Quinton Narkle playing for Port Adelaide's SANFL side in 2023. (Image: Brandon Hancock, portadelaidefc.com.au)

It was thriller after thriller in Round 8 of the SANFL, as four matches were decided with less than a goal difference.

Port Adelaide's mid-season draftee shined, while Sturt survived a scare from seventh-placed West Adelaide.

Glenelg overcame Adelaide's firing midfield with a perfect running goal in the final term, as the ever-competitive chase for the top sort on the ladder continues.

Central District vs Norwood (56 - 51)

Central District rallied late in an exciting third quarter to run out eventual winners in a close match against bottom-side Norwood.

Central's forward trio of Marcus Barreau, Anzac Lochowiak, and Luca Whitelum kicked six goals between them, with a running goal from Lochowiak the dagger in a close finish.

Youngster Harry Grant was immense for the Bulldogs, winning nine clearances and a best-on-ground 30 disposals.

Norwood's Harry Boyd powered his side in the ruck, winning 29 hitouts and taking six clearances of his own. The ruckman also snuck forward for a clutch goal in an excellent showing despite the loss.

Glenelg vs Adelaide (82 - 80)

Glenelg's Matthew Allen sealed a two-point win over top-three rivals Adelaide with a booming left-foot finish from outside 50 in the final minutes.

The Bays had their work cut out for them in a tough midfield battle against the talented Crows mids, but excellent performances from Luke Partington and Matthew Snook kept them competitive.

Tigers backman Darcy Bailey got the ball moving with 22 kicks, while teammate Liam McBean was again influential with four majors.

Harry Schoenberg during the AFL match between Essendon and Adelaide, Round 4, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media

Harry Schoenberg had a day out for the Crows, finishing with two goals and seven clearances from 26 disposals, while Lachlan Gollant slotted four goals for his side.

North Adelaide vs South Adelaide (51 - 78)

South Adelaide finally returned to the winner's list, defeating North Adelaide by 27 points in a convincing display.

The Panthers were led by AFL journeyman Keegan Brooksby, who amassed 42 hitouts to go with four clearances from the ruck. Forward Zach Sproule was again dangerous for South Adelaide, while ex-Power veteran Matthew Broadbent collected a team-high 19 kicks.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Matthew Broadbent of the Power celebrates the win with fans during the round five AFL match between the Port Adelaide Power and thew Carlton Blues at Adelaide Oval on April 21, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

North Adelaide's Sam McInerney (26 disp, 1 goal) had his best game of the season, as the Roosters midfield worked hard to break into the Panthers' lead.

21-year-old Karl Finlay towered in defence, taking 12 marks and rebounding with 22 disposals for the Roosters.

Port Adelaide vs Woodville-West Torrens (59 - 62)

All eyes were on Quinton Narkle in his first game in Port Adelaide colours since arriving from Essendon VFL in the AFL Mid-Season Draft, and the exciting prospect did not disappoint.

The 25-year-old exploded in the last quarter to finish with 29 disposals, covering the ground with speed and showing toughness with a team-high seven tackles.

Quinton Narkle playing for Port Adelaide's SANFL side in 2023. (Image: Brandon Hancock, portadelaidefc.com.au)

It was not to be for Port Adelaide, however, as ex-Swan Daniel Menzel's third goal came late to seal the win for the Eagles.

With star midfielder Mitch Hardie departing for Geelong in the Mid-Season Draft, Riley Knight stood up in the contest. The former Crow had 29 disposals and nine tackles, while winger Liam Beecken impressed with 30 touches and nine rebound 50s.

Sturt vs West Adelaide (63 - 59)

Sturt survived a scare from West Adelaide, as the undefeated Doubles Blues surged in the final term to score a narrow win.

The Bloods played beyond their reputation to take a 16-point lead into the second quarter, and would lead Sturt for much of the day.

Half-back Callum Park found plenty of the footy with 29 disposals, as teammate Samuel Frost made 15 tackles and took 23 possessions in the backline for West Adelaide.

Josh Hone was dynamic for Sturt, as the forward booted four majors including a vital set shot in the fourth. James Battersby battled hard in the midfield, amassing 12 clearances and 32 disposals in an inspiring performance.