A handful of AFL-listed Magpies propelled Port Adelaide to a stirring win over Glenelg, North Adelaide overcame inaccuracy to stay in the finals hunt, while Glenelg and Woodville-West Torrens both lost crucial ground in the race for the top three.
Read all about it in this week's SANFL wrap.
Norwood 14.18.(102) def Adelaide Crows 5.9.(39)
Norwood strengthened their hold on top spot of the SANFL ladder with a comprehensive 63-point win over Adelaide at Norwood Oval on Saturday.
With the Crows missing several key players from the win over Central District last week, the Redlegs controlled proceedings from the outset, with Baynen Lowe's goal within 17 seconds of the opening bounce setting the tone for the afternoon.
Norwood's attacking output since the bye continues to build momentum, reaching triple figures for the third time in four weeks.
The Redlegs' blistering ball movement and improved inside 50 entries were again on show, catching the Crows' defence out with their ability to change angles and hit up leading forwards.
At the other end, Norwood's resolute defence, aided by the Crows' poor goalkicking, restricted Adelaide to just one goal until midway through the last quarter.
Adelaide were able to salvage some respectability by kicking the last four goals of the game, but Norwood had long since put the cue in the rack.
Lowe enjoyed an unbelievable first quarter as he racked up 14 touches and two goals before finishing with 27 and three as the most influential player on the ground.
Matthew Ling was not far behind him, collecting 34 disposals and six rebound 50s as he instigated many of Norwood's threatening attacks from half-back.
Despite receiving some close attention throughout the day, Harry Boyd got the better of the ruck duel with Kieran Strachan, amassing 24 disposals, 30 hitouts and seven clearances as he worked tirelessly around the ground.
Billy Cootee (26 disposals and a goal) and Alec Wright (19 disposals and eight tackles) were damaging through the middle, while captain Jacob Kennerley returned from injury and spent some time through the middle to finish with 17 touches and a goal.
Jack Heard (19 disposals and 10 marks) was strong in defence, as was Tom Donnelly, who kept Lachie Gollant to just nine disposals and goalless.
Tom Graham competed well against Toby Murray and quelled his influence, while first-gamer Calem Krolling played a solid game on Tyler Welsh.
Jackson Callow and Izaak Twelftree were important marking targets in front of the ball and could have enjoyed huge games if not for inaccuracy, kicking 2.6 between them.
Declan Hamilton continued his good form since moving to the forward line and kicked two majors, while Cooper Murley kicked his first goal at league level and finished with two.
Despite the loss, Adelaide can take solace in the performance of several players who put their hand up for AFL selection.
Dan Curtin played predominantly through the midfield and was one of Adelaide's best, showing cleanliness at ground level and proving a troubling match-up for Norwood's Alec Wright with his extra height.
Chayce Jones was stationed mostly on the wing and battled hard for 21 disposals, while Harry Schoenberg competed well in gathering 22 touches and seven tackles.
James Borlase was pivotal at full-back on Jackson Callow, fighting hard in one-on-one contests and also collecting 18 disposals.
Oscar Ryan showed his versatility in locking away Izaak Twelftree while also providing important run and carry from half-back, tallying 18 touches and seven rebound 50s.
Captain Jack Madgen also played a solid game in defence, amassing 14 disposals and seven rebound 50s as he worked overtime to repel repeated Norwood attacks.
Port Adelaide 9.7.(61) def Glenelg 6.11.(47)
Port Adelaide lifted themselves off the bottom of the SANFL ladder with a spirited 14-point win over Glenelg at Alberton Oval on Saturday.
Welcoming several experienced AFL-listed players to the lineup, the Magpies played with renewed competitiveness and resolve in a heartening display.
Suffering their second loss in three weeks, the Tigers squandered a crucial opportunity to shore up their place in the top three, now sitting in third only on percentage from Central District.
Despite winning most of the key stats (+69 in disposals, +26 in marks, +2 in clearances and +24 in inside 50s), Glenelg lacked polish and execution when it mattered.
The Tigers' ball movement was clunky for much of the day, with crucial skill errors going inside 50 proving costly in the end.
Already missing Lachie Hosie with a season-ending injury, Liam McBean was forced into the ruck following Cam McGree's late withdrawal through injury, leaving Glenelg's forward line bereft of potent attacking options.
Inaccuracy in front of goal also didn't help their cause, kicking 6.11 from their 52 inside 50 entries compared to Port's 9.7.
It continues a trend in recent weeks of wastefulness in front of goal, having earned more scoring shots against Adelaide and Port Adelaide but ultimately losing both.
As much as Glenelg shot themselves in the foot, Port Adelaide were equally stoic in defence, holding up superbly against a constant barrage of Tiger attacks.
Esava Ratugolea (14 disposals and six marks), Tom Clurey (13 disposals and six rebound 50s) and Kyle Marshall all played strong games in key defensive posts.
Dylan Williams (18 disposals and six rebound 50s) was again a key distributor from half-back, while Rome Burgoyne (13 touches and five rebound 50s) was calm and assured in his second game.
Dante Visentini cashed in on Glenelg's depleted ruck stocks, racking up 54 hitouts and six clearances in a powerful display.
Murphy Short (23 disposals), Hugh Jackson (16 disposals and six tackles) and Lachie Charleson (17 touches and four clearances) all had an influence through the middle.
Willie Rioli (three goals and six tackles) was important both with and without the Sherrin, while Tom Scully regained some form with three majors of his own.
For Glenelg, Corey Lyons (20 disposals and 12 tackles) and James Bell (17 disposals and nine tackles) battled away in the midfield and won their fair share of contests.
Matthew Snook (22 disposals) and Alex Martini (16 disposals and 12 tackles) worked hard across the day, as did Matthew Allen (17 touches) and Billy Stretch (20 disposals).
Jonty Scharenberg (20 disposals and four rebound 50s), Max Proud (26 disposals) and Darcy Bailey (18 disposals) patrolled the backline expertly.
Although ultimately overpowered, Liam McBean fought valiantly in the ruck against Visentini and still managed two goals as the Tigers' only multiple goal-kicker.
Woodville-West Torrens 8.6.(54) def by Sturt 8.16.(62)
Sturt held off a fast-finishing Woodville-West Torrens to claim their eighth consecutive win and stay within touching distance of top spot on the SANFL ladder.
In command for much of the afternoon, Sturt led by 29 points going into the final term, having restricted the Eagles to just three goals in difficult conditions.
Celebrating the milestones of veterans Luke Thompson (250 games) and Sam Rowland (150 games), the Eagles rallied with four consecutive goals to start the last quarter and reduce the deficit to just six points.
A steadying goal from the returning Connor McFadyen was enough to seal an eight-point win that further enhanced the Blues' premiership credentials.
Captain James Battersby (25 disposals and five tackles) and Tom Lewis (21 touches and four clearances) were typically combative through the midfield, as was the returning Jared Dakin (18 disposals and seven clearances).
McFadyen (three goals) returned to the side and was an important asset up forward, as was Oliver Grivell, who chipped in with two majors in his 50th league game.
Sam Conforti was a dangerous presence in the forward line, racking up 19 disposals but kicking a wasteful 0.4 in front of the sticks, while Steven Slimming (17 disposals and five inside 50s) was tireless on the wing.
Will Coomblas and Casey Voss piloted the defence superbly, while Guy Page (17 disposals) was busy across half-back.
Although ultimately disappointed with the result, the Eagles' coaches will be pleased with the return to form of some key players.
Adam D'Aloia played his best game in a while, gathering 28 disposals, six clearances, nine tackles and a goal.
Joe Sinor (22 disposals and six clearances) also played a solid game, as did Luke McKay (21 disposals and five clearances).ย
James Rowe (26 disposals and seven tackles) was lively around the stoppages, while Jarrad Redden had the better of the ruck duel, winning 32 hitouts and kicking a goal.
Sam Rowland (21 disposals and six rebound 50s) and Luke Thompson (16 touches) were solid contributors in defence in their milestone matches, while Josh Morris (20 disposals) was typically industrious across half-back.
Jack Wheare (two goals) also returned to form, Connor Ballenden (one goal and six marks) was an important marking target up forward and 2024 AFL Draft prospect Kade Herbert (21 disposals and a goal) was busy throughout.
Central District 11.5.(71) def West Adelaide 10.5.(65)
Central District survived a late scare from a gallant West Adelaide to eventually run out six-point winners at Elizabeth on Saturday.
Having kicked four consecutive goals across three-quarter-time, Central appeared to be home with a 30-point lead early in the last quarter.
West Adelaide mounted one final challenge and kicked four unanswered goals of their own to reduce the margin to six points with three minutes to go.
Despite several frenzied attempts inside 50, West couldn't find the opening and were left agonisingly short in a much-improved effort.
After several poor performances in recent weeks, West Adelaide were far more competitive in the contest, winning clearances by five, but were again hurt by simple skill errors and turnovers.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs' superior cleanliness and firepower up front were enough to see them over the line, making the most of their 40 inside 50 entries.
Harry Grant (26 disposals and 10 tackles) was terrific through the midfield, but received more support this week from Mani Liddy (17 disposals, 11 tackles and a goal) and Kade Ditmarr (22 disposals and nine clearances).
Aiden Grace was pivotal in getting his team over the line with three goals, while Hugo Munn and Isaiah Dudley contributed two each.
Jai Larkins spent most of the day up forward and finished with 16 disposals, six inside 50s and a goal.
Billy Iles and Jez McLennan were both busy across the half-backline, while Rhett Montgomerie (15 disposals and five marks) was an imposing threat with his aerial work.
West Adelaide will be heartened by the return to form of midfield dynamo Kobe Ryan, who amassed 34 disposals, 12 clearances and 12 tackles in a mammoth effort.
He was ably backed up by the returning Brady Searle, who didn't miss a beat with his 24 disposals and 12 tackles.
Sam Frost (20 disposals) was serviceable through the middle, while Riley Corbett and Wyatt Ryan combined well in the ruck to finish with 38 hitouts and seven clearances between them.
Callum Park was a constant presence across the half-back line, gathering 20 touches and nine rebound 50s as he continually launched Westies out of defence.
Josh Gore and Hamish Ellem (two goals each) were valuable contributors in the forward line.
South Adelaide 10.4.(64) def by North Adelaide 9.18.(72)
North Adelaide took a huge step towards finals contention with a gritty eight-point win against a valiant South Adelaide at Victor Harbor on Sunday.
The Roosters nearly cost themselves victory with their inaccuracy, generating 13 more scoring shots but finishing with one less goal than their hosts.
Leading by a point at the final change, North frittered away five shots on goal as they struggled to put the game away.ย
Ewan Mackinlay finally broke the drought with a clever snap, before South threatened to make the Roosters pay with two quick goals from Damon Freitag and first-gamer Phoenix Hargrave.
North were able to hold on following a steadying goal from Nigel Lockyer, securing them a victory that leaves them just one win outside the five.
After being soundly beaten last week, North Adelaide's midfield stepped up to the challenge, winning clearances by 13 and inside 50s by 15 as they consistently won first possession at the stoppages.
Campbell Combe was at his brutal best, collecting 33 touches, 15 tackles and seven clearances, while Harrison Wigg was as damaging as ever with 22 disposals and six inside 50s.
Hughen Wissman (19 disposals and five tackles) also played his part through the midfield.
Matthew McKenzie took the bulk of the ruck work and was influential throughout, getting the points against Olivier Northam to amass 30 hitouts, 15 disposals and four clearances.
Captain Alex Spina (27 disposals and 13 marks) and Harrison Magor (26 disposals and four rebound 50s) provided plenty of drive from defence.
Dyson Hilder and Kye Pfrengle were strong in the key defensive posts, while Jack McCann came into the side and was dependable with his 19 disposals.
Mitch Harvey split his time between ruck and key forward, hitting the scoreboard with 2.3 from 14 disposals.
Frank Szekely was also prominent in kicking two goals, while Sam McInerney was busy in the forward half, collecting 18 disposals and a goal.
Young gun and AFL Draft hopeful Sid Draper was sublime in the midfield, showing power and maturity beyond his years in tallying 27 touches, 10 tackles and nine clearances.
Hayden Sampson (23 disposals) and Ollie Davis (18 possessions and eight tackles) were unyielding in their efforts, but ultimately too much was left to too few in the midfield.
Elliot Dunkin continued his recent run of form to gather 33 disposals and 10 rebound 50s at half-back, while Jonti Schuback (20 disposals and eight rebound 50s) also found plenty of the Sherrin.
Oscar Clavarino (24 touches and 14 marks) was outstanding in defence and continually interrupted North Adelaide's forward forays.
Damon Freitag was a strong marking target in front of the footy and finished with three majors from seven marks, while Liam Fitt and debutant Phoenix Hargrave booted two apiece.
