Adelaide’s SANFL side was unable to overcome ladder-leaders Glenelg, falling short by three-points in an arm wrestle at the bay on Sunday afternoon.
The Crows led for most of the afternoon, but the Tigers were more composed in the key moments and ultimately came away with a narrow 8.13 (61) to 8.10 (58) victory.
SANFL Senior Coach Matthew Wright spoke to AFC Media after the match and delivered five key takeaways.
Ah Chee impacts in return
Forward Callum Ah Chee returned to action against the Bays, playing all four quarters, where he was effective inside 50 and provided a calming influence down back in the final term.
Ah Chee was lively with his ability to get into dangerous positions, and apply pressure in the Crows’ forward half.
“He is a beautiful player ball in hand, but to then have team-high tackles along with (Luke) Pedlar is a credit to both,” Wright said.
“I thought he had some really important moments today and no doubt his game will build off the back of this.”
Ah Chee collected 11 disposals, four marks, a game-high six tackles and kicked one goal.
Murray holds down the defence
Defender Nick Murray played an important role for the Crows, as he nullified the impact of Glenelg Captain Liam McBean, and repelled a number of the Bays’ inside 50s.
Murray patrolled the air to great effect, and was able to intercept mark, spoil and win his own ball, rarely being beaten one-on-one.
“I thought his ability to nullify a very good opponent was impressive, but then his impact, he generated a lot of uncontested marks and intercept marks out of the back half,” Wright said.
“He is a natural leader with his actions, and it was a really strong performance from him today.”
Murray amassed 28 touches, seven marks and nine rebound 50s.
Dowling delivers
Midfielder Billy Dowling played a complete game against Glenelg, influential both on the inside and outside of the contest.
Dowling continued his strong SANFL form, and was dangerous in the forward half, booting two majors along with having seven inside 50s.
“I’m really proud of Bill, he was building towards that AFL game last week and earnt it,” Wright said.
“For him to come back and continue from where he left off, his game is in a really good spot, he is really consistent with his approach to the game.”
Dowling finished with a team-high 28 disposals, seven marks and three tackles.
Pedlar executes his role
Forward Luke Pedlar worked his way back from a hamstring strain sustained last month, spending the afternoon splitting his time between forward and midfield.
Pedlar’s attack on the ball and forward half pressure stood out, with Wright pleased to see him back fit and firing.
“For him to come in and execute his role, I thought it was good firstly to see him out there playing footy,” Wright said.
“It’s a credit to the work he has put in to put himself in a good spot.”
Pedlar finished with six disposals, two marks and six tackles.
Cumming builds consistency
Playing across half back Isaac Cumming helped get Adelaide off to a strong start, putting his mark on the game early with 12 touches and five marks in the opening term.
Building his way back after an interrupted month, Cumming was heavily involved in Adelaide’s ball movement throughout the first three terms, before being rested in the fourth quarter due to the AFL side having a short turnaround.
“It’s good to see him back playing some really consistent footy, I thought he had a real impact out there today,” Wright said.
“There is a short turnaround with the AFL next week, so there was some management going on there.”
Cumming finished with 18 touches, seven marks, three rebound 50s and booted a major.
Adelaide’s SANFL side next game will be against West Adelaide at Richmond Oval on Saturday with the first bounce at 2:10pm.
ADELAIDE: 2.1 5.5 6.7 8.10 (58)
GLENELG: 0.1 4.5 6.10 8.13 (61)
GOALS:
Adelaide: Dowling 2, Ludowyke, Ah Chee, Edwards, O’Brien, Cumming, Draper, Partington
Glenelg: Hosie 3, Finlay, McBean, Brown, Hyatt
BEST:
N.Murray, Ryan, Bond, Dowling, O’Brien, Jones
