South Adelaide held off a fast-finishing West Adelaide in a thrilling clash, the Eagles produced a huge comeback to down the Redlegs and the Crows eased past North in another strong showing.
Read all about it in this week's SANFL Wrap.
South Adelaide 9.12.(66) def West Adelaide 9.8.(62)
South Adelaide survived a massive fightback from visitors West Adelaide to chalk up their first win of the 2025 season in a thrilling finish at Noarlunga.
The Panthers were in complete control for much of the afternoon, keeping the Bloods goalless to half time and leading by 39 points early in the last term.
Seemingly out of nowhere, the Bloods launched a huge fightback, kicking seven of the last eight goals to get within a kick and set up a grandstand finish.
But Westies ultimately ran out of time as the siren sounded just as they were about to go into attack from the centre bounce, falling just four points short.
Pleasingly for South Adelaide, it was some of their recruits and young stars who led the way as they continue to show positive signs to start the 2025 campaign.
Returning ex-Sydney Swan Jaiden Magor (19 disposals, seven clearances and six rebound 50s) was prominent throughout, while Sturt recruit Brad Jefferies (six tackles and five clearances) also did his bit.
Snubbed draftee Phoenix Hargrave continues to press for an AFL opportunity as a potential Mid-Season Draft option, catching the eye with his 19 disposals and four clearances.
Ollie Davis (15 touches and four clearances) and Angus Bradley (17 disposals) also had some important moments throughout the day.
Ruckman Olivier Northam (15 disposals, 32 hit-outs and four clearances) got the better of the ruck duel and was another strong contributor for the hosts.
Liam Fitt (three goals) proved a handful in the forward line, while young forward Corey Grocock followed up last week's bag with another two majors.
Elliot Dunkin (21 disposals and four rebound 50s) provided important rebound out of defence, while key defenders Sam Skinner (16 disposals and 10 marks) and Oscar Clavarino (12 touches and 10 marks) were crucial pillars in the backline.
West Adelaide's fightback was led in large part by Tom Morrish, who kicked two critical last-quarter goals to go with 23 disposals and eight rebound 50s to cap a superb outing.
Kobe Ryan (26 disposals and eight clearances) and Sam Frost (24 touches and six clearances) were key playmakers in the middle and played major roles in West's resurgence.
Cade Kennedy (14 touches and six clearances) continues to improve and played one of his better games, while skipper Isaac Johnson (19 disposals and six clearances) was a strong contributor.
Hamish Ellem (three goals) stood tall up forward, while Tom Scully (six marks) and Jye Sinberberry (seven marks) chipped in with a goal apiece.
Callum Park (20 disposals and nine rebound 50s) was influential throughout, while Liam Delahunty and recruit Logan Austin strengthened the Bloods' defence.
Sturt 16.11.(107) def Port Adelaide 12.6.(78)
A second-half onslaught helped Sturt overcome a plucky Port Adelaide outfit by 29 points and register a 2-0 start to the season.
After a scrappy first half that saw the scores level at half time, Sturt powered away with 12 goals after the main break in an impressive attacking display.
The Blues' focus on improving their scoring output this season is bearing fruit, with Sturt recording triple figures for the first time since Round 7 last year and kicking their highest score in two years.
Port Adelaide kept themselves in the game and got within four points early in the last term, but ultimately ran out of puff as Sturt piled on five of the last six goals.
Sturt's win was built on the back of their midfield dominance, with the home side winning clearances 46-25 as they proved too strong at the contest.
Reigning Magarey medallist Will Snelling (31 disposals and six tackles) was in terrific form and worked hard to find the ball all across the ground.
Midfield bull Tom Lewis (25 touches and seven clearances) provided his customary toughness at the stoppages, while Jared Dakin (23 disposals and six clearances) more than held his own in the Blues' stacked midfield line-up.
Captain James Battersby (13 possessions and five clearances) was influential before going down with a knee injury, while ex-Docker Mitch Crowden (22 disposals and six clearances) slotted in seamlessly in his first game back in Sturt colours.
Martin Frederick (18 disposals) added his usual dash and game-breaking ability on the wing, while Nick Sadler (20 possessions) was consistent throughout.
Daniel Fahey-Sparks enjoyed a day out in the forward line, kicking four goals from 15 disposals as he showed his skills both in the air and at ground level.
James Mathews (three goals) was as lively as ever in the forward line, while Sam Conforti, Oliver Grivell, Lachie Burrows and Josh Hone all registered two goals each.
Casey Voss (23 disposals and five rebound 50s) and Flynn Perez (17 touches) were constant threats across half-back, while Zac Becker, Will Coomblas and Luke Edmunds were all solid in the key defensive posts.
Much like last week against Glenelg, Port Adelaide enjoyed major contributions from several key players despite the result on the scoreboard.
Hugh Jackson (23 disposals, nine tackles and six clearances) was a consistent contributor through the midfield, while Ivan Soldo dominated the ruck contest with 44 hitouts, five tackles and 14 disposals.
Dylan Williams (18 touches) spent some more time around the footy, while Will Lorenz (21 disposals) worked hard on the wing.
Rory Atkins (30 disposals and 11 rebound 50s) racked up plenty of the footy at half back to push his case for an AFL call-up, as did Tom Cochrane, who was electric in the forward line to finish with four goals.
SANFL-listed forward Shay Linke fought valiantly for the Magpies to kick three goals from 14 disposals and eight marks.
Marquee signing Jack Watkins again impressed in his new colours to find 25 disposals and four inside 50s, while skipper Nick Moore was tireless in winning five clearances and laying seven tackles.
North Adelaide 13.7.(85) def by Adelaide Crows 17.12.(114)
Adelaide continued their strong start to the year with a 29-point victory over North Adelaide in a high-quality contest at Prospect Oval on Saturday.
With both sides coming off impressive Round 1 performances, the teams were evenly matched for most of the day in an absorbing battle.
In the end, a powerful 5.8 to 0.2 second quarter display proved decisive as the Crows flexed their muscles through the midfield.
Trailing by 28 points at the main break, North battled persistently to remain in the contest and got within 10 points early in the last, but eventually ran out of steam.
The Crows benefited from an even contribution across the board, with several AFL-listed players putting their hands up for AFL selection.
Pre-season signing Lachie McAndrew could not have done any more to press his case, finishing with 21 disposals, 33 hit-outs and nine clearances in a commanding display.
Tall forward Chris Burgess also did his chances no harm, kicking five goals from 13 disposals and eight marks in one of his best SANFL performances in recent memory.
Billy Dowling (26 disposals and a goal) was in terrific form through the midfield, while Luke Pedlar (20 disposals and five clearances) and Harry Schoenberg (19 touches and four clearances) also put in solid performances.
SANFL marquee signing Blake Drury (19 disposals and 10 tackles) was a constant presence across the afternoon, as was Zac Taylor (18 touches and two goals).
Charlie Edwards (22 disposals) was stationed mostly across half-back and proved a dangerous attacking weapon, as was Brodie Smith (18 disposals and five rebound 50s).
Brayden Cook (17 touches and a goal) and Chayce Jones (16 disposals and three clearances) were also strong contributors.
Jordon Butts (15 disposals and seven marks) was dependable in defence, while Stephen Tahana (12 possessions and seven rebound 50s) patrolled the backline superbly.
Toby Murray (13 disposals and seven marks) put together one of his best SANFL performances before going down with an ankle injury in the third term that ruled him out of the contest.
While ultimately coming up short, North Adelaide had plenty of strong performers of their own, led by star recruit Angus Schumacher (28 touches and nine clearances), who was a constant threat at the stoppages.
Fellow recruits Zavier Maher (14 disposals and seven clearances) and Oskar Faulkhead (16 possessions and five tackles) also worked hard at the coalface.
Will Francou (18 disposals and two goals) played a stellar role on the wing along with veteran Harrison Wigg (23 disposals).
Captain Alex Spina (28 disposals and six rebound 50s) was tireless across half-back, while Reed Van Huisstede (six marks and six rebound 50s) was resolute in the key defensive post.
At the other end, Noah Casalini (three goals) was a lively presence inside 50, while James Willis (two goals) and Jed Dignan (two goals) also contributed to the scoresheet.
Woodville-West Torrens 14.8.(92) def Norwood 12.14.(86)
Woodville-West Torrens flipped the script on last week's nail-biting loss to claim a thrilling six-point victory over Norwood on Saturday.
After giving up a five-goal lead against Central District in Round 1, the Eagles dug deep to recover a 30-point deficit just before the final break to overrun the Redlegs.
It was all Norwood earlier in the game, who looked a completely different side to the one that lost heavily to North Adelaide in the opening round.
The Redlegs opened up a 28-point lead by the main break after dominating proceedings with 15 scoring shots to seven and 33 inside 50 entries.
With the margin out to 30 points late in the third term, the Eagles suddenly kicked into gear and booted eight of the next nine goals to take a 14-point lead midway through the last quarter.
A classy snap from Billy Cootee kept Norwood in the game as they mounted a late charge but the Eagles were able to hold on for an important victory.
Celebrating his 100th SANFL match, Riley Knight (27 disposals and five clearances) played a crucial role for the Eagles, while Kobe Mutch (26 touches and six clearances) also did plenty of damage in the engine room.
Young gun Kade Herbert (22 disposals and seven inside 50s) played one of his best games on the wing and had an impact throughout.
Emerging ruckman Jordan Lukac (17 disposals, 22 hitouts and six clearances) produced a standout performance as his influence grew across the day against rookie ruckman Marco D'Annunzio.
James Rowe also grew into the contest and loomed large in the Eagles' fightback, using the ball cleanly with his 16 touches and two goals.
Key forward Daniel Sladojevic came in for his first league game in nearly two years and played a starring role up forward with his contested marking to finish with four goals.
Max Beattie (18 possessions and nine rebound 50s) and Sam Rowland (16 touches and seven rebound 50s) combined superbly across half-back, while Lukas Cooke and Max Litster were resolute in the key defensive posts.
Despite the end result, there were plenty of positives for Norwood in a much-improved performance following last week's poor showing.
Nik Rokahr (33 disposals and 11 inside 50s) continued his flying start to the season, while Mitch O'Neill (28 touches and seven clearances) was back to his best after a down game against the Roosters.
Skipper Jacob Kennerley (22 disposals and six inside 50s) and Billy Cootee (19 touches and two goals) were also strong contributors through the midfield.
Finn Heard (16 disposals, 11 hit-outs and two goals) worked tirelessly both in the forward line and as a pinch-hitting ruckman and proved hard to stop.
Matthew Ling (23 disposals) and Cooper Murley (20 touches) provided plenty of run off half-back, while former Eagle Pierce Seymour (19 disposals and nine marks) controlled the defence expertly.
Jack Heard (22 touches and 10 marks) was a strong aerial presence, while second-gamer Josh Gillow was impressive in holding Eagles big man Connor Ballenden to just three marks and a goal.
At the other end, Jackson Callow (17 disposals, eight marks and a goal) threatened to tear the game apart early but was wayward in front of goal, while Jayden Gale (three goals) played one of his best games for the Redlegs.
Glenelg 11.11.(77) def Central District 6.11.(47)
Glenelg unfurlled their 2024 premiership pennant in style with a 30-point victory over a spirited Central District side at the Bay on Saturday.
The defending champions looked in ominous form early, kicking the first three goals within 13 minutes to put the visitors on the back foot.
As we have come to expect from the Doggies, they kept on fighting and got within eight points nearing half-time following an impressive second quarter performance.
But Glenelg had the answer to every Bulldogs challenge and flexed their muscles with a four-goal-to-one third term that ultimately proved the difference.
The Tigers' win was built on the back of an even contribution across the field, with the load shared by several key players who all played their part.
Celebrating his 100th SANFL match, Glenelg utility Matt Allen put in arguably a best-on-ground display with 22 disposals, 13 marks and three goals as he impacted both through the midfield and up forward.
Returning AFL star Jarryd Lyons continued his superb start to life back at the Bay, collecting a team-high 29 touches to go with five clearances and five inside 50s, while brother Corey (25 touches and six clearances) was influential through the midfield.
James Bell (19 possessions, six tackles and five clearances) featured prominently with his breakaway speed and power, while Darcy Bailey (19 disposals) played a key role on the wing and shut Nick Lange largely out of the game.
Jonty Scharenberg (22 disposals and seven rebound 50s) and Nick Stevens (25 touches and five rebound 50s) provided plenty of dangerous rebound out of defence while also closing down Centrals' small forwards.
Max Proud (19 possessions and six marks) patrolled the defence expertly, while Oscar Adams and Liam Wisdon were outstanding in shutting down Bulldogs' attacking duo Jack Tomkinson and Aiden Grace respectively.
Liam McBean (13 disposals and two goals) got the Tigers going early and was a constant threat, while Ben Ridgway showed his smarts around goal to also boot two majors.
There was also plenty to like from the Bulldogs, who were far from disgraced in defeat, with a host of players standing up for their side.
Harry Grant (26 disposals and 10 tackles) was tireless around the stoppages, while Mani Liddy (24 disposals, four clearances and a goal) continued his emergence as a key playmaker in the Doggies' midfield.
Wilson Barry (18 touches and four clearances) worked hard all day, as did Kai Pudney (23 disposals and a goal), who was outstanding on his wing.
Kobe Annand (21 hitouts and four clearances) is slotting nicely into his new side in the ruck and impressed with his follow-up work.
Rhett Montgomerie (16 disposals and six marks) took some key intercept marks and patrolled the aerial contests with authority.
George Kendall (17 disposals and six rebound 50s) was a shining light in defence and had some big moments against Glenelg star Liam McBean in the absence of full-back Brinn Little.
Oliver Shaw (12 touches and four rebound 50s) was terrific in restricting the dangerous Luke Reynolds to just four disposals and no goals.
At the other end, Jake Gasper (three goals) played almost a lone hand up forward and battled valiantly against a strong Glenelg defence.
