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Glenelg's fight praised

Glenelg coach Mark Mickan has hailed his side’s fighting qualities after a dogged come-from-behind 29-point win against North Adelaide at Glenelg on Sunday.

The Tigers were in danger of conceding top spot to Sturt when they were headed by a spirited Roosters outfit midway through the final term.

Superbly led by Rhys Archard (26 disposals, two goals), North Adelaide - who trailed by 25 points midway through the third quarter - appeared to be on the verge of a massive upset when former Adelaide 36er Jordan Dodman goaled in the final term to give his side a four-point lead.

But - after being kept goalless for 28 minutes - Glenelg responded like a premiership contender, producing a six-goal burst in 10 minutes, which left North’s finals hopes hanging by a thread.

Instrumental to the Tigers comeback was big man Trevor Cranston’s ability to take control of the centre square, after being dominated by Roosters’ pair Daniel Stewart and impressive debutant Dodman.

North’s young ruck combination stepped up brilliantly after their lead man Brett O’Hara was injured in the first quarter.

Roosters’ coach Andrew Jarman also lamented the third-quarter loss of key defender Andrew McIntyre, who had held Glenelg full forward Todd Grima goal-less.

However, with McIntyre sitting on the sidelines in the final term, Grima went on a goal-scoring blitz, booting three in five minutes.

Adam Fisher was outstanding at half-back with 29 disposals, goal-sneak Justin McConnell returned to form with five match-defining goals and Sam Rudolph shut down North dangerman Clint Alleway.

Archard was the Roosters’ standout, while onballer James Allan worked hard for his 26 disposals. 

Last year’s grand finalists North Adelaide now face a crucial match with fifth-placed Port Adelaide to decide the last finals berth this weekend.

Stephen O’Loughlin/The Advertiser