North Melbourne has fallen to a disappointing loss in its final match of 2021.
The Roos rarely challenged a dominant Adelaide side, conceding four goals to two in the opening term, and always playing catchup from there.
The home side finished with 33 scoring shots to 14.
On a tough night for North, Aaron Hall was busy in defence with 37 disposals, while midfielders Tarryn Thomas and Jy Simpkin were particularly strong in the second half, finishing with 26 and 25 disposals respectively.
Nick Larkey booted 3 majors for the visitors, while Phoenix Spicer showed promise on debut, but the goals were few and far between for the Roos at Adelaide Oval.
Cam Zurhaar was subbed out of the game at three-quarter-time due to a corked thigh.
An eye to the future...
With both sides' seasons all but over, the final round presented a golden opportunity to blood some youngsters. North Melbourne debutant Phoenix Spicer's first touch was immediately followed by a crunching Rory Sloane tackle as if to say 'welcome to the big leagues, kid'. But Spicer was undeterred and picked up a solid seven possessions, and seemed to have a knack for knowing where the ball was heading. For Adelaide, Lachlan Gollant kicked a goal on debut and was mobbed soon after with teammates running from all corners of the ground to celebrate the milestone.
ADELAIDE 4.6 5.9 8.15 13.20 (98)
NORTH MELBOURNE 2.1 2.3 5.4 8.6 (54)
GOALS
Adelaide: McAdam 3, Keays 2, Seedsman, McHenry, Jones, Schoenberg, Thilthorpe, Mackay, Gollant, Lynch
North Melbourne: Larkey 3, Anderson, Walker, Thomas, Phillips, Scott
BEST
Adelaide: Laird, Sloane, McAdam, Keays, Smith
North Melbourne: Hall, Thomas, Larkey, Simpkin
INJURIES
Adelaide: None
North Melbourne: Cameron Zurhaar (TBC)
SUBSTITUTES
Adelaide: James Rowe (unused)
North Melbourne: Bailey Scott (replaced Zurhaar)
Crowd: TBC at the Adelaide Oval
