Adelaide’s SANFL season came to an end when it went down to Norwood by 34 points at Adelaide Oval on Sunday afternoon.

The Crows were on the back foot from the first bounce, as the Redlegs flew out of the blocks to claim an eventual  15.14 (104) to 10.10 (70) win.

Here are the five key takeaways from the match.

Slow start proves costly

Adelaide was slow out of the blocks against Norwood, and struggled to play its brand of footy according to SANFL Senior Coach Matthew Wright.

The Crows had passages of play where they looked to threaten but were unable to capitalise when they controlled the momentum and put scoreboard pressure on the Redlegs.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t get our brand of footy going, we did in patches but didn’t capitalise when we did,” Wright said.

“We fumbled early which was a bit of our fault and their pressure.

“The best teams always ultimately win and today they were the best team, they put together a four-quarter performance and unfortunately we weren’t able to do that.”

Schoenberg’s four-quarter effort

On-baller Harry Schoenberg competed hard all game, and put together a four-quarter performance.

Schoenberg was clean with ball in hand, and ran both ways all afternoon, with his work rate noticeable.

“I feel for blokes like Schoenny who have their absolute all today, he’s done it all year and I’m disappointed that he doesn’t get to keep playing and put himself on show,” Wright said

“You ask for energy and intent, and you see him diving across the footy, and when the game is done and dusted he’s still working his backside off and kicks that goal late.”

Schoenberg finished with 25 disposals, five tackles, 10 clearances and six inside 50s.

Strachan hits the scoreboard

Crow Kieran Strachan was influential inside-50 the Crows, hitting the scoreboard to finish the afternoon with three majors.

Since returning in Round Seven of the State League Season, Strachan reinvented himself as a forward – allowing Lachlan McAndrew to take the number one ruck duties – with the ruck turned forward kicking 20 goals from his 14 games.

“He is an exceptional human being, he’s been a barometer for this SANFL group for such a long period of time, and we know the quality of player he is,” Wright said.

“He gave his all today and unfortunately it wasn’t enough to keep rolling into next week.”

Strachan finished with 13 disposals, three marks, eight hit-outs and three clearances.

Boyle brings up 100 milestone

SANFL Development player Jay Boyle notched his 100th State League game against the Redlegs, spending the afternoon playing on the wing.

Boyle gave his all for the team, impacting when the ball was in his vicinity and showing his versatility, playing on both the inside and outside.

“He has been a soldier of our SANFL program, he gives his all and often goes to the other team’s best midfielder,” Wright said.

“He’s plays wherever we need him, he’s played half forward, half back, on the ball and today on the wing.

“I’m really proud of him for getting to 100 games and doing it with us.”

Boyle finished with 16 disposals, four marks, three clearances and five inside 50s.

Wright reflects on 2025

Adelaide finished its 2025 SANFL campaign with 14 wins and three losses, its most successful season from a win-loss perspective in the club’s history.

Reflecting on the year, Wright was proud of how his side approached the season, along with the development of the playing group, with many of Adelaide’s young players getting opportunities at AFL level.

“We didn’t finish the year the way we wanted to finish but I’m really proud of the collective effort,” he said.

“We had a heap of players play league footy for us this year and I thought by-and-large we were able to play a good brand of footy consistently which gives you a good opportunity and chance to compete.

“Although we didn’t finish the way we wanted to finish, I’d much rather be in this position than have been on holidays two weeks ago.”

SCOREBOARD

ADELAIDE: 2.1  5.4  8.6  10.10  (70)

NORWOOD: 3.2  7.4  12.9  14.14  (104)

GOALS:

Adelaide: Burgess, Strachan 3, Nankervis, Cook, T.Murray, Schoenberg

Norwood: Gail 4, Lowe, Molan, Binder, Kennerley 2, Heard, Cootee