Playing at half-back for most of the game before having a run at half-forward, the rookie collected 13 kicks and 13 handballs. His kicking skills were again on show and he also was good defensively.
Norwood full back Will Young responded strongly to the disappointment of being dropped after making his AFL debut. Standing former Crows forward Scott Welsh for the majority of the game, Young won his position and had 14 possessions. For the Eagles, Luke Thompson started on the wing and also had a run in attack. He had nine possessions.
Ruckman Jonathon Griffin (Central District) got on top of his opponent in the second half, and finished with 10 possessions and 27 hit outs. Ricky Henderson had nine possessions as a forward for the Bulldogs.
In Sunday’s game at Alberton, three Crows contributed to North Adelaide’s tight win. Phil Davis (15 possessions, seven marks) kicked an important goal late in the game and finished with 2.2 after playing at both ends of the ground. Matthew Wright (16 possessions) is steadily finding fitness and form and young ruckman James Craig didn’t have many possessions but played with good energy and dominated the ruck contests.
In the SANFL reserves, Aidan Riley (28 possessions) continued to press for promotion to the Sturt league squad with another strong effort highlighted by his contested ball efforts.
Brian Donnelly (Central) had nine possessions in just over two quarters at half back before copping a knock and Jack Gunston had 15 possessions and used the ball well.
