A four-goal-to-two final quarter wasn't enough to get Adelaide over the line in its SANFL match against Woodville-West Torrens, with the Crows going down by 17 points at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval  on Thursday night.

The Crows mounted a final-quarter fightback but two late goals to the Eagles led to the hosts claiming a 12.12 (84) to 10.7 (67) win.

SANFL Senior Coach Matthew Wright dissected the match with five key takeaways.

Dowling dazzles in front of goals

On-baller Billy Dowling backed up a strong game last week with another impressive performance, working hard to impact at multiple contests.

Dowling was effective in the forward 50, booting two majors, and was an important contributor to the way the team wants to play according to SANFL Senior Coach Matthew Wright.

“That is really important for Billy to keep putting these games together week after week, so when the opportunity presents itself he’ll be putting both hands up to play AFL,” he said.

“I thought his contest work was really good, he was able to finish in front of goal which is really important because goal kicking mids are a really important part of our game now.”

Dowling finished with 30 disposals, six marks, seven clearances and five inside-50s.

Mitch Hinge and Toby Murray make successful return from injury

Defender Mitch Hinge and forward Toby Murray made their return from respective back injuries against the Eagles, and both got through the game unscathed.

In Hinge’s first competitive hit-out of the 2026 season, he provided plenty of leadership down back, along with being effective by foot, while Murray provided a target forward of the ball and pinch hit in the ruck.

“Hingey has had an interrupted pre-season, so for him to come in and go to work straight away was pretty impressive – he was one that helped us go at the game a bit more this week,” Wright said.

“Toby, for him to come back in and compete really strongly for us, he was one that didn’t get out marked too often and provided good service in the ruck I thought.”

Hinge finished with 15 disposals, five marks and five rebound-50s, while Murray collected eight touches, three marks and 10 hit-outs.

Consistent Charlie

Midfielder Charlie Edwards was one of Adelaide’s stand out performers, using his size to impact the at stoppages.

Edwards was strong in the contest with his clearance work and led the game in clearances, as well as inside-50s.

“Charlie we saw have some really good moments and led the way through the midfield,” Wright said

“The midfield group as a whole got into the game and into the contest really well for us today – it was an even spread from them all inside.”

Edwards amassed 29 possessions, four tackles, nine clearances and 11 inside-50s.

Development duo stand tall

SANFL development players Jay Boyle and Tom Bell impressed the coaching cohort, both showcasing gritty performances through the middle and down back.

Boyle set the tone on ball, recording a team-high 10 tackles, while Bell held strong against the Eagles tall forwards , limiting their influence.

“Jay is one of my favourite players to coach, he rocks up and plays footy the right way, he is combative, he is a leader out there, so really pleased for him to play the role he did tonight,” Wright said.

“Tom Bell I thought scrapped and competed really well, had some moments against a very quality forward line and he is building week to week.”

Boyle finished with 17 disposals and four clearances, while Bell had 19 disposals and six rebound-50s.

Fourth term fight-back

Following a tight first quarter where both teams had their chances, the Eagles took over after the first break and controlled the momentum.

Adelaide trailed by a game-high 29 points at three-quarter-time, but gave Woodville-West Torrens everything it had in the final stanza, fighting its way back into the game.

The Crows booted the first four goals of the term to cut the margin to four points, before the Eagles responded with two late goals and held on for the victory.

“Again when you don’t get quarters two and three right and you’ve got to kick five goals in the last term it’s always an uphill battle," Wright said.

“Pleasingly we went to work and had a crack, going down swinging, but we left too much out there and didn’t get it done.

“I’m disappointed with the result but thought there was a bit of growth this week.”

Adelaide’s SANFL side will not play next weekend with a League-wide bye due to the AFL's Gather Round.

Its next game will be against Central District at Elizabeth Oval on April 18, with the game starting at 2:40pm.

ADELAIDE: 2.1  3.4  6.5  10.7  (67)

WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS: 2.3  6.7  10.10  12.12  (84)

BEST:

J.Boyle, Edwards, Dowling, Cotton, Sholl.

GOALS:

Adelaide: Dowling, Bennett, Richards 2, Marsh, Coleman, Ludowyke, J.Boyle.

Woodville-West Torrens: Herbet, Beattie 3, Sladojevic 2, Rowe, Ballenden, Hayes, Grace.