Kuwarna SANFL side fell to ladder-leader Sturt by 23 points at Thomas Farms Oval on Saturday afternoon.

Following a competitive opening term, Kuwarna was overrun in the second quarter, before fighting back to almost level the scores at the final change.

But Kuwarna was unable to hold onto the momentum as Sturt kicked away to prevail 15.8 (98)  12.3 (75).

The game was part of the SANFL’s First Nations Round and here are the five key takeaways.

Strachan returns

Ruckman Kieran Strachan returned after overcoming a foot injury, as the club received an exemption from the SANFL for him to feature in the team.

Strachan spent the majority of the afternoon playing at full-forward, while pinch hitting in the ruck.

Kuwarna SANFL Senior Coach Matthew Wright said it was good to see Strachan back playing footy.

“He was coming off a long layoff, so it was great to see him back out there competing really strongly,” he said.

“His ability to get the ball to ground and help us hold it in our forward 50, he played an important role, and he will no doubt be better for it.”

Tenacious Murphy

Forward Lachlan Murphy was solid for Kuwarna, and featured mostly in the midfield.

Wright was impressed with his ability to win the ball at the stoppages and create opportunities.

“He was one for four quarters today that just gritted the entire time,” Wright said.

“He throws his body in, he competes so strongly, he is one that walks away really proud of the way he played today.”

Murphy amassed 25 touches, five tackles, six clearances and four inside 50s.

Edwards continues growth

Defender Charlie Edwards played an important role for Kuwarna, knowing when to impact offensively and defensively.

Edwards was effective by foot, rebounding out of the backline, while also taking multiple intercept marks.

“His approach and want to get better has been really impressive,” Wright said.

“It is really important that he defends first and foremost, but when he does that well that’s when his offensive game gets up and going.”

Edwards finished with a team-high 26 disposals, 10 marks, three inside 50s and eight rebound 50s. 

Smith’s big third term

Defender Brodie Smith stood up for Kuwarna in the third term, helping to turn the momentum in his side's favour.

Smith produced brilliance on two occasions in the term, the first booting a goal from 50m out on a tight angle, while on the run.

The second came shortly after where he raised above the pack to take a massive contested mark, and then went back and converted from 40m out.

“There are not too many blokes that have played a heap of footy and can still surprise you from time to time like him,” Wright said.

“He is a general in defence for us and he willed us back into the game in that third quarter.”

Smith collected 24 disposals, three clearances, four inside 50s and two majors.

Burgess makes most of chances

Forward Chris Burgess continued his strong form, able to make the most of his opportunities to finish with four majors.

Averaging three goals a game in the State League, Sturt put extra attention into Burgess, with Wright pleased with how he fought through it.

“I’m really proud about the way he goes about his footy and he is one that is pushing to play AFL,” he said.

“The opposition knows he is our most dangerous key forward at the moment and they put a lot of extra work into him. He often gets double and triple teamed, but his ability to fight through and take his opportunities is really important.”

Burgess finished with 11 touches, four marks and three inside 50s.

The Club's SANFL side will not play next week, due to a bye.

Its next SANFL game will be against South Adelaide at Noarlunga Oval on Saturday, June 7, at 2.30pm.

SCOREBOARD

KUWARNA: 2.0  5.1  11.3  12.3  (75)

STURT: 4.1  9.4  12.5  15.8  (98)

GOALS:

Kuwarna Burgess 4, Dowling, Smith 2, Murphy, Cook, O’Leary, Gallagher.

Sturt Fahey-Sparks, Hone 3, Mathews 2, Dakin, McFayden, Lewis, Grivell, Parker, Doyle, Anderson.

 Best: Borlase, Dowling, Murphy, Jones, Burgess.