Round 2 Hostplus SANFL Snapshot – Thursday Night

By ZAC MILBANK

Woodville-West Torrens survived a spirited final term flurry from Adelaide to steady itself for a 17-point win at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

On a night the club acknowledged its rich history by sporting striking heritage guernseys, the Eagles didn’t let their faithful fans down despite conceding the opening four goals of the last quarter.

Coming off an eye-catching victory against South Adelaide in Round 1, Sam Jacobs’ charges led for the entire contest and by as much as 29 points when Kade Herbert snapped truly on his left foot from a tight angle in the 26th minute of the third term.

But Adelaide built significant momentum after three quarter-time as former Sturt forward James Richards got things rolling with a long bomb on the run from 50m.

Crow Billy Dowling then produced a classy finish before first-year draftee Archie Ludowyke calmly slotted his 25m set shot to get within two goals in the 11th minute of the fourth.

The visitors got as close as four points approaching time-on as the hosts – who wore West Torrens jumpers in the first half before switching to Woodville in the second – appeared to run out of legs.

Impressive North Shore Bombers recruit Ethan Grace had the final say for the Eagles though, pouncing on a loose ball to steady and kick truly on his left from 30m out, directly in front.

This sealed the result for the home side, who added another from star utility Max Beattie, who was set up nicely by co-captain James Rowe in the pocket.

Herbert (24 disposals) and Beattie (21 disposals) starred for the Eagles as they both booted three goals to underline their game-breaking status.

Grace tallied 25 touches to go with his match-winning major while co-captain Riley Knight worked his way toward 23 possessions, six clearances and six tackles.

Much-improved key defender Lukas Cooke caught the eye with 19 disposals and nine marks, several of which were important intercepts as the Crows threatened.

Dowling was his side’s best with 30 disposals, seven clearances, six marks and two goals as he put in an industrious display through the centre square, well-supported by Charlie Edwards with 29 possessions.

Crow Lachie Sholl had 20 disposals while Tom Bell and Sid Draper collected 19 apiece as Richards and Jaxon Bennett joined Dowling with a pair of majors.