On a night which had been preceded by heavy rain, the contested ball loomed as a key to the result at Adelaide Oval.
Although the game itself was played with no rain, both coaches agreed post-match it was played in the general style of a wet-weather game, due to the slippery conditions.
It was Adelaide’s pressure around the contest which proved crucial in the first quarter. Although North was winning its fair share of the ball, leading both the disposal and contested possession count to quarter time, it was unable to use the ball efficiently due to the Crows’ efforts defensively.
Two of the three goals North conceded in the first quarter were from turnovers, and it could have been worse if not for a handful of missed shots.
After an impassioned plea by Brad Scott at quarter time in the huddle, North was able to turn it around in the second term.
The ball use was much better, increasing from 57 per cent efficiency to 76 per cent, and it told on the scoreboard with five goals to one.
Brad McKenzie was influential, with a team-high three score involvements for the term. His disposal by foot was important all night, finishing with 22 kicks, a career-high.
At half time North had earned a four-point lead, and with four of its six goals coming from within 30 metres out, it was getting high quality shots on goal.
After Lindsay Thomas kicked his third goal of the night heading into time on of the third quarter, North still had a slender lead. But it was shortly after that where the game turned.
Adelaide was able to pin the ball in its forward half, gaining repeat entries. Although its last five scoring shots only resulted in 1.4, the momentum had clearly changed.
Despite that, North’s deficit was just six points at three quarter time and it was still right in the game.
Perhaps feeling the effects of successive six-day breaks, and coming up against a rested Crows outfit, North was then -23 in contested possession during the last term, and -45 in the overall disposal count.
The focus now turns to rest and recovery, with 17 days between matches and a flight to Perth to take on the Eagles.
Stats leaders
Disposals: Cunnington – 26
Contested possessions: Dumont, Cunnington – 16
Clearances: Cunnington – 8
Tackles: Wagner, Ziebell – 9
Inside 50’s: Dal Santo, Swallow – 6
Rebound 50’s: McKenzie – 7
Metres gained: McKenzie – 575
