South Adelaide ended an eight-game losing streak with a spirited win over Port Adelaide, the Crows surged past North Adelaide with a scintillating third quarter, while Sturt stunned the Eagles with a mammoth victory at Unley.

Read all about it in this week's SANFL Wrap.

South Adelaide 9.11 (65) def. Port Adelaide 8.10 (58)

An undermanned South Adelaide pulled off one of the upsets of the season in downing a stacked Port Adelaide side by seven points at Noarlunga on Saturday.

The Panthers, fielding 14 players with fewer than 25 games of experience, played with great spirit and heart against a Magpies team featuring 20 AFL-listed players to record a remarkable victory.

After struggling to close out games in recent weeks, South Adelaide were forced to withstand a late fightback from the Magpies as they defended grimly for most of the last quarter.

The defeat is a major setback for Port Adelaide, who could have moved within one game of the top five with a win against the ninth-placed Panthers.

Gun midfielder Ollie Davis made a welcome return for the Panthers and played a crucial game in the midfield with 20 disposals and five clearances, while Angus Bradley (19 disposals and four clearances) worked hard and got the ball moving for South.

Olivier Northam stood up well in the ruck against Ivan Soldo to collect 13 touches and eight clearances, while Ben Ashley-Cooper played a disciplined tagging role on Jack Watkins and blunted his impact.

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Port Adelaide's Ivan Soldo at training, 2023 (Image via Port Adelaide FC)

Elliot Dunkin (29 disposals and five rebound 50s) played a starring role across half-back and launched countless attacks for his team, while Oscar Clavarino (24 touches, 12 marks and eight rebound 50s) was almost impassable at full back and controlled the aerial battle.

Dakota Sterzl (17 touches) was composed in defence and had some important moments, while Nich Weightman showed great discipline in shutting down the dangerous Benny Barrett.

At the other end, Damon Freitag was a key contributor with three goals and competed strongly all day, while Sam Skinner continued his forward line stint and helped set the Panthers alight with two goals in the third term. 

Bailey Pilmore (17 disposals) showed off his work rate and endurance in working high up the field from half-forward, while Emmanuel Ajang played a valuable defensive forward role and kept the pressure on Port's defenders.

There was still plenty to like from Port Adelaide despite the final result, having won the inside 50 count by three and the clearance battle by 14.

Ivan Soldo continued his good form as Port's solo ruckman, racking up 17 disposals, 32 hit-outs, nine clearances and a goal in another commanding display.

Jackson Mead (26 possessions and a goal) responded well to his AFL axing and was lively around the stoppages, while Will Lorenz (21 touches and seven clearances) had an impact at the coalface.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 22: Jack Lukosius of the Power warms up during the 2025 AFL Round 02 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Richmond Tigers at Adelaide Oval on March 22, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 22: Jack Lukosius of the Power warms up during the 2025 AFL Round 02 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Richmond Tigers at Adelaide Oval on March 22, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Captain Nick Moore (19 disposals and eight clearances) spent more time in the midfield and provided plenty of strength in the clinches.

Jack Lukosius (16 disposals, 12 marks and two goals) made a successful return from injury and looked a class above with his polish and cleanliness with ball in hand.

Rory Atkins (17 disposals and six rebound 50s) found plenty of the ball at half-back and offered serviceable rebound, while Jeremy Finlayson was stationed mostly in defence and made some crucial stops.

North Adelaide 10.4 (64) def. by Adelaide Crows 23.10 (148)

A stunning 10-goal third quarter helped propel Adelaide to a thumping 84-point win over North Adelaide at Prospect on Saturday as they further entrenched themselves in the top three.

Leading by 16 points at the main break following a high-octane opening half, the Crows piled on 10 unanswered goals in the third term to leave the Roosters in their dust.

The win keeps Adelaide a game ahead of Central District in third place with a game in hand, with their 8-2 record now their best start to a season since joining the SANFL.

In a clinical performance in which they held sway across all three lines, Adelaide had plenty of AFL-listed players push their case for higher duties.

Key forward Chris Burgess enjoyed a stellar afternoon, kicking seven goals to go with 16 disposals and nine marks as he commanded the aerial battle in attack.

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Adelaide Crows recruit Chris Burgess at pre-season training, 2023 (Image via Adelaide FC)

Kieran Strachan relished his new role up forward with four goals from 13 disposals and seven marks, while Zac Taylor spent most of the day in attack and finished with 15 disposals and four goals.

Luke Nankervis was also stationed in attack and showed his class with 20 touches and three goals, while Brayden Cook worked hard to collect 19 possessions and two goals.

Harry Schoenberg (23 disposals and eight clearances) returned to the line-up and a huge influence with his burst from stoppage, while Sid Draper (18 disposals) worked well in traffic and used the ball well. 

Chayce Jones (21 disposals, four clearances and a goal) won plenty of contested footy in the clinches, while Jay Boyle (22 disposals and seven tackles) worked tirelessly throughout.

Lachie McAndrew put in another dominant display in the ruck against youngster Brodie Findlay, amassing 49 hit-outs and five clearances as he commanded the ruck battle.

Lachie Sholl (23 disposals and four inside 50s) and Billy Dowling (20 touches and a goal) were key playmakers on their respective wings and stood out with their delivery by foot.

James Borlase was sublime at full-back for Adelaide, collecting 23 disposals and 15 marks as he controlled the aerial battle and repelled countless North Adelaide attacks.

Nick Murray (16 disposals and six marks) was calm and composed in defence as he pushed for an AFL recall, while Hugh Bond (14 touches) and Oscar Ryan (17 possessions) closed down effectively on North's small forwards.

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Hugh Bond of the Adelaide Crows in 2024 (Image via Adelaide FC)

North Adelaide were well-served by veteran midfielder Harrison Wigg, who worked hard around the ground to amass 33 disposals, 15 marks and 11 clearances in a valiant display for his team.

Angus Schumacher (25 disposals, five clearances and a goal) again showed his class in the midfield and won plenty of contested footy in the clinches, while Hughen Wissman (19 touches and seven clearances) also battled hard for the Roosters.

Cody Raak (25 disposals, 11 marks and seven rebound 50s) worked overtime down back and won some key contests, while Dyson Hilder and Lee Minvervini competed strongly in a defence often under siege.

Noah Casalini (12 disposals, eight marks and two goals) made the most of his reprieve from the reserves to be the Roosters' only multiple goal scorer.

Norwood 9.5 (59) def. by Glenelg 11.9 (75)

Glenelg cemented their place in the SANFL top three with a hard-earned 16-point win over Norwood at The Parade on Saturday.

Coming off a tough loss to Sturt the week previous, the Tigers' win keeps them in second spot as well as a game and percentage above Central District in fourth.

An even contest for most of the afternoon, Glenelg led by a solitary point at the final change before pulling away with three goals to one in the final term to finish the stronger side.

Meanwhile, the defeat all but rules Norwood out of finals calculations, sitting three games outside the top five with only seven matches remaining. 

It is their fifth loss by 20 points or less against a top-five side this season as Norwood were left to rue another creditable close loss.

The Redlegs kept Glenelg to just 39 inside 50s and 20 scoring shots for the day, with only Sturt restricting the Bays to lower numbers so far this season.

After a relatively quiet season, James Bell returned to form with a best afield performance for Glenelg, gathering 22 disposals, 10 clearances and six inside 50s in a dynamic midfield display.

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Jarryd Lyons at training with SANFL club the Glenelg Tigers in 2024 (Image via Glenelg FC)

Jarryd Lyons (21 disposals, six clearances and a goal) had an impact around the footy and up forward, while Matthew Allen (19 touches) had some key moments in the centre square.

Although Cam McGree was well beaten in the ruck duel, he played an important role at ground level and collected 13 disposals and seven clearances, while Riley Holder was a key aerial presence around the ground.

After spending time in the midfield last week, Patrick Parnell (21 disposals) was moved back to defence and used his damaging foot skills to great effect at half back.

Jonty Scharenberg (15 disposals and six marks) played a superb shutdown role on Izak Twelftree, while second-gamer Beau Symonds competed strongly against Tristan Binder and limited his influence. 

Captain Liam McBean was the main threat for Glenelg in attack with four goals, while Lachie Hosie booted two despite some strong attention from Alec Wright.

Billy Cootee was a major catalyst in the midfield for Norwood with 21 disposals and five clearances, while Baynen Lowe was impactful with his 17 touches and eight clearances.

Jacob Kennerley (16 disposals and two goals) was tough in the clinches for the Redlegs, while Luke Surman (30 hit-outs) provided great service for his midfielders with his tap work.

As he did in last year's grand final, Alec Wright played a sensational lockdown role on Lachie Hosie and kept the Glenelg danger man to just five touches and one mark, while Jack Heard kept Luke Reynolds in check around the goals.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Cooper Murley of the Magpies handballs during a Collingwood Magpies AFL training session at Olympic Park Oval on May 12, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Matthew Ling (19 disposals) and Cooper Murley (16 touches) were dynamic across the half-back line and offered valuable rebound from defence with their speed and dash.

Jackson Callow was the key focal point in attack, kicking four goals along with a series of strong marks inside 50 that caused plenty of headaches for the Tiger defence.

Central District 15.11 (101) def West Adelaide 8.8 (56)

Central District snapped a three-game losing streak with a clinical 45-point win over West Adelaide at Elizabeth on Saturday.

Following three disappointing losses against the top three sides in the competition, the Bulldogs were back to their best as they cruised past a gallant West Adelaide in the second half.

After falling behind briefly in the second quarter, the Dogs soon hit their straps and kicked 12 of the final 16 goals of the game to earn a valuable confidence boost heading into the second half of the season.

With injuries ravaging Central's big man stocks, Beau Thomas was sent into the ruck and was a major contributor with 35 hit-outs and four clearances while also pushing forward to kick three goals.

Wingman Kai Pudney spent more time on-ball and was productive at the stoppages to collect a game-high 28 disposals, while Luca Whitelum worked hard around the ground to pick up 25 touches.

Rookie Max Monaghan also relished increased minutes around the footy and held his own with 20 possessions and two goals, while Leyton Chisolm (24 disposals) and Kade Dittmar (20 touches and eight inside 50s were impactful at the coalface.

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Rhett Montgomerie of the Central District Bulldogs in the SANFL, 2024(Image via Robert Laidlaw, Central District FC)

Former Bomber Rhett Montgomerie (19 disposals and 13 marks) was resolute in defence with his intercept work, while Austin Kitschke played a valuable lockdown role on Ned Stevens.

George Kendall made a welcome return to the Doggies' backline and competed strongly against Tom Scully, as did Oliver Shaw, who picked up 17 possessions and seven marks.

Gun forward Aiden Grace returned to form with three goals in a lively display, while Nick Lange pushed forward from the wing to score two goals. 

Kobe Ryan was again the main shining light for West Adelaide, collecting 27 disposals and nine tackles in a tireless effort for his side, while Brady Searle (22 disposals, six clearances and a goal) was a key cog in the midfield.

Emerging talent Jesse Thackeray produced one of his best performances at league level, amassing 24 disposals, seven tackles and seven clearances to offer a point of difference with his burst from stoppage.

Callum Park (20 disposals and six marks) was steady in defence and provided some important rebounds, while Tom Morrish (15 touches and six rebound 50s) blended attack and defence nicely at half-back.

Key defender Cooper Patterson competed strongly against Bulldog big man Jack Tomkinson and largely negated their aerial contests, while Adam Bunworth had some important moments in the backline.

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Thomas Scully of the Port Adelaide Magpies during the 2024 SANFL season (Image via Port Adelaide FC)

Ex-Power forward Tom Scully (14 disposals, seven marks and two goals) was again the main presence in attack with his contested marking, while Harvey Griffiths also booted two majors.

Sturt 24.15 (159) def. Woodville-West Torrens 4.11 (35)

Sturt sent a major warning shot to the rest of the competition with a staggering 124-point thrashing of Woodville-West Torrens at Unley on Saturday.

The Blues ran riot from the opening bounce and controlled the game for the entire afternoon, registering 140 more disposals, 86 more kicks, 63 more marks and 31 more inside 50s in a frightening display of cohesion and skill.

Their win was set up with a devastating first half, with Sturt kicking 10 unanswered goals in the opening term before piling on another six consecutive goals in the second to lead by 103 points at half time.

Sturt's margin of victory was the biggest recorded by any team since 2022, while their score of 159 points was the highest tally seen in seven years.

Having won in such a dominant fashion, Sturt boasted an even spread of star performers across the ground, with almost every player winning their position on the day.

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Sturt player Will Snelling, 2024 (Image via the SANFL)

Feasting on a plethora of quality inside 50s, the Blues' forwards enjoyed a day out, with Connor McFadyen returning to form with a bag of seven goals, while Josh Hone cashed in with four majors of his own as a constant threat at ground level.

Sam Conforti (15 touches and three goals) split his time between wing and forward and showed his class around goal, while Oliver Grivell kicked three goals and took his chances in front of the sticks. 

The damage all started in the midfield, with Angus Anderson (26 disposals and eight clearances) showcasing his power in traffic, while Will Snelling (30 disposals and six clearances) was productive at the coalface.

Jared Dakin (26 disposals, six clearances and a goal) made a seamless return from injury and found plenty of the footy, while Tom Lewis (29 disposals) fought hard in the clinches for his side.

Charlie Parker (25 disposals, nine inside 50s and two goals) played his best game at league level on the wing and was a key attacking weapon, while Luke Giacometti picked up 18 disposals on the other wing and worked hard all day.

Casey Voss (28 disposals and 16 marks) was seemingly everywhere across half-back and had a huge impact with his attacking ball use, while Flynn Perez (25 disposals) was similarly lethal in setting up countless Sturt attacks.

Rookie backman Alex Holt (21 disposals) showed poise beyond his years with his mix of attack and defence, while Zac Becker (20 disposals) worked off his opponent well to get involved in Sturt's offence.

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Woodville-West Torrens James Rowe in the SANFL, 2023 (Image via Instagram, @eagleswwtfc)

The tireless efforts of captain Joe Sinor (21 disposals and seven tackles) were one of the very few bright spots on a bitterly disappointing day for the Eagles.

James Rowe (26 touches and four clearances) battled valiantly for his team, while Max Beattie (20 disposals) spent more time in the midfield and impressed with his run and carry.

Max Litster (18 disposals) worked hard in the backline often under immense pressure, while Jordan Moore was one of the few players to win his position in locking down Daniel Fahey-Sparks.