Adelaide’s SANFL side has gone down to a determined Central District outfit by 55-points at Elizabeth Oval on Saturday afternoon.

Inaccuracy cost Adelaide early with Central Districts controlling the momentum from quarter-time onwards to win 15.7 (92) versus 5.12 (42). 

Here are the five key takeaways from the match:

Pedlar through the middle

Forward Luke Pedlar played the majority of the game as a midfielder with his explosiveness and strength around the contest an asset for Adelaide. 

Pedlar continued to hone his craft as an on-baller with his work rate standing out to SANFL Assistant Coach Matthew Wright. 

“He was clean, he was powerful, he probably had some opportunities he would like back,” Wright said. 

“He was one that had a crack for all four quarters and thought he worked hard all day.”

Pedlar finished with 18 disposals, four marks, five clearances and six inside 50s.

Consistent Sholl

Wingmen Lachlan Sholl showcased his strong disposal efficiency, clinical with his kicks and always able to find a teammate. 

Sholl gave Adelaide’s midfielders a reliable option on the outside, along with his work rate up and down the ground seeing him rewarded in the third term with a goal.

 “He is super reliable, you know what you are going to get from him,” Wright said.

“His ball use is always super, we probably could have looked to use him more today but he keeps putting his hand up.”

Sholl finished with 21 disposals, five marks, five inside 50s and two rebound 50s. 

Midfielders impact 

Midfielders Billy Dowling and Jay Boyle were Adelaide’s main ball winners against Central District, both giving their all for all four quarters.

Both had strong contested game, battling with Centrals midfielders to help advance Adelaide forward. 

“Billy was really solid, he’s diligent in his approach and again he was rock solid today,” Wright said.

“He (Boyle) is a big body, he works hard and he has shown some really good leadership with his communication to the midfield group.” 

Dowling finished with 22 disposals, four tackles and six clearances, while Boyle had 24 touches, six marks and four inside 50s. 

Himmelberg plays multiple roles

Elliott Himmelberg showed his versatility for Adelaide throughout the afternoon, spending time up forward and in the ruck. 

Having trained most of the preseason as a defender, Himmelberg was put forward for the Crows clash against Central. 

“His attitude when he was told he would play forward was outstanding, (it) set him up for a really good game.” Wright said

“He was one we were trying to get around the footy as much as we could today because he was impacting. 

Himmelberg finished with 12 disposals, four marks, four tackles, three clearances, three inside 50s and five hit outs. 

Curtin continues to develop

Defender Daniel Curtin displayed his ability to effectively rebound the ball out of Adelaide’s backline and get the Crows on the offensive against the Bulldogs. 

Wright was impressed by how Curtin delivered under pressure for a large part of the afternoon.

“He was under the pump for a fair chunk of that game but I felt like he felt his own,” Wright said.

“He is one that has a really strong brand of footy, and we just want to get him defending longer.”

Curtin amassed 20 disposals, four marks and five rebound 50s.

Adelaide’s SANFL side next game will be against Glenelg at Glenelg Oval with the first bounce at 2:10pm. 

ADELAIDE: 1.6  2.8  4.12  5.12 (42)
CENTRAL: 2.1  7.3  11.5  15.7 (97)

GOALS:

Adelaide: O’Leary 2, Smithson, Gallagher, Sholl
Central: Pearce, Grace 5, Gasper, Barry 2, McCormack

BESTS:
Himmelberg, Borlase, Boyle, O’Leary, Sholl