Adelaide went down to Norwood by 54 points in their SANFL clash at Norwood Oval on Friday night.

The Crows couldn't make the most of their territory dominance in the first half, as the Redlegs prevailed 16.10 (106) to 7.10 (52).

Norwood’s efficiency inside 50 and pressure proved to be deciding factors in the result, with the Redlegs having 26 scoring shots from 48 entries, along with laying 35 more tackles. 

Here are SANFL Coach Matthew Wright’s five key takeaways from the match.

Murray marshals in defence on return

Defender Nick Murray returned to action after missing last week with a knee injury, and led the way in the backline.

Murray provided a good balance between when to defend and when to leave his man to come across to intercept or spoil.

He also took a strong pack mark in the third term.

“He is such a valuable player and part of our squad, he is so strong in the contest and uses the ball really well and I thought he got that balance right tonight,” Wright said.

“His ability to nullify his man in the contest and then pick the right moments to go at the game, which included some really nice intercept marks.”

Murray collected 18 disposals, five marks, - three contested – three inside 50s and six rebound 50s.

Edwards contributes across the ground

On-baller Charlie Edwards impacted the game in multiple ways against the Redlegs, whether it was winning clearances, linking up with teammates to get the ball inside-50, or applying tackle pressure.

Edwards was clean when he won possessions, getting teammates involved, but it was the work he did off the ball defending that stood out to Wright.

“I thought he was clean today, attacked the contest, gave good leg drive and I thought he defended really well,” he said.

“Charlie has had a challenging couple of weeks, but has responded well, so really proud of his growth.”

Edwards amassed 27 disposals, five tackles, seven clearances and 11 inside-50s.

Drury dominates through the middle

SANFL Development Player Blake Drury showed plenty of fight and tenacity, and matched it with Norwood's pressure.

Playing the game primarily through the midfield, Drury’s repeat efforts and unwavering effort to influence each contest was a highlight.

“He was awesome today, he has been in such a great vein of form,” Wright said. 

“For him to individually get the result he did from the game today was outstanding, he continues to front up and put in the work so it’s no surprise he gets the results on game day.” 

Drury finished with a game-high 37 disposals, eight clearances, 10 inside 50s and booted two goals.

Sholl continues consistent run

Lachlan Sholl continued his consistent form with another strong display.

Splitting his time between half-back and on the wing, Sholl generated some good ball movement in passages, and was clean with his disposals. 

“He has taken his game to another level, he is another one that works so hard at his game during the week, so it is no surprise he gets the results come game day,” Wright said.

“In a challenging year individually, I thought he has been able to rock up and put in a shift, and today he battled on all day and provided real good punch out of the back half.” 

Sholl finished with 31 disposals, seven marks, three inside 50s and five rebound-50s. 

Hinge working his way back

Defender Mitch Hinge continued to work his way back to full match fitness, after an injury-plagued season, and played the first three quarters against Norwood.

Despite having reduced minutes, Hinge’s smart decision making and positioning were evident early, as he helped the Crows set up behind the ball, and to keep the game in their forward half for large chunks of the first and second terms.

“He is still building, he is in a good spot,” Wright said.

“I thought he was good again today and continues to build his game nicely.”

Hinge finished with 10 disposals, four marks and two rebound-50s. 

Adelaide’s SANFL side will next take on Sturt at Unley Oval next Saturday in its final home and away game of the State League Season, at 2:30pm.

 SCOREBOARD

ADELAIDE: 2.2  3.6  4.8  7.10  (52)

NORWOOD: 5.1 6.4 11.7 16.11 (106)

 GOALS:

Adelaide: Drury 2, Welsh, Coleman, Taheny, Ludowyke, Draper.

Norwood: Molan 4, Gale, Callow 3, Binder, Murley 2, Swinnerton, Ling.

BEST:
Drury, Edwards, Sholl, Murray, Draper.