SOUTH Australian pair Luke Dunstan and Matthew Scharenberg were the standouts in their side's 34-point win over Vic Country on Sunday.
In the division one clash at City Mazda Stadium in Adelaide, South Australia proved too strong for an injury-hit Vic Country line-up, winning 11.13 (79) to 6.9 (45).
Dunstan and Scharenberg were central to SA's dominance; the former dominating through the midfield while the latter cleaned up in defence and launched several attacks.
Dunstan finished with 30 disposals, seven tackles and five clearances, while Scharenberg enhanced his standing as a likely top-five NAB AFL Draft selection with 27 disposals and plenty of composure in the back half.
South Australia was also well served by midfielder Trent Dumont, who had strength and poise around the stoppages, and James Battersby, a smart rebounding defender who made good things happen.
Mitchell Harvey kicked four goals, and Orazio Fantasia booted two in a handy performance, which included some exciting moments.
Vic Country tried hard but were ultimately undermanned, missing the run and class of suspended midfielder Lewis Taylor.
After limiting the influence of South Australia's James Aish in the first half, Dandenong Stingrays midfielder Billy Hartung had some dynamic bursts in the second half using his speed and skill.
Nick Holman was busy at the stoppages with 18 disposals, while Zak Jones' kicking and Zac Merrett's smarts caught the eye.
Darcy Gardiner, one of the best tall defenders of this year's draft pool, won his battle with South Australia's Darcy Hourigan before injuring his ankle in the third quarter and leaving the field.
Nathan Drummond (ankle) and Hugh Goddard (shoulder) were other Vic Country players to finish the defeat injured.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 4.3 6.8 9.10 11.13 (79)
VIC COUNTRY 1.1 3.4 6.4 6.9 (45)
GOALS
South Australia: Harvey 4, Fantasia 2, Dumont, Hourigan, Knight, Reynolds, Spina
Vic Country: McCartney 2, Willsmore 2, Saunders, McCartin
BEST
South Australia: Dunstan, Scharenberg, Knight, Pitt, Coombe, Battersby, Durdin, Spina
Vic Country: Hartung, Fort, Gardiner, Holman, Jones, Herbert
Follow AFL website reporter Callum Twomey on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey
