2023 Hostplus SANFL League Second Semi-Final Preview

8 months ago – September 5, 2023

Compiled by Zac Milbank

What They Said

By The Numbers

Head to Head – Overall
Played – 19
Glenelg – 13
Adelaide – 5
Drawn – 1

Head to Head – Finals
Played – 1
Glenelg – 1
Adelaide – 0

At Adelaide Oval
Played -1
Glenelg – 1
Adelaide – 0

Last Finals Meeting
2019 Preliminary Final – Glenelg 16.9 (105) d Adelaide 11.12 (78) at Adelaide Oval

Last Three Meetings
Round 13 2023 – Adelaide 15.11 (101) d Glenelg 11.15 (81) at Stratarama Stadium
Round 8 2023 – Glenelg 12.10 (82) d Adelaide 12.8 (80) at Stratarama Stadium
Round 13 2022 – Adelaide 19.12 (126) d Glenelg 8.4 (52) at Stratarama Stadium

Key Match-Ups

Cam McGree (Glenelg) v James Borlase (Adelaide)
An intriguing match-up in the ruck looms as Glenelg’s Cam McGree tackles Adelaide’s makeshift ruckman James Borlase at the centre bounce. In the absence of injured first-choice bigman Kieran Strachan (wrist), Borlase toiled manfully in the ruck in his team’s Qualifying Final win against Sturt. Crows SANFL Coach Michael Godden was impressed with how Borlase managed to improve as the game wore on, which should hold him in good stead against McGree. A revelation since arriving at the Bay from Reynella, McGree gained valuable game time against South in Round 18 after missing four matches with a hamstring strain and his mobility around the ground should be matched by regular defender Borlase.

Matt Allen (Glenelg) v Jackson Hately (Adelaide)
Glenelg’s Matt Allen has enjoyed a career-best season, dividing his time on the wing with stints inside the centre square. A deceptive match-up standing at 193cm, Allen’s height through the midfield can be countered by Crow Jackson Hately, who measures in at 191cm. This should be a fascinating battle whether it takes place on the wing or through the corridor considering both players love to carry the ball and kick long into their team’s attacking 50m arc. Hitting the scoreboard is also a feature of their game, making them equally dangerous. The winner of this duel should give their side a decisive advantage in the Second Semi-Final.