2023 Hostplus SANFL League Preliminary Final Preview

PRELIMINARY FINAL – 3:15pm | Sturt v Adelaide | Live & free on Seven and 7plus | SANFL Now | AFL Live App & AFL.com.au | 1629 SEN SA & SEN App

Head to Head – Overall
Played – 20
Sturt – 11
Adelaide – 9

Head to Head – Finals
Played – 2
Sturt – 1
Adelaide – 1

At Adelaide Oval
Played – 3
Sturt- 2
Adelaide – 1

Last Finals Meeting
2023 Qualifying Final – Adelaide 11.9 (75) d Sturt 10.8 (68) at Adelaide Oval

Last Three Meetings
2023 Qualifying Final – Adelaide 11.9 (75) d Sturt 10.8 (68) at Adelaide Oval
Round 17 2023 – Adelaide 16.7 (103) d Sturt 13.9 (87) at Wigan Oval
Round 6 2023 – Sturt 10.6 (66) d Adelaide 8.8 (56) at Wigan Oval

Connor McFadyen (Sturt) v Mark Keane (Adelaide)
Sturt recruit Connor McFadyen has enjoyed an exceptional debut season in the Hostplus SANFL League, selected at centre half-back of The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year.
But the former Brisbane Lion is now making an impact inside the Double Blues’ attacking 50m arc, kicking seven goals in the first two finals against Adelaide and Central.
Expect him to be shaded by Adelaide defender Mark Keane, who has been an excellent inclusion after finishing the minor round in the AFL side.
The Irishman certainly plays with plenty of spirit, as does McFadyen who has shown a love for a big celebration after a goal during the major round.
It makes for an entertaining duel which will have a huge say in the final result.

Will Coomblas (Sturt) v Lachlan Gollant (Adelaide)
Sturt’s Will Coomblas will be itching to go in the Preliminary Final, having missed the First Semi-Final due to a one-match suspension from the SANFL Match Review Panel.
A member of the West End State team, Coomblas has an exceptional ability to take an intercept mark in the Double Blues’ back half.
But he could have his hands full against the Crows, with a key match-up on Adelaide forward Lachlan Gollant looming.
Gollant was quiet in the Qualifying Final but sprung to life in the first half of the Second Semi-Final, where he booted three goals in the first half against Glenelg.
If he can continue that form against Sturt, it will go a long way toward his team qualifying for its first SANFL Grand Final.