Norwood piled more misery on West Adelaide with a thumping win, while Sturt emerged as the league's frontrunners with a big win over Central, and North rallied to a crucial win over the Eagles.
Read all about it in this week's SANFL Wrap.
West Adelaide 3.7.(25) def by Norwood 19.15.(129)
Norwood earned a valuable percentage boost with a thumping 104-point victory over a hapless West Adelaide outfit on Saturday afternoon.
Despite entering the clash with the same number of wins this season, the gulf in quality between the two sides was evident from the start and only widened as the game progressed.
After a poor start to the season, Norwood took the opportunity to hammer home their advantage and increased their lead at every break to record the biggest win by any team so far this year.
West Adelaide's score of 3.7 (25) was the lowest recorded this season and Norwood's best defensive return in nearly 10 years.
Norwood's intent from the first bounce was obvious, and they remained the hungrier and sharper team throughout the match, recording 102 more disposals, 21 more inside 50s, 13 more tackles and 24 more scoring shots for the day.
As is to be expected in such a dominant win, Norwood had winners all over the park, led by Billy Cootee (24 disposals, 10 tackles and 10 clearances), who enjoyed his best game of the season to date.
Returning Redleg Baynen Lowe proved his class with 17 disposals and six clearances, while Nik Rokahr (18 disposals) and Connor Ling (16 touches) were also productive through the middle.
Redlegs stalwart Declan Hamilton (24 disposals and three goals) had a huge impact on the wing, while Luke Surman's long-awaited return in the ruck netted 15 disposals, 23 hit-outs and four clearances.
Surman's presence in the ruck allowed makeshift ruckman Finn Heard to spend more time forward, who took the opportunity to kick three goals and clunk three contested marks.
However, the biggest threat up forward was undoubtedly Jackson Callow, who booted a career-high six goals from 17 touches and six contested marks in a frightening display.
Tristan Binder (four goals) was also effective inside 50, while Izaak Twelftree (16 touches and a goal) worked higher up the ground and was prominent with his defensive pressure.
At the other end, Pierce Seymour was in superb touch to record 19 disposals and 10 marks as he controlled the aerial battle, while Cooper Murley (22 disposals and five rebound 50s) continued his excellent form with his blend of attacking rebound and defensive intent.
Jack Heard (17 disposals, seven rebound 50s and six marks) worked hard to get Norwood out of defence on several occasions, while Tom Donnelly and Alec Wright performed terrific shut-down roles on Tom Scully and Harvey Griffiths, respectively.
On a dark day for West Adelaide, one of the rare positives was the return and performance of Lachie Squire, who battled tirelessly to collect 22 touches and four clearances.
Brady Searle (19 touches and six clearances), Sam Frost (20 disposals and five tackles) and Kobe Ryan (16 possessions and seven tackles) worked hard but were ultimately overpowered.
Tom Morrish (18 disposals and nine rebound 50s) worked overtime in a defence often under siege, while Will Paton (six marks) and Adam Bunworth competed strongly in the backline.
Central District 4.6.(30) def by Sturt 9.14.(68)
Sturt announced themselves as the clear competition frontrunner with a powerful 38-point victory over Central District on Saturday.
The win maintains the Blues' unbeaten record to start the year and marks an incredible nine victories in succession at Elizabeth, dating back to 2015.
Still missing first-choice players Will Snelling, James Battersby, Jared Dakin, Mitch Crowden, Tom Emmett, Luke Edmunds, Flynn Perez, Henry Carey and Lachie Burrows, Sturt's impressive depth held up against a fellow premiership contender.
Billed as one of the matches of the season between first and second on the ladder, Sturt completely dominated the contest to win inside 50s by an incredible 56-19 and register 40 more marks.
For the second week in succession, the Bulldogs were held scoreless in the opening term and managed only one goal to three-quarter time, such was the strength of Sturt's defence.
With four of their main midfielders sitting in the stands, Tom Lewis (26 touches, seven tackles and seven clearances) put in an outstanding performance to lead Sturt's midfield brigade.
Angus Anderson (19 touches, seven tackles and two goals) stepped up again to play a crucial role at the stoppages, while Martin Frederick (21 disposals and seven inside 50s) and Luke Giacometti (22 touches) were key contributors on the wings.
Amos Doyle (14 disposals, 24 hit-outs and four clearances) and Daniel Fahey-Sparks (14 touches and 20 hit-outs) easily won the ruck duel against the inexperienced Jack Tomkinson.
Casey Voss (24 disposals and 14 marks) was influential throughout with his intercepting and rebounding work, while Rory Illman and Alex Holt were impressive in shutting down Central's dangerous small forwards.
Key defenders Will Coomblas (16 touches and eight marks) and Zac Becker (19 possessions and 10 marks) were resolute and nullified almost every aerial contest.
At the other end, Sam Conforti was a livewire around goal to finish with two majors, while Connor McFadyen kicked two and Oliver Grivell booted one.ย
There were few winners on a bleak day for Central District, but former Bomber Rhett Montgomerie set himself apart with a terrific performance, gathering 27 disposals, eight marks and nine rebound 50s as he worked tirelessly in a stressed defensive unit.
Dayne Posthuma did well to hold the dangerous Josh Hone largely in check, while first-gamer Jayden Matz held up admirably considering the volume of entries coming his way.
Youngster Jack Callinan (14 disposals) had some good moments at the back, while second-gamer Max Monaghan (19 touches) more than held his own.
Kai Pudney (27 disposals) and Wilson Barry (20 disposals) pushed into defence to provide cover, while Harry Grant (26 disposals) was solid in the absence of mid-season draftee Mani Liddy.
North Adelaide 16.11.(107) def Woodville-West Torrens 11.7.(73)
North Adelaide secured a crucial 34-point win over Woodville-West Torrens to keep their finals hopes alive and deliver interim coach Sam Mayes his first victory in charge.
A win for the fifth-placed Eagles would have pushed the gap between themselves and North to four games and all but ended the Roosters' finals chances, but the hosts' victory narrows the gap to two games plus percentage.
Following an indifferent start to the season, North displayed their very best football to kick 13 goals to one from early in the second term to early in the last to stun their more fancied rivals.
The Roosters' fast attacking play was back in full swing as they transitioned the ball with great speed to give their forwards terrific looks at goal.
WA recruit Angus Schumacher again proved his value with a sensational performance in the midfield, gathering 37 disposals, six tackles and five clearances in a standout display.
Harrison Wigg (33 touches and eight clearances) also played a damaging role in the engine room, while the returning Hughen Wissman (25 possessions, 10 tackles and five clearances) provided crucial depth and toughness at the stoppages.
Mitch Harvey spent more time in the ruck and collected 15 disposals, 20 hit-outs and five clearances to play a key part with his clearance work.
Will Francou (19 disposals and a goal) and Oskar Faulkhead (16 touches and four inside 50s) worked effectively on the wings and are forming a solid partnership in their new roles.
Frank Szekely put the disappointment of missing out in the mid-season draft behind him to kick four goals as the major threat inside 50 with his speed skills.
Lachie Wilsdon (two goals and six marks) played his part in attack, while Jed Dignan and Evan Bradley chipped in with two apiece as lively small forwards.
Cody Raak (20 disposals, 12 marks and nine rebound 50s) worked hard in defence to find plenty of the ball, while captain Alex Spina (20 touches) was composed across half-back.
Despite the loss, there were still several positives to take away from the performance, including the work of their midfield, which broke even in clearances.
Riley Knight (29 touches and nine clearances) played his best game for some time and led the way at the coalface, while Kobe Mutch (23 disposals, seven tackles and eight clearances) also worked hard in the clinches.
Zane Williams (17 possessions and six clearances) provided some speed around the footy and had an impact, while Max Beattie (19 disposals) worked high up the ground and got involved in the Eagles' ball movement.
Jordan Lukac (14 disposals, 30 hit-outs and four clearances) enjoyed a solid day in the ruck and continued his good form following his recent state selection.
Captain Joe Sinor (27 disposals) worked tirelessly and was his usual reliable self, while Cameron Fleeton and Jordan Moore also competed strongly at the back.
After a quieter spell in recent weeks, Daniel Sladojevic (four goals and seven marks) played one of his best games, while Lukas Cooke was sent forward in the absence of Connor Ballenden and Jack Hayes and kicked two majors.
Kade Herbert (18 disposals and two goals) spent more time in attack and was a lively presence, while youngster Jett Hasting also pitched in with two goals.
South Adelaide 7.9.(51) v Glenelg 19.5.(119)
Glenelg's attacking power was again on full display in a commanding 68-point win over South Adelaide at Noarlunga on Saturday afternoon.
After a reasonably competitive opening term, the Bays produced an attacking onslaught that saw them kick eight goals to two after half time to surge to victory.
The Tigers were certainly boosted by their incredible accuracy in front of goal, kicking 19.5 for the day and at one stage kicked 15 goals without a blemish.
Amassing 51 more kicks and 20 more marks across the day, Glenelg were able to continually transition the ball with a string of short passes that opened up the South Adelaide defence and led to quality looks on goal.
The Bays' star-studded midfield proved a class above from the outset, with Jarryd Lyons again leading the way with 28 disposals and six clearances as he did plenty of damage with the footy.
Returning star Luke Partington (26 disposals, five tackles and a goal) didn't skip a beat in his first game since Round 4 and added important depth to the midfield unit.
Corey Lyons (21 disposals, five clearances and a goal) was a strong contributor throughout, while James Bell (20 touches, six tackles and five inside 50s) was also prominent.
Matthew Allen (22 disposals, 10 marks and three goals) continued his stellar campaign and had a huge impact both up forward and around the ball.
Captain Liam McBean proved too strong in the air to finish with four goals, while Lachie Hosie was a constant threat both in the air and at ground level to kick four of his own.
Former Crow Patrick Parnell (25 disposals and five rebound 50s) played an outstanding game across half back with his sharp distribution by foot, while Jonty Scharenberg (25 touches and 10 marks) also racked up plenty of the footy and launched countless attacks.
Brad McCarthy (19 possessions) blended defence and attack effectively, while Max Proud and third-gamer Cooper Beecken were strong in the key defensive posts in the absence of mid-season draftees Oscar Adams and Harrison Ramm.
South Adelaide can take solace in the performance of several younger players who continue to develop into quality league players.
Ex-Sydney listed half-back Jaiden Magor enjoyed his most prolific game since returning to Noarlunga, collecting a team-high 28 disposals, 11 marks and seven rebound 50s to have a big impact for his team.
Charlie Duncan (18 disposals and three rebound 50s) made the most of his league call-up to provide plenty of dash from half-back, while Sam Skinner (17 disposals and eight marks) battled valiantly in the air against a rampaging Glenelg forward line.
Tom Wheaton (18 disposals, eight marks and two goals) worked hard across the ground, while ruckman Olivier Northan (35 hit-outs, seven tackles and four clearances) easily won the ruck duel and competed strongly at ground level.
Callum McCarty (17 touches, six tackles and five clearances) fought hard in the clinches for South, while Phoenix Hargrave (18 disposals and seven clearances) spent plenty of time around the ball and looked comfortable.
Badly missing mid-season draftee Noah Howes, South struggled for avenues to goal outside of Corey Grocock, who could have had a big day if not for inaccuracy, finishing with 1.4.
