Coach Brad Scott described the win as reward for weeks of effort, with the Bombers producing a dominant performance against Melbourne at Adelaide Oval in Gather Round.
Scott highlighted the positive impact of increased selection pressure, while a strong mix of emerging talent and experienced players underpinned the result.
Scott on reward for effort
In the first half, the boys were playing the way we wanted to play and bringing the level of competitiveness we’ve been asking for.
It can be challenging delivering the same message around effort week after week, and today they looked like they enjoyed themselves in the game.
Sometimes you just need reward for that effort. Today, the players got that.
Scott on positive selection pressure and tangible progress
This is the first time in a long time we’ve had genuine selection pressure. That gives you the ability to move players around and pull different levers.
For the last 18 months we’ve been pretty hamstrung with availability, but now having options and flexibility certainly helps.
We felt the tangible improvement started late in the second quarter last week. We wanted to bank that and go again, and I think that was evident today.
But we’re still a massive work in progress.
Perspective is really important - we haven’t done anything miraculous - we still have work to do.
Scott on young talent shining
He looked like the player we thought we were drafting (Sullivan Robey). Not just in how he plays, but how he understands the game.
Our young players really shone. We’ve been excited about them for a while, even when results weren’t coming.
Today it was great for them to get some reward.
He’s had some tough love along the way (Elijah Tsatas) but worked extremely hard. To see him take his opportunity today was really pleasing.
Scott on team balance
Our ability to slow the game down and get it more on our terms in the second half was really pleasing
Having a more settled group and some personnel back certainly helps. We’ve lacked continuity, but now we’re starting to build it.
Scott on Wright and Edwards
It was a big challenge for him (Peter Wright) and I thought he was exceptional.
You’re not always going to nullify players like that (Gawn and Pickett), but you try to limit their influence - and he did that well.
Tom Edwards' perspective has also been outstanding. To come back the way he has and earn selection on merit is a credit to him.
Scott on playing for supporters and maintaining perspective
Our supporters have been through a tough time. What drives us is putting out a team they can be proud of.
We haven’t been able to do that consistently, but we’re working hard to change that.
Three weeks ago we knew where we were at, and we know it now after a win.
The difference is our supporters can enjoy this one - and that’s important.
