Round 11 SANFL Snapshot – Saturday

A 10-goal second half ensured Adelaide wore down a fast-starting West Adelaide to earn a 36-point win at Hisense Stadium.

The spirited Bloods burst out of the blocks to lead the Crows at the first and second changes but their positive start soon faded after managing just one goal across the third and fourth terms.

Adelaide – led by outstanding ruckman Kieran Strachan – kicked 5.1 to West’s 0.3 during the third quarter to suddenly open up a two-goal lead heading into the fourth.

Michael Godden’s men slammed on another five majors in succession before Bloods forward Josh Gore kicked his third goal, and his team’s only six-pointer for the second half.

Strachan was instrumental in the result, collecting 20 disposals to go with 34 hit outs, 13 marks (six contested), and two goals as he continues to put his hand up for an AFL recall.

Midfielders Harry Schoenberg (27 disposals, four clearances) and Jay Boyle (24 disposals, two goals) were also influential for the visitors as were their defensive teammates.

Crows backmen Josh Worrell (20 disposals, one goal), Luke Brown (20 disposals) and Billy Frampton (21 disposals) all ensured they would regularly turn defence into attack.

Former Crows rookie Jackson Edwards collected a match-high 31 disposals, eight clearances, 10 marks and a goal while Patrick Fairlie and Lachlan Squire each tallied 23 disposals.

Bloods captain Tom Keough fought hard for his 17 disposals while Gore was a continual threat inside 50m for the hosts with his three majors.

Central District caused one of the upsets of the Hostplus SANFL League season with an impressive 35-point win at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

Driven to atone for last year’s 104-point loss to the Eagles at Woodville in Round 17, the Bulldogs did exactly that after earning their first win at Oval Avenue since Round 14, 2019.

The Dogs led at every change after refusing to allow the Eagles to click into their free-flowing style of play, illustrated by the visitors laying a total of 83 tackles, a staggering 30 more than the hosts.

Coles Value Player Travis Schiller was a standout for Central with 34 disposals, seven clearances, nine marks and a goal while Justin Hoskin was laser-like with his delivery by foot off half-back as he tallied 32 disposals and nine marks.

Further down the field, veteran Bulldog Fraser Fort made the most of his opportunities to finish with 137 Champion Data ranking points thanks to 24 disposals, seven clearances, eight tackles and two goals.

Kyle Presbury continued his ultra-consistent season for Central with 23 disposals and two goals but coach Paul Thomas would have also been pleased with his lesser-lights.

Defenders Billy Iles and Jack Carpenter are coming along nicely while Tanunda-product Lewis Cowham was promising on League debut with 18 disposals and seven tackles.

The Eagles, with coach Jade Sheedy sidelined by Covid protocols, were also hit by injury as Connor Ballenden sported a moon boot after half-time after an ankle concern.

Mitch Mead (head knock) and Clay Cameron (thigh) also found themselves ruled out during the second half but the home side was never able to get rolling.

Essendon recruit Dylan Clarke had 32 disposals, 11 clearances and a goal, while Joseph Sinor had 29 touches in his 99th League game but there weren’t too many others who won their position for the reigning premier.