under a fair bit of duress is pretty important for his growth going forward.”

Borlase finished with 21 disposals, eight marks and two rebound 50s.

Sholl’s four quarter performance

Winger Lachlan Sholl backed up a strong performance against Norwood last week, with another big game against Port on Saturday afternoon. 

Sholl’s field kicking and outside run were on display all four quarters, efficient with his disposals to keep Adelaide in control of possession.

“Since he has come back his attitude first and foremost has been outstanding, his ability to play his role and above his role, he has executed really well,” Wright said.

“He is working hard on the things he needs to work on, and you are seeing that come across in his game and tonight he put together a four-quarter performance.”

Sholl finished with 29 disposals and 11 marks.

Adelaide’s SANFL side will not play next week, due to a league-wide bye. 

Its next SANFL game will be on May 24 against Sturt at Unley Oval, with the first bounce at 2:30pm

ADELAIDE: 4.2  5.2  8.6  13.10  (88)

PORT: 1.2  1.8  4.10  5.13  (43)

GOALS:

Adelaide: Burgess 3, Drury, Pedlar 2, Schoenberg, Draper, Atkinson, Cook, O’Leary, Gallagher, Anastasopoulos

Port: Lorenz 2, Jackson, Charleson, Anastasopoulos

Best: Dowling, Madgen, Edwards, Burgess, McAndrew, Smith