Adelaide’s SANFL side continued its strong start to the season with a clinical 84-point win against North Adelaide at Prospect Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The Crows showed their class throughout the match, kicking 14 of the last 17 goals of the game to claim a 23.8 (148) to 10.4 (64) victory.

SANFL Senior Coach Matthew Wright spoke to AFC Media after the match, and delivered five key takeaways.

Third quarter dominance

The Crows flexed their muscles in the third term, extending their 16 point half-time lead to 76 points, off the back of a clinical 10-goal quarter.

Adelaide’s execution going inside-50 and ability to convert from its entries was evident, kicking 10 goals from 14 inside 50s.

The Crows were able to score in bunches on multiple occasions in the term, kicking three goals in the opening five minutes of the quarter and then another three in the final four minutes of the term.

“The first two quarters we were inviting the pressure with an extra handball or two, while in quarter three our ability to not overuse the footy and off the back of that then test North going inside 50,” SANFL Senior Coach Matthew Wright said.

“We had some really potent targets ahead of the ball and we just wanted to provide opportunities for them and fortunately the forwards were able to compete really hard and kick a score.”

Taylor auditions as a forward

Midfielder Zac Taylor showed his ability to impact up forward, booting four majors for the afternoon.

Taylor spent much of the game playing as a half-forward and kicked goals in quick succession, including two in a four-minute patch in the second term, and another two in the opening five minutes of the third stanza.

“He is one that has played AFL as a midfielder and as a forward, and we see an opportunity to get him into the AFL team as a forward, so we played him solely as a forward today,” Wright said.

“He was able to execute in front of goal, but most pleasing was his intent to defend, his want to keep the footy in the forward 50 and then provide opportunities for others as well.”

Taylor finished with 15 disposals, six marks, four tackles, three clearances and three inside 50s.

Burgess’ Magnificent Seven

Key forward Chris Burgess continued his strong SANFL form, booting a season-high seven goals against the Roosters, to put himself just three goals behind top spot in the Ken Farmer Medal tally.

Burgess booted three straight majors in the third quarter.

“The highlight for me is when he marked it at the top of the goal square and handballed it to Zac Taylor running past who walked into an open goal,” Wright said.

“That is the sort of teammate he is, he is one that you love to play footy with because he competes all day and often has to go up against two defenders.”

Burgess finished with 16 disposals, nine marks and three inside 50s.

Strachan back to his best

Ruckman Kieran Strachan made his presence felt up forward against the Roosters with Wright labelling it his best game since returning from injury.

Splitting his time between ruck and forward, Strachan impacted in both roles, highlighted by kicking four goals.

“He has had a fair layoff and has come back and played a few games, there was no expectations for a bit, we just wanted him to come back, play footy with his mates and enjoy himself,” Wright said.

“Hopefully today is a really good launching pad for the back half of the year because he is such an important player for us and the footy club.”

Strachan finished with 13 disposals, seven marks and 11 hit-outs.

Borlase solid in defence

Adelaide’s back six put on a strong performance, with key defender James Borlase a standout, taking a game-high 15 marks.

North’s tall forwards had little impact on the match, with Borlase’s intercept marking and ability to limit his opponent noticeable to the coaching staff.

“We really value what Boz does, he plays on the most damaging forward every week,’ Wright said.

“He is one in the coaches’ box that when we see the footy going his way we breathe a sigh of relief.”

Borlase ended the match with 23 disposals, two contested marks and two rebound 50s.

Adelaide’s SANFL side will next play Woodville-West Torrens at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, July 6 with the first bounce at 11:15am.

The game will serve as a curtain raiser to the AFL side’s clash with Melbourne at 2:45pm.

 ADELAIDE: 5.1  9.6  19.7  23.8  (148)

NORTH: 4.1  7.2  7.3  10.4  (64)

GOALS:

Adelaide: Burgess 7, Taylor, Strachan 4, Nankervis 3, Cook 2, Jones, Gallagher, Dowling

North Adelaide: Casalini 2, Szekely, Wissman, Schumacher, Harvey, Dignan, Spina, Bradley, Findlay