Round 5 of SANFL offered standout performances as the South Australian premiership ladder begins to take shape.
Sturt continued their hot form to remain on top, while an injury-struck Adelaide defender was back to his best in a convincing Crows win.
A Glenelg forward was a game-winner for the Tigers and has stamped himself as an early favourite for the Ken Farmer Medal as the SANFL's leading goalkicker.
North Adelaide vs Adelaide (41 - 88)
Adelaide had a slow start before kicking five goals to zero in an impressive second term against the Roosters. Crows forwards Lachlan Gollant and Riley Clamp combined for seven goals, as Adelaide ran out 47-point winners.
Andrew McPherson was everywhere for the Crows, winning a game-high 29 disposals and grabbing 11 marks as a medium defender. It was the 23-year-old's best game since returning from multiple knee injuries at the start of this season.
Magarey medallist Campbell Combe was a standout for North Adelaide, alongside midfielder partner Alex Spina, who continues his strong season.
Mid-Season Draft hopeful Noah Casalini was quiet for the Roosters, as Adelaide defenders Josh Worrell and James Borlase both had solid outings.
South Adelaide vs Glenelg (45 - 86)
It was a big day for Glenelg forward Lachlan Hosie, who kicked five goals in a dynamic display at Flinders University Stadium. The 26-year-old's goal tally jumps to 19 for the season and puts him truly into the frame for the Ken Farmer Medal.
Both teams battled through a deadlock until the final term, where the Tigers kicked the final six goals to seal the game.
Former-Eagle Matt Allen was lively early for Glenelg, kicking two goals in a tight first half, while ex-Swan Toby Pink played a big role in defence.
Bryce Gibbs went down early with injury for South Adelaide, while Joseph Haines provided the spark for the Panthers off half-back in an otherwise disappointing loss.
Central District vs West Adelaide (60 - 49)
22-year-old ruckman Billy McCormack was immense for Central District, amassing 20 disposals and two goals, and supplying his midfielders well in the hitouts.
Ex-Sun Jez McLennan was a beneficiary of McCormack's work, setting up teammates with his ball use and streaming through the midfield for a 50m goal in the first quarter.
Down by 40 at three-quarter time, West Adelaide made a big run in the last term to get within nine points of the Bulldogs. Tom Morrish was lively for the Bloods, kicking two goals in the fourth and finishing joint-first in disposals on the day.
Port Adelaide vs Norwood (58 - 51)
Port Adelaide sunk their arch-rivals Norwood in a tight contest, winning their second game of the season to move just outside the top five.
Hugh Jackson was impressive in the Magpies' midfield, finishing with 23 disposals and 10 tackles. Norwood's Nik Rokahr battled hard, amassing 26 possessions of his own and eight tackles.
Port Adelaide's defence stood tall, despite the side losing the disposal and inside 50 counts on the day. Defenders Tom Clurey and Jake Pasini held strong, with the latter taking a series of important intercept marks.
READ MORE: Inside Port Adelaide defender Jake Pasini's “bittersweet” start to AFL career, ACL recovery
Ethiopian-born Goy Lok was damaging and exciting for the Redlegs, kicking three goals in the second half after missing his chances in the first.
Woodville-West Torrens vs Sturt (65 - 87)
The Double Blues remain perfect in 2023, taking out their fifth win of the season against the Woodville-West Torrens.
Sturt's James Battersby was influential in the midfield, while teammate Josh Hone slotted three goals in his 150th game. Double Blue Daniel Fahey-Sparks was dominant in the ruck, winning 38 hit-outs and taking valuable marks in defence.
Former Lion Connor Ballenden kept the Eagles competitive, contributing five goals and 17 disposals while Joseph Sinor was the leading ball-winner for the side. Ex-Demon Jimmy Toumpas also made a strong return after missing most of the season.
