Round 6 of SANFL action was filled with big performances, as the AFL Mid-Season Draft draws near.
A number of AFL-listed players put their hands up for selection, while the league's top performers put in a shift before the State Game against Western Australia.
A 19-year-old West Adelaide midfielder could catch AFL scouts' eyes with a huge performance as his huge 2023 production continues.
Norwood vs West Adelaide (62 - 74)
Norwood lead in a contested first half before a flurry of West Adelaide goals put them narrowly behind before the final term. A timely check-side goal for Luke Redfern sealed it for the Bloods in the last quarter, sinking the Redlegs to their sixth loss of the season.
Hamish Ellem was dangerous around the goals for West Adelaide, finishing with two majors, while 19-year-old Kobe Ryan amassed 28 disposals and 16 tackles.
It was Ryan's third 24-plus possession game at the SANFL level, after missing out on AFL selection last year. Despite at-times shaky kicking efficiency, the young midfielder has proved he can still win the ball at the senior level this season.
Matthew Nunn was busy for Norwood, winning a game-high 29 disposals and slotting a right-foot snap moments after the first bounce.
Glenelg vs North Adelaide (110 - 53)
The Tigers made a statement with a 57-point thrashing of fifth-placed North Adelaide. Liam McBean had a day out for Glenelg, kicking six goals and delighting with his set-shot accuracy.
Two former Magarey medallists battled it out in the centre, with North's Campbell Combe a shining light for his side and Glenelg's Luke Partington impressive through the middle.
Tiger veteran Matthew Snook finished with 29 disposals, while ex-Lion Corey Lyons led his side with 31 possessions.
Glenelg now sits seconds in the ladder, behind an in-form Sturt outfit.
Woodville-West Torrens vs Central District (67 - 43)
Joseph Sinor was immense for Woodville-West Torrens with two goals and 17 tackles, while teammate Mitch Hardie continued his striking 2023 form with a 27-disposal performance against Central District.
An excellent defensive effort was headlined by veteran defender Luke Thompson, with the AFL-experienced backman helping to hold Centrals to six goals despite 10 more inside-50 entries.
Ex-Tiger Riley Collier-Dawkins and former Under-18s captain Adam D'Aloia were also impressive in the Eagles' second win for the season.
Harry Grant worked hard for the Bulldogs with a team-high 20 possessions and 15 tackles to his name.
Sturt vs Adelaide (66 - 56)
Sturt ran out eleven-point winners in what could be a SANFL Grand Final preview. Both the Double Blues and Crows have been in blistering form to start the season, and have impressed with their full-team contributions.
Even so, the forward duo of Josh Horne and Lachlan Burrows combined for six goals against the Crows, as they cashed in on Sturt's efficient ball movement.
Matt Crouch lead Adelaide with 31 possessions, as his side dominated the disposal count despite their loss. Josh Worrell and James Borlase were again important for the Crows, and continue to push for AFL selection.
Sturt extends its unbeaten run to six in a row and looks to make it seven against the Panthers at the end of the month.
Port Adelaide vs South Adelaide (102 - 74)
Port Adelaide kicked its first tonne since Round 7 last year to make it three wins in a row after sinking to a 0-3 start.
The Magpies found good use of Jase Burgoyne on the wing, while 2021 draft pick Hugh Jackson backed up last week's strong performance with 24 disposals. Cody Szust was also lively for Port Adelaide with three goals.
AFL journeyman Keegan Brooksby won the hitouts for South and found important touches around the ground, while Joseph Haines and Mitch O'Neill were again influential in a loss for the Panthers.
South Adelaide now slides to a 2-4 record for the season, despite a promising start.
Tom Clurey was among Port Adelaide's best but could remain in the SANFL for an extended stint given the form Trent McKenzie in the AFL.
