A seven-goal first term helped Adelaide defeat Norwood by 20 points on Saturday afternoon at Coopers Stadium.

Norwood fought back to reduce the margin to just seven points early in the fourth quarter, but the Crows held firm to secure a 12.11 (83) to 8.15 (63) win, their 100th victory since joining the SANFL competition in 2014.

SANFL Senior Coach Matthew Wright spoke to AFC Media post-game and said his side showed great maturity to keep Norwood at bay.

Slick start for Crows

Adelaide made a fast start at Coopers Stadium, booting the first four goals of the game to establish a 28-point lead at quarter-time.

Midfielder Matt Crouch was instrumental in getting the Crows rolling, while forward Chris Burgess looked threatening in attack and booted two early goals.

Wright said he was pleased with the way his side started the game.

“It was nice to start well and not have to chase the game and spend a lot of tickets,” Wright said.

“They pegged us back a little bit, but then it was our ability to keep it at arms length, to the point where they had to chase the game late and we were able to open them up the other way.

“Norwood is going to be there or thereabouts, so I thought it was a really strong contest.”

Crows show maturity

After the Crows opened up a handy lead at quarter-time, Norwood responded and ramped up the pressure.

Wright praised the maturity shown by the Crows, who found answers each time they were challenged by the Redlegs.

“Our leaders’ ability to stay composed in those moments was really important, which then led the other blokes to play a little bit taller,” Wright said.

“I didn’t feel any panic from our boys at all, which is really pleasing because we know the games are only going to get tighter and tighter.

“Our ability to stay calm and just go back to the process – I thought we did that really well today.”

Schoenberg impresses

Crows midfielder Harry Schoenberg produced a strong performance, collecting 22 disposals, five marks and two goals.

Wright praised the 24-year-old’s four-quarter performance at the Parade.

“He was huge, he got us going early and was one who showed grit late,” Wright said.

“There were some really big contests late where he was able to come in and force a stoppage which then allowed us to get set.

“People play taller when they play next to him, he’s vocal but he always sets the tone with his actions which I love.”

Madgen leads the way in milestone

Adelaide SANFL Captain Jack Madgen celebrated his 50th SANFL game in style, collecting 22 disposals, a game-high 10 marks and seven rebound-50s.

The third development player in the Club’s history to reach the milestone, Wright praised Madgen’s influence on the group.

“He’s been incredible, his development as a player and leader has been second to none,” Wright said.

“He connects the development squad with the AFL squad and with the SANFL squad – his ability to connect the group has been outstanding.

“He sets the tone week-in and week-out and he’s a backline coach out there on the field.

“He’s always got great ideas and has been a great sounding board for me, so for him to celebrate the milestone with a win tonight in-front of the family is nice.”

Welsh returns to action

Adelaide forward Tyler Welsh booted two goals in his first game back since Round Seven following a toe injury.

“I was really pleased with his contest work, his ability when out of position to get the ball to ground and then fight at ground level,” Wright said.

“He laid a block for Chris Burgess early in the second quarter which bought him time, and he was able to square it up to Schoenberg who kicked a pretty important goal, so those small things I was pleased with.

“He’s still building, but he’s in a really good space. 

“He’s had to develop as a professional and he’s gone to work in that space, so I’m really pleased he got a few results today in-front of the big sticks, but for me it was his contest stuff.”

SCOREBOARD 

Adelaide 7.1 7.5 9.9 12.11 (83)

Norwood 2.3 3.8 5.13 8.15 (63)

GOALS:

Burgess 3, Welsh, Schoenberg 2, Pedlar, T Murray, Gallagher, Draper, Crouch

BEST:

Schoenberg, Pedlar, Madgen, Murphy, Borlase