Adelaide’s SANFL side produced a gritty one-point, come-from-behind victory against South Adelaide at Noarlunga on Saturday. 

The Crows trailed for the majority of the afternoon, but did not let up, as they reeled in a 38-point half time deficit to win 7.9 (51) vs 7.8 (50).

SANFL Senior Coach Matthew Wright spoke to AFC Media post-game, and delivered five key takeaways. 

Crows produce stunning second half resurgence

Adelaide showed its steely resolve, as it put a poor first two quarters in the past and produced an outstanding second half to overcome a 38-point deficit.

Defensively, the Crows put a halt to the momentum South Adelaide had built in the first two terms, and limited them to four behinds while having 13 scoring shots themselves.

Down by 19 points going into the final term Adelaide showed a never give up attitude, winning the inside 50 battle 12 to 4, despite kicking against the wind.

It took until the final minutes for the Crows struggled to finally snatch the lead, as a behind off the boot of Chris Burgess proved to be the winning score. 

“It was a real arm wrestle and we didn’t cash in with the breeze as much as we would have liked, while South were slick in that second quarter and put us away,” Wright said.

“The contest was a big area of improvement coming out of halftime, we were then able to get our forwards into the game who were starved of opportunities before then.

“Our intent and fight in that last quarter was outstanding and it is one that we win and learn a lesson but we very easily could have lost and learned a lesson.”

Jones impacts on ball

Adelaide wingman Chayce Jones spent the afternoon playing as an on baller where his defensive work rate and contested ability was on full display.

Jones gave a full four quarter performance, able to limit South Adelaide’s ball movement out of the centre, while being relentless in his endeavour to win the pill, laying a game-high 15 tackles.

“He got an opportunity on the ball today, we wanted to put him in the fight because he is a competitive player and I am glad we did,” Wright said.

“His hunt set the tone from a contested point of view in the second half, and at the start of the last quarter he had three tackles in one passage of play.”

Jones finished with 15 disposals, one clearance and one goal.

Defenders leave their mark

Young defenders Hugh Bond and Charlie Edwards were influential defensively for Adelaide, both winning multiple intercept possessions to limit South’s ability to convert inside forward 50.

Bond was able to curtail the impact of his direct opponent Eamon Wilkinson, keeping him to seven touches, while Edwards' rebound out of defense stood out to Wright.

“Bondy, he’s the ultimate professional, he was one that can put their hand up and say I played four quarters today,” Wright said.

“For Charlie when he defends first and plays off the back of that he is a really good player, and he took one or two important marks late in the game to help us get to the finish line.”

Bond finished with 15 disposals, six marks and four rebound 50’s, while Edwards had 25 disposals, four marks and team-high 10 rebound 50s.

Draper turns it around in the second half

Midfielder Sid Draper played his part in helping Adelaide get back into the game, having a huge second half.

Like the rest of the side, Draper struggled early, before turning it on after the main break, amassing 12 touches, three clearances, four inside 50s and a crucial final term goal.

“When we got the game on our terms he was able to bring his weapons and go to work,” Wright said.

“He is one in the second half that mirrored the team, he didn’t quite have the impact, but once we played collective footy he was one that had some really important moments.”

Draper finished with 19 disposals, seven tackles, four clearances and six inside 50s.

Sholl sets the tone

Wingman Lachlan Sholl gave Adelaide a cool head under pressure, with his ball use and decision making instrumental in the Crows getting back into the game.

Despite it being a heavily contested game, Sholl made the most of the ball when he got it, with Wright impressed with his performance.

“Sholl was another one that stood up, he was clean, used the ball well and made good decisions,” Wright said.

“He remained really calm out there today which really set the tone for others.”

Sholl amassed 25 touches, eight marks and four tackles.

Adelaide’s SANFL side will next play Central District at Elizabeth Oval on Saturday with the first bounce at 1:10pm.

ADELAIDE: 0.2  1.2  4.6  7.9  (51)

SOUTH: 2.1  7.4  7.7  7.8  (50)

GOALS:

Adelaide: Cook 2, Murphy, Burgess, Nankervis, Jones, Draper

South: Skinner, Pilmore 2, Hargrave, Jefferies, Wheaton

Best: Murphy, Cook, Sholl, Bond, Jones, Borlase