Round 2 saw us return to Unley Oval to take Adelaide and for the 2017 Premiership flag unveiling. In warm conditions Adelaide got the best start kicking the first goal, we slowly gained control back with effective ball movement and kicked the next 3 goals. Adelaide kick 2 late goals to even to take a 1-point lead at quarter time.
Josh hone look dangerous forward kick 2 first quarter goals and Sean Samblich kicked the other. Kicking with a slight breeze in the second we started move the ball forward with precision giving our forwards multiple shot on goals and we kicked 5 goals. Defensively we held our structure and produced good pressure around the contest to restricted Adelaide to 1 goal. Sam Colquhoun was influential through the wing and across half back and with help of the other defenders we defensively were able to restrict Adelaide.
The third quarter started like the 1st quarter with Adelaide kicking the first but we bounced back kicking the next 2 goals, singles to Hone and Osborn. Adelaide looked dangerous at stages of the third but credit to the playing group we always hit back on the score board with goal. Tom Read’s ruck work started to lift in the 3rd quarter and when he took a contested mark 30m out straight in front and converted we had 31-point lead at ¾ time.
With the warm conditions taking its toll on everyone the game opened up in the last quarter, scoring became easier for both teams. After an even first 15 minutes of the last quarter, we gained control late to 4 goals in a row. Mark Evans got reward for his hard work kicking 3 last quarter goals to finish with 4. Tall Forwards Tom Read 1 goal and Osborn 3 goals looked dangerous all day and Josh Hone kicked 4. The 6 defenders all had great games against quality opposition. Zane Kirkwood was clean and influential around the stoppages and James Battersby played his role with 8 clearances and 10 tackles.
Next week we play North Adelaide who will be full of confidence after a 138-point win, which will be a great challenge.