A pair of untried Port Adelaide rookies pushed their case for an AFL debut with strong performances, a Crows midfielder produced another standout effort to make AFL selectors take notice, while Norwood scraped home to earn a crucial win at Prospect.
Read all about it in this week's SANFL Wrap.
South Adelaide 14.10 (94) def. Woodville-West Torrens 6.12 (48)
A powerful first-quarter display propelled South Adelaide to a comfortable 46-point victory over Woodville-West Torrens at Noarlunga on Saturday.
The Panthers piled on five unanswered goals in the first term and were never troubled thereafter as they cruised to their fourth victory of the season.
Star midfielder Ollie Davis led the way again for South Adelaide in the engine room, gathering 29 disposals, seven clearances and six tackles as he continually won first possession at the contest for his team.
Luke Bogle (25 disposals, five clearances and five inside 50s) relished his increased midfield minutes to have a big impact on the game, while Tye McManus (19 touches and six clearances) again impressed with his speed out of the stoppages.
Charlie Duncan (22 disposals and six inside 50s) was prominent with two goals in the opening term to help South seize the momentum, while Phoenix Hargrave returned to his best form with 22 touches and two goals.
Olivier Northam (14 disposals, 24 hit-outs and five clearances) enjoyed another strong performance in the ruck, while Finn Emile-Brennan (19 disposals) continued his good form to have an impact at both ends of the ground.
Oscar Clavarino (21 disposals and seven marks) patrolled the backline with ease and halted several Eagles attacks, while Elliot Dunkin (15 possessions) sparked countless attacking forays with his run and dash from half-back.
Jake Summerton was as steady as ever in his 150th league match, keeping Eagle Connor Ballenden goalless while making some crucial stops deep in defence.
Debutant Tye Gander offered plenty of spark in attack to finish with three goals, although his day was soured by a heavy bump on Joe Sinor that saw him receive a three-game suspension.
Second-gamer Ryan Borlace (two goals) again showed plenty of promise with his marking and nous around goal, while Tom Barrett (20 touches and a goal) and Emmanuel Ajang (15 disposals) applied plenty of pressure inside 50.
Corey Grocock and Eamon Wilkinson also proved a handful for the Eagles' defence and snared two goals apiece.
Despite registering another loss, it was a positive step forward for the Eagles, with a greater spread of contributors across the ground.
James Rowe (32 disposals and six clearances) put in another outstanding performance in the midfield and racked up plenty of the footy, while Kobe Mutch (28 touches and nine tackles) toiled valiantly at the contest.
Max Beattie (16 possessions and nine tackles) fought strongly at the coalface, while draft prospect Jack Cook moved into the midfield and looked comfortable in gaining 23 disposals.
Zane Williams (20 disposals and two goals) worked hard on the wing and had an impact pushing into the forward line, while ruckman Jordan Lukac (29 hit-outs) competed well to win some quality taps for his team.
Luke McKay (23 disposals and eight rebound 50s) was shifted into defence and continually repelled the Eagles from danger, while Lukas Cooke (25 touches and seven marks) patrolled the aerial contests expertly.
Jordan Moore executed a terrific shutdown role on Sam Skinner and kept the big man goalless, while Max Litster (18 disposals and five rebound 50s) and Jordan Tilbrook (15 possessions) also worked tirelessly in defence.
Patrick Weckert made a successful return from injury to kick two goals in his first league game for the season, while Daniel Sladojevic also returned to the side and kicked one goal.
North Adelaide 9.9 (63) def. by Norwood 11.10 (76)
Norwood moved into the SANFL top five for the first time this season with a hard-earned 13-point victory over North Adelaide at Prospect.
Trailing by 12 points at the final change following a largely scrappy affair, the Redlegs kicked into gear with five goals in the last term to surge home and boost their finals hopes.
Midfield star Billy Cootee (23 disposals, nine clearances and a goal) was instrumental in the win and looked a class above all day, while skipper Jacob Kennerley (20 touches and a goal) fought strongly for his team in the middle and up forward.
Nik Rokahr (17 disposals and five tackles) worked hard in the clinches to win some key contests throughout the day, while Baynen Lowe split his time between the midfield and attack with 15 touches and four clearances.
With ruckman Luke Surman going down with a hamstring injury in the second quarter, Finn Heard (19 disposals, 18 hit-outs and nine marks) stood up superbly in the ruck and had some crucial moments in the second half to lift his side.
Jack Heard (21 disposals, eight marks and 12 rebound 50s) was resolute in defence and made some critical intercepts both in the air and at ground level, while Tom Donnelly held up well against much taller opponents.
Matthew Ling (19 disposals) continued his stellar form and sparked several attacking chains with his run and dash, while Cooper Murley (18 touches and a goal) was productive in defence before being shifted forward in the last term to kick a crunch goal.
Pierce Seymour was influential in defence with some big intercept marks in the first half before moving into attack after half time to boot a big goal in the third quarter.
Tristan Binder produced a tireless effort up forward to finish with three goals and a series of strong marks, while Jayden Gale worked hard up the ground to have an impact with two majors.
North Adelaide were best served by another superb performance from Frank Szekely in the midfield, with the dynamic speedster picking up a game-high 24 disposals, five clearances and two goals as his skill and pace opened the game up on numerous occasions.
Will Francou again relished his new midfield role to collect 20 disposals and seven clearances as he won some big contests throughout the day, while Angus Schumacher competed strongly to finish with 16 possessions.
Mitch Harvey (22 disposals, 32 hit-outs and nine clearances) took most of the ruck duties and feasted on Norwood's undermanned ruck stocks, while Oskar Faulkhead (20 touches and six inside 50s) was productive on the wing.
Cody Raak (13 possessions and seven marks) featured prominently with several intercept marks in the first quarter, while Dyson Hilder (15 disposals and eight marks) held up well against Norwood's combination of Heard and Binder.
Lee Minervini played a valuable close-checking role on Baynen Lowe and limited his impact, while Kye Pfrengle also worked hard in combating the Redlegs' resting midfielders.
Reed van Huisstede was a positive contributor in his new key forward role with three goals and six marks, while Nigel Lockyer also pitched in with two majors.
Glenelg 13.16 (94) def. Port Adelaide 12.12 (84)
Glenelg overcame a persistent Port Adelaide outfit to earn a 10-point victory at Glenelg on Saturday as their September preparations ramp up.
The Bays were unusually inaccurate in front of goal as they struggled to put away the plucky Magpies, kicking 5.8 in a barnstorming third quarter that proved the difference in an otherwise tense contest.
In his third game back from injury, Tigers star Corey Lyons returned to his impactful best, collating 25 disposals, nine clearances and a goal as he continually won first possession at the source for his team.
Brother Jarryd Lyons again showed his class with 23 touches, five clearances and a goal, while Luke Partington was also productive through the middle with 25 possessions, seven clearances and a goal.
Wingman Cole Gerloff (23 disposals, seven inside 50s and a goal) was hugely influential on the wing and was involved in plenty of Glenelg's attacking forays, while Matthew Allen (23 disposals and a goal) was typically damaging with ball in hand.
Jonty Scharenberg (22 disposals and 10 marks) was busy across half back and was the main architect in Glenelg's rebound from defence, while Nick Stevens (17 disposals) often cleared the danger for the Tigers.
Max Proud (16 disposals and five marks) had some important moments in his battle with Shay Linke, while Karl Finlay and Cooper Beecken also played valuable roles in shutting down Port's big forwards.
Playing his first league game of the season, young forward Darcy Scott relished his opportunity at senior level to boot three goals, while Lachie Hosie was a constant threat up forward but was a key culprit in Glenelg's inaccuracy as he finished with 2.6.
Jack Watkins again led the way for Port Adelaide, working hard in the midfield to gather 31 disposals, six clearances and six inside 50s in a typically productive display.
Jeremy Finlayson produced another terrific game as a makeshift ruckman in the absence of Ivan Soldo, using his mobility at ground level to collect 23 disposals, 19 hit-outs, six clearances and two goals.
Hugh Jackson (21 touches and five clearances) was a solid contributor in the midfield for Port, while mid-season draftee Ewan Mackinlay (21 disposals and three goals) rotated through the midfield and forward line to have a big impact.
SANFL-listed Cormack O'Reilly worked hard around the ground to tally 25 disposals, while Jake Weidemann battled strongly through the midfield and down back to finish with 18 touches and eight tackles
Logan Evans played one of his best SANFL games for the year across half back and distributed the ball well with his 22 possessions and eight rebound 50s, while Josh Lai again showed plenty of promise down back with 16 disposals and eight rebound 50s.
Harrison Ramm was ultra-impressive in his duel with Glenelg sharpshooter Liam McBean, keeping the star forward goalless as he halved countless aerial contests.
Jez McLennan played an important close-checking role on Hosie and held up well under pressure, while Rome Burgoyne (six rebound 50s) displayed excellent composure in repelling the Magpies from defence.
Shay Linke (two goals) was tireless in his efforts as an undersized key forward, while small forward Lachie Charleson and Bailey Chamberlain were prominent with their speed and pressure in kicking two majors apiece.
West Adelaide 8.8 (56) def. by Sturt 22.9 (141)
Sturt continued their relentless march towards an undefeated season with a ruthless 85-point victory over West Adelaide at Richmond on Saturday.
The Blues showed no mercy in keeping the Bloods goalless until the 14th minute of the third term as they piled on the first 18 goals of the contest.
At one stage during the third quarter, the minor premiers led by 110 points before West salvaged at least some pride with a seven-goal final term that kept the margin under triple figures.
In a typically even performance, emerging midfielder Angus Anderson was arguably Sturt's most productive player, collecting 25 disposals and seven inside 50s to be heavily involved in numerous attacking forays.
Tom Lewis fought through a heavy tag from Lachie Squire to finish with 19 disposals, 13 tackles and five clearances, while Magarey Medallist Will Snelling (21 disposals and five clearances) made a successful return from injury with a solid midfield performance.
Nick Sadler (23 disposals) was prominent with his hard running on the wing, as was Luke Giacometti (18 possessions), who pushed forward to kick three classy goals.
Zac Becker (25 disposals and 14 marks) had a huge impact across half-back with his ability to turn defence into attack in an instant, while Flynn Perez (20 touches) and Casey Voss (22 possessions) were influential across half-back.
Rory Illman (20 disposals) played one of his best games for the season and offered plenty of attacking flair from defence, while Luke Edmunds played an effective negating role on Tom Scully and blunted his impact in the aerial contests.
Former Docker Tom Emmett made an excellent return from injury to amass 20 disposals, 12 marks and two goals, while Sam Conforti played mostly up forward and also booted two majors.
Key forwards Connor McFadyen (three goals) and Daniel Fahey-Sparks (two goals) proved difficult to stop both in the air and at ground level, while smalls Josh Hone and James Mathews were lively with two goals apiece.
On a dark day for West Adelaide, Brady Searle was one of several players who fought valiantly for his team, tallying 23 disposals and five clearances as he continued to crack in at the contest.
Lachie Squire (21 touches and eight tackles) was diligent in his tagging role on Tom Lewis, while Jesse Thackeray (18 possessions and eight clearances) also showed plenty of strength at the stoppages.
Caleb May (15 disposals, 33 hit-outs, eight clearances and a goal) continued his good form in the ruck and had an impact around the ground, while Joel Parker caught the eye with his skills at half-forward, finishing with 15 disposals and a goal.
Tom Morrish (21 possessions and seven marks) worked overtime in defence to repel West Adelaide from danger, while Jonti Schuback (14 disposals and four rebound 50s) also fought hard across half-back under intense pressure.
Central District 9.7 (61) def. Adelaide Crows 9.6 (60)
Central District held on for a nail-biting one-point win over Adelaide at Elizabeth on Saturday in a crucial confidence boost ahead of September.
A tough, contested arm-wrestle from the outset, neither side led by more than 14 points throughout the day in what was a potential finals preview between two quality teams.
Taking the lead through a goal from Dougie Cochrane in the 12th minute of the final term, the Bulldogs withstood a late charge from the Crows and a missed set shot from Toby Murray to claim the points.
AFL draft prospect Dyson Sharp produced his best league performance of the season to date, collecting 20 disposals, six clearances, seven tackles and a goal to take charge of the Doggies' midfield with a dynamic display.
Harry Grant (17 touches and four clearances) also worked hard for the Bulldogs and had some key moments in the midfield, while Wilson Barry (15 disposals, five clearances and a goal) was productive at the stoppages.
Leyton Chisolm (17 possessions) and Kade Ditmarr (15 disposals) rotated between the midfield and forward line and offered valuable strength at the contest, while Kai Pudney (18 disposals) was prominent with his hard running on the wing.
Luca Whitelum (18 disposals and 10 marks) continued his fine form with another outstanding game in defence, while Dayne Posthuma (14 disposals) was a strong contributor in curbing the influence of Jack Madgen.
Austin Kitschke played a valuable role in locking down on big key forward Toby Murray, while Jack Callinan (17 disposals) showed composure beyond his years with his precise ball use across half-back.
Rhett Montgomerie (15 disposals and seven marks) and Zach Adams (19 possessions) patrolled the backline expertly to make some crucial intercepts that halted Adelaide's attacking forays.
Young key forward Dougie Cochrane (two goals) again caught the eye with his contested marking and competitiveness at ground level, while Beau Thomas was instrumental as a tall target inside 50 with two majors.
Adelaide's Billy Dowling produced another best afield performance through the midfield to push his case for AFL selection, amassing 34 disposals, seven tackles, eight clearances, 11 inside 50s and two goals in a standout effort.
Young gun Sid Draper also enjoyed a stellar afternoon, picking up 24 touches and four inside 50s as he often broke the game open with his speed and polished disposal around the contest.
Kieran Strachan (39 hit-outs and five clearances) commanded the ruck duel and also had an impact around the ground, while Chayce Jones (16 disposals and seven tackles) was strong in the clinches.
Lachie Sholl worked hard around the ground to gather 22 disposals and 13 marks, while Luke Nankervis (25 possessions) spent more time behind the footy and showed terrific composure with ball in hand.
Charlie Edwards (22 disposals) was prominent across half-back and offered plenty of rebound for the Crows, while Blake Drury (22 possessions and 10 marks) balanced defence and attack nicely in his new role down back.
Jordon Butts was steady in defence and provided some critical aerial support, while James Borlase (seven marks) read the ball well to make several intercepts.
Skipper Jack Madgen was again stationed in attack and toiled hard to boot two goals, while Brayden Cook was busy with 12 touches and a goal.
