Adelaide’s SANFL side has gone down to Central District by 26 points in its first official trial game at Elizabeth Oval on Saturday afternoon.

Central controlled the momentum for large patches of the game, with the ball played in the Dogs' forward half, resulting in them taking home a 14.13 (97) vs 10.11 (71) victory.

Here are five key takeaways from the match:

Adelaide leaves it too late 

It was one-way traffic for the majority of the opening three terms, with the Dogs applying the pressure, able to get repeat forward entries. 

Adelaide showed some fight in the final term – winning the quarter – with SANFL Coach Matthew Wright saying there are plenty of things to work on ahead of Round One of the State League season.

“They started the game better and played the majority of the game in their half,” he said.

“We struggled to transition it from the back half to the front half and obviously the territory game is really important and one we didn’t quite get right.

“There were positives to take away, we were able to get going in the last quarter but unfortunately it took us three quarters to get going.”

Mids continue development 

Midfielders Charlie Edwards and Zac Taylor impressed Adelaide’s coaching staff, both amongst the bests.

Edwards continued to develop as an onballer, clean with ball in hand, while Taylor’s intent to win the ball was evident.

“I think we saw some real growth from Charlie today, he’s had a taste at AFL level but he has come back and continues to grow his game,” Wright said.

“Zac had some positive moments today, playing both as a forward but especially when he was put on the ball, he was then able to impact the footy.

“His intent to get at the opposition, with tackles and hitting bodies, I thought his work rate in that space was impressive.”

Borlase supports teammates 

Defender James Borlase led the way down back for the Crows, limiting the impact of his opposite number, along with supporting his teammates to create a contest.

Under fire for large portions of the game, Borlase stood tall on multiple occasions with his intercept marking, positioning and leadership on full display.

“He’s a real leader amongst his peers and plays above the level week in and week out,” Wright said.

“I’m really proud of his ability to back it up week after week, he works just as hard as anyone at his game, and he reaps the rewards game day.

“He was probably one of our best, if not our best.”

Ludowyke provides a target

Adelaide’s new draftee Archie Ludowyke showed plenty of promise, competing hard throughout the contest.

Ludowyke provided a strong target in the Crows’ forward 50, kicking Adelaide’s opening goal and setting up another.

“He’s a really impressive kid, he has come in and worked his backside off and is building really nicely,” Wright said.

“He probably didn’t take a few opportunities, he probably could’ve had five shots on goal, but he gave a couple off.

“He was on a deserted island ahead of the ball at times, but we were able to see his ability to still impact when he had moments.”

Skipper’s new role

Adelaide SANFL Skipper Kieran Strachan played a new role against the Dogs, lining up as a key defender.

Having spent his career as a ruckman Strachan showed his versatility with his aerial presence limiting the effectiveness of Central’s forward entries.

“His versatility is going to be really important for us,” Wright said.

“There might be weeks where he is the number one man in the centre bounce, others he might play forward, and some he might be down back.

“He just wants to perform and help the kids around him get better and you saw that with the likes of Oscar Ryan and Tom Bell today.”

Adelaide’s SANFL side will play South Adelaide in its final trial game at Magain Stadium next Saturday, at 2:10pm.

ADELAIDE: 1.2  3.2  6.3  10.11  (71)

CENTRAL DISTRICT: 3.3  7.8  10.13  14.13  (97)

GOALS: 

Adelaide: Taheny, Richards 2, Ludowyke, Drury, Maley, Draper, Sholl, Welsh