Central District and Port Adelaide held on to claim last-gasp victories, Sturt continued their unbeaten start with a strong win over Adelaide, while Glenelg piled on the goals against a hapless West Adelaide.
Read all about it in this week's SANFL Wrap.
Norwood 10.13.(73) def by Central District 13.6.(84)
Central District held on for a thrilling 11-point victory over a tenacious Norwood at The Parade on Friday night to extend their winning run to five matches.
Despite sitting at opposite ends of the ladder, the game went down to the wire, with Central clinging on to a five-point lead as Norwood made repeated attacks in the final minutes without a breakthrough.
A goal to Nick Lange after the siren extended the Bulldogs' winning margin, capping off a gritty victory that at times looked in great peril.
Norwood defended superbly in the opening term, condemning the Bulldogs to their first scoreless quarter of the season, but could only manage one goal from seven scoring shots of their own.
The Redlegs' inability to find clear targets inside 50 and convert in front of goal again proved costly, as they registered four more scoring shots and four more inside 50s but wasted countless opportunities in attack.
In direct contrast, Central District's class and polish with the footy in their forward line highlighted the quality in their line-up that makes them a genuine premiership threat.
Harry Grant returned from the state game in fine touch, collecting 24 disposals and seven clearances as the Bulldogs' most productive midfielder on the night.
Bulldog Mani Liddy (16 touches and six clearances) did his chances no harm, while Wilson Barry (16 possessions) had some important moments after being afforded too much space on the wing.
Kobe Annand (35 hitouts, six clearances and a goal) endured a fascinating ruck duel with Finn Heard to have a big say on the outcome with his tapwork at the stoppages.
Up forward, Nick Lange bobbed up at crucial stages to kick three goals, while Jack Tomkinson was prominent early with two goals and cashed in on his match-up with the undersized Pierce Seymour.
Kyle Presbury worked effectively off small defender Matthew Ling to boot two majors, while Aiden Grace shook off a quiet start to kick two big goals in the last term.
Dayne Posthuma (15 disposals) played a critical role in defence with his intercept work, while Zach Adams and Rhett Montgomerie were also serviceable on their opponents.
For Norwood, star midfielder Nik Rokahr enjoyed another outstanding game, winning a game-high 32 disposals to go with seven tackles and six clearances to lead the Redlegs' engine room.
Baynen Lowe (20 disposals and five inside 50s) made a successful return from a shoulder reconstruction and was one of Norwood's most dangerous players on the night.
Finn Heard (19 disposals, 38 hit-outs, 12 tackles and nine clearances) put in a monster performance as an undersized ruckman, working tirelessly at ground level to cause all sorts of headaches for Kobe Annand.
Jackson Callow (four goals and three contested marks) was at his brutal best in the forward line and turned the game on its head with three goals in 10 minutes in a dominant third quarter.
On a night where Norwood struggled to find the big sticks, Tristan Binder contributed two ripping goals from the pocket, while Izaak Twelftree proved his versatility with two majors of his own.
Cooper Murley (24 disposals and nine marks) made countless intercepts in defence, while Tom Donnelly shut out Aiden Grace for most of the game, Alec Wright completely blanketed Anzac Lochowiak, and Jack Heard negated Beau Thomas.
Port Adelaide 11.6.(72) def North Adelaide 10.10.(70)
An undermanned Port Adelaide produced a stunning upset over North Adelaide with a nail-biting two-point victory at Alberton on Saturday.
As injuries continue to mount at AFL level, the Magpies fielded just nine AFL-listed players, with SANFL regulars Hugh Jackson and Rory Atkins among the names called up to the Power team.
Despite that, the Magpies showed tremendous spirit and determination as they battled valiantly to make life difficult for the visitors from the opening bounce.
After defending grimly in the opening 10 minutes, the Magpies quickly opened up a 25-point lead at the opening break and still led by 23 points at the final change.
North Adelaide, under interim coach Sam Mayes for the first time, came home with a rush and took the lead approaching time-on, before Jed McEntee pinched the winning goal with a quick snap in traffic.
Port ruckman Jordon Sweet made his case for an AFL recall with a dominant best-on-ground performance, amassing 18 disposals, 40 hit-outs, five clearances and two goals.
Jack Watkins (31 disposals, four clearances and a goal) worked tirelessly in the midfield and showcased his quality, while Will Lorenz (31 disposals and six clearances) spent more time in the middle and performed admirably.
Captain Nick Moore (19 disposals, six tackles and a goal) and Jake Weidemann (17 touches) both stepped up in critical moments in the last term and showed terrific leadership.
Joe Berry (18 disposals and five rebound 50s) was deployed in defence and was prominent with his speed and attacking run from half-back while also closing down on the dangerous Frank Szekely.
Rome Burgoyne (18 touches and seven marks) was a welcome return with his class in defence, while Jez McLennan (16 disposals) provided a crucial calm head in an inexperienced backline.
Shay Linke (16 disposals) was also switched to defence and held up superbly, while Kye Roberts also competed strongly in his one-on-one contests.
Small forwards McEntee and Lachie Charleson (both two goals) took their chances around goal, while Benny Barrett (one goal) produced some pieces of magic to spark the Maggies in the opening term.
Star Western Australian recruit Angus Schumacher was again the standout for North Adelaide in the midfield, claiming 24 disposals, nine tackles, seven clearances and two goals as the main danger man for the Roosters.
Harrison Wigg (27 disposals and five clearances) was productive in the engine room, while Tom Stevens (six clearances) played as a defensive-minded midfielder and stuck to his task well.
Brad Ashcroft (two goals, eight marks and four contested grabs) was the main threat up forward in his first league match of the season, while Ewan Mackinlay (23 disposals and five inside 50s) again caught the eye with his dynamic play.
Harrison Magor (25 disposals and five rebound 50s) and Cody Raak (23 touches and six marks) were both busy across half-back, while Kye Pfrengle battled strongly against Ivan Soldo.
In the absence of key defender Reed van Huisstede, Lachie Wilsdon was moved to the backline and played an outstanding game on Port forward Jack Whitlock, keeping him goalless from just seven disposals.
Glenelg 21.16.(142) def West Adelaide 7.13.(55)
Glenelg sent an ominous warning shot to the competition with a commanding 87-point demolition of West Adelaide at the Bay on Saturday afternoon.
After a couple of weeks below their best, the reigning premiers were back in full stride as they reminded everyone of what they are capable of.
The plucky Bloods fought valiantly to remain in the contest in the first half, but were completely blown away after the main break as the Tigers piled on 11 goals to two in an attacking onslaught.
Glenelg racked up a mammoth 21 goals for the afternoon and registered 103 more kicks, 88 more marks, seven more tackles and 15 more inside 50s as the gulf between the sides became apparent.
Jarryd Lyons continues to build into his season and is hitting top form, gathering an incredible 30 disposals, six clearances, five inside 50s and three goals in an unstoppable display of class and experience from the ex-Brisbane Lion.
His brother Corey also enjoyed a big day, finishing with 24 touches, eight clearances and two goals, while James Bell (21 disposals and eight tackles) also returned to form.
Matthew Allen (28 disposals, seven inside 50s and two goals) was in sublime touch and did plenty of damage through the middle and up forward.
Perhaps most alarmingly for their opposition was the form of their star-studded trio in attack, with Liam McBean, Lachie Hosie and Luke Reynolds combining for 11 goals as they feasted on an inexperienced West Adelaide defence.
McBean (three goals) could have finished with a bag but often unselfishly passed to teammates, while Lachie Hosie (five goals) was unbeatable with his ability to find the footy in the air and on the ground.
Former Crow Patrick Parnell played his best game in Glenelg colours and was sensational across half-back in collecting 27 disposals, eight marks and eight rebound 50s, while Nick Stevens (19 touches) responded well from his demotion to the reserves last week.
Oscar Adams recovered from a shaky first half to shut down Tom Scully after half time, while Max Proud was his usual dependable self in defence.
There were several shining lights on a dark day for West Adelaide, including the tireless efforts of Kobe Ryan, who amassed 26 disposals, 11 clearances and five tackles in an admirable display.
Brady Searle (18 disposals and five inside 50s) continues to make good progress in his return from a back injury, while Caleb May's performance in the ruck (25 hit-outs) was another rare bright spot.
Tom Scully (three goals) was a commanding presence in the forward line with his marking in the first half, while Dylan Bramich chipped in with two majors.
At the other end, Callum Park (17 disposals and eight rebound 50s) was busy on his return from injury, while Tom Morrish (15 touches and six rebound 50s) also worked overtime at half-back.
Sturt 15.8.(98) def Adelaide Crows 12.3.(75)
Sturt held off a huge Adelaide Crows fightback to maintain their unbeaten start to the 2025 campaign in a quality battle at Unley on Saturday afternoon.
Featuring two of the in-form teams of the competition, the contest played out as one of the best of the season so far, as both sides enjoyed periods of control.
The Blues raced out to a 39-point lead just before half-time as they showcased their newfound attacking prowess, before Adelaide mounted a surging comeback to close within a point nearing the final change.
The hosts steadied in the final quarter with three goals to one to end up comfortable victors by 23 points and stretch their unbeaten start to seven games.
With injuries continuing to pile up in Sturt's midfield, ex-Bomber Will Snelling put in another mammoth performance, tallying 31 disposals, nine clearances and 14 tackles as he worked relentlessly all afternoon on both sides of the ball.
Tom Lewis (24 touches and six clearances) was a prominent ball-winner for Sturt, while Angus Anderson (23 possessions and eight inside 50s) played arguably his best game for the Blues after spending more time in the midfield.
Martin Frederick (24 disposals) and Nick Sadler (21 touches) worked hard on their respective wings and were integral in Sturt's ball movement, while Amos Doyle was a welcome return in the ruck.
Daniel Fahey-Sparks (three goals) was Sturt's most productive tall in attack with his aerial work, while Josh Hone was a livewire at ground level and snagged three goals of his own.
James Mathews (two goals) took his chances against his former side, while Tom Emmett (17 disposals) worked hard up the field and held his own against Brodie Smith.
At the other end, Sturt held up well against a monster Adelaide forward line, with Will Coomblas negating Kieran Strachan, while Zac Becker and Charlie Fryer were outstanding in the aerial contests.
rucks against Kieran Strachan of the Crows during the round 14 AFL match between Adelaide Crows and Sydney Swans at Adelaide Oval, on June 15, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
Casey Voss (23 disposals and five rebound 50s) had a huge influence with his rebound at half-back, while second-gamer Alex Holt (20 disposals and seven marks) played well beyond his years and looked comfortable at the back.
Despite the loss, Adelaide will be pleased with the performance of several AFL-listed players who keep pushing for senior selection.
Lachie Murphy (26 disposals, six clearances and a goal) continues to relish his midfield role and worked well in the clinches, while Harry Schoenberg (22 touches and six clearances) won plenty of the footy at the coalface.
Charlie Edwards (26 disposals, 10 marks and eight rebound 50s) again flourished at half back and had a big impact with his intercept work, while Brodie Smith (24 touches and two goals) broke the game open with his penetrating kicking.
James Borlase (21 disposals and seven marks) got better the longer the game went and kept Connor McFadyen goalless, while Jack Madgen (14 touches and 10 marks) fought strongly against taller opponents.
Billy Dowling (22 disposals and two goals) had his most influential game since moving to the wing, while Lachie Sholl (20 possessions) also found plenty of the ball on the other wing.
Ex-Roo Blake Drury (21 disposals and seven clearances) showed what he can do with his speed around the ball, while Lachie McAndrew (13 disposals and 35 hit-outs) was a constant threat with his tapwork in the ruck.
Chris Burgess (four goals) stood tall in attack with his contested marking and took some strong grabs against multiple opponents.
Woodville-West Torrens 14.10.(94) def South Adelaide 9.5.(59)
Woodville-West Torrens entrenched themselves in the SANFL top five with a comfortable 35-point victory over South Adelaide at Woodville on Saturday afternoon.
With a strong wind favouring the southern end, the Eagles booted the first six goals of the contest to lead by 31 points at half time, before South responded with six majors of their own in the second term to take a three-point lead at the main break.
However, the Panthers' resistance was soon broken, kicking only two goals after half time and failing to score in the third term as the Eagles' class shone through.
This was epitomised by James Rowe, who collected 23 disposals, six clearances and three goals in a standout best afield display.
Kobe Mutch (26 disposals, seven tackles and five clearances) won plenty of the ball at the coalface against his former team, while Riley Knight (19 disposals and five clearances) was also serviceable.
The Eagles' defence was again a feature of their performance, with Joe Sinor (20 disposals and seven rebound 50s) and Max Beattie (18 touches) providing important drive from half back, while Jordan Moore and Lukas Cooke were solid in the key defensive posts.
Up forward, returning premiership hero Nick Hayes was again a strong contributor in his second game back from injury, tallying four goals as a constant threat inside 50.
Jack Hayes (14 disposals and a goal) played a key role in his 100th SANFL match in the absence of Connor Ballenden, but ended the match with a quad concern.
Zane Williams (16 disposals and a goal) had some important moments, while Sam Nicholls (17 disposals and a goal) played one of his best games as a dangerous small forward.
With the Eagles piling on the pressure in the second half, it is not surprising that South's busiest players were in defence, with several backmen putting in solid contributions.
Sam Skinner (17 disposals, nine marks and eight rebound 50s) was almost impassable with his ability to neutralise the aerial contests, while Will Splann (12 touches and eight marks) also played an important role down back.
Elliot Dunkin (28 touches) and Jaiden Magor (23 disposals and five rebound 50s) were prominent with their rebounding work at half-back.
Callum McCarty (20 disposals, six tackles and eight clearances) added an extra dimension to the South Adelaide midfield in his second game back from injury, with his ball-winning a major feature.
Ollie Davis and Brad Jefferies (both 17 disposals and four clearances) had good moments in the midfield, while Olivier Northam (23 hit-outs and five clearances) worked hard in the ruck.
Noah Howes (three goals) again impressed with his contested marking as the Panthers' most likely forward, while Cody Lowe (two goals) and Luke Bogle (15 touches and seven inside 50s) competed strongly in the forward half.
