Adelaide’s SANFL side put on a clinical final quarter display to defeat South Adelaide by 20 points at Magain Oval on Saturday afternoon. 

Despite trailing for most of the afternoon, the Crows kept persevering, and were rewarded for their efforts in the fourth term to come away with a 13.6 (84) to 8.16 (64) victory.  

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

Edwards’ complete performance

Third year Crow Charlie Edwards looked comfortable running through the middle of the ground, with his impact on the inside and outside of the contest evident throughout the four quarters. 

Edwards linked up well with his teammates offering run and carry and an option when under pressure.

Wright spoke glowingly of the impact the 20-year-old is currently having on the team.  

“There’s that combative part of the stoppage, getting your hands on it and then spreading, and he’s playing a really good balance at the minute,” Wright said. 

“He’s able to win it at the stoppage and then get it on the outside and is a really important cog in the team at the minute.” 

ROB’s work rate on display

Ruckman Reilly O’Brien’s elite work rate was evident against the Panthers, covering the ground well to support in defence with intercept marks and provide a target around the ground.  

O’Briens tap work was effective, linking up well with Adelaide’s midfield brigade, to get the Crows offense moving. 

He also pushed forward and had an impact on the scoreboard, kicking a crucial third quarter major. 

“He’s a competitor, his leadership is outstanding, he’s vocal amongst the group and relays what we are mentioning up in the coach’s box to the team,” Wright said.

“For him to rock up and put in another shift like that and get some reward in front of the big sticks was nice to see.”

Maley a strong presence in attack

Key forward Finnbar Maley worked his way into the game well to impact in the Crows’ forward half. 

One of Adelaide’s more experienced forwards, Maley provided a strong set of hands, booting the sides two second term goals and finishing the afternoon with three majors.

“Against the tide in the second term he was able to stand up and be really strong. He’s been doing that for us since he came over,” Wright said. 

“We know what he brings, he is a weapon in the air, if he doesn’t mark it he doesn’t get out marked which is really important to how we play.”

Elite forward pressure from Taylor

Midfielder Zac Taylor spent the match rotating between the on ball rotation and half forward, where his tenacious attack on the ball was evident. 

Taylor’s forward half pressure was a highlight of his game, as he forced a turnover deep in Adelaide’s 50 in the third term which resulted in a major. 

He also hit the scoreboard himself in the final term to cap off a strong outing.  

“I thought he worked really hard between the arcs today, he was part of what really turned it around for us as well,” Wright said.  

“I thought he was calm with the ball in hand and his appetite at the contest to get at them and force turnovers which is how we want to play in our front half.”

Adelaide leave it late to swoop the win

Adelaide was able to flip the script after a disappointing first half, producing a clinical final two quarters to come away with a win. 

South Adelaide was the better team throughout the early stages, but were unable to make it count on the scoreboard which allowed Adelaide to get back into the game. 

The Crows response after half time was professional, as they got the game on their terms before booting the first six goals of the final quarter to open up a match-winning lead.  

Adelaide’s accuracy in front of goal and ability to capitalise on its opportunities proved the difference, outscoring the Panthers 13 to eight on the goal tally, while having five less scoring shots. 

“There were some things in our control that we didn’t quite execute, and South were too good at times,” Wright said.  

“Our ability to turn it around at halftime was a really mature execution by the group I thought in the end. 

“We should take a bit of confidence from that second half, especially leading into Round One.”

Adelaide’s SANFL side will begin its 2026 Season next Saturday against West Adelaide at Richmond Oval, with the game starting at 2:10pm.

ADELAIDE: 2.0  4.3  7.6  13.6  (84)

SOUTH ADELAIDE: 2.7  5.10  6.13  8.16  (64)

GOALS:

Adelaide: Maley 3, Drury 2, Taheny, Ludowyke, Marsh, O’Brien, Taylor, Coleman, Richards