SANFL Hostplus League Second Semi-Final Snapshot

North Adelaide secured a berth in its third Hostplus SANFL League title-decider in five years after outlasting Adelaide by 10 points in a classic Second Semi-Final at Adelaide Oval.

The Roosters’ experienced heads held their nerve when it mattered most in the pulsating contest as Aaron Young, Harrison Wigg, Campbell Combe and captain Alex Spina all stood up at critical junctures.

Young, who finished with 29 disposals and five clearances, kicked the sealing goal in the 26th minute of the final term when he gathered a loose ball and snapped on his left from 25m.

The red-and-white faithful on the hill in front of the scoreboard suddenly found full voice as their side ensured they would play in the 2022 Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final after previously making appearances in 2018 and 2020.

It came just four minutes after Crow Luke Pedlar had a chance to grasp the lead with his snap on the run, only for it to sail wide to the left for a behind.

Wigg, who had 24 disposals in the first half before finishing with a game-high 39, kicked a pivotal goal nearing the half-time siren.

Seemingly out of range outside 50m and tucked up on the boundary line, the left-footer swung the ball in nicely from his challenging set shot.

It gave the Roosters plenty of belief having trailed the buoyant Crows for much of the first half despite kicking kicking the opening goal, through Will Combe, after just 80 seconds.

Adelaide, without late withdrawal Ben Davis (ankle), threatened to take control of the contest during the first half as ruckman Kieran Strachan opened up a 19-point buffer at the first change.

Crows development player Josh Smithson injected himself into the match during the fourth term by booting two of this three goals but the Roosters had all the answers.

Ben Davis rolled ankle at training

Wigg filled his stats register with 39 disposals, 10 marks, six clearances and a goal while Magarey Medallist Campbell Combe had 30 possessions, 10 tackles and eight clearances.

Spina collected 25 disposals, Andrew Moore (24 disposals), Frank Szekely (23 disposals, one goal) and Will Combe (22 disposals, one goal) were strong contributors through the middle.

Roosters forwards Keenan Ramsey and Harrison Elbrow kicked three goals each, the latter showing off his express pace while finishing nicely on the run.

Adelaide’s Billy Frampton was a tower of strength in defence, taking 10 marks to go with 21 disposals while midfielder Brett Turner (25 disposals) was efficient out of the centre by feeding Lachlan Gollant for two goals in the third quarter while also kicking one himself.

Crows young guns Zac Taylor (19 disposals, seven tackles, five clearances) and Luke Nankervis (18 disposals, seven tackles, one goal) again showed promise as they hope to replicate that form in next Sunday’s Preliminary Final against Norwood at Adelaide Oval.