Blues want to keep AFLW opener after impressive win
The two teams from the AFLW's first ever game in 2017 once again opened the season as part of a celebration of that famous night at Princes Park, when Carlton won in front of a lockout crowd.
Players from the inaugural match were among those in the crowd on Thursday night as Mimi Hill's midfield masterclass led the Blues to a 6.9 (45) to 3.3 (21) victory in front of 8042 fans.
The Blues and Magpies also opened the fixture in 2018, 2021 and the second season of 2022.
"First of all, to have the opening game here at Ikon Park, it was fantastic," Buck said.
"I think we want this game moving forward. I think we had a great crowd in here.
"We played a great brand of footy - crowd was up and about, that's for sure, so that was a really exciting part.
"And then the kicker of it being 10 seasons on and to still have some players that played in that game, Darcy Vescio and Breann Harrington ... (still) playing so well, the story's great."
Collingwood kicked the first two goals, but Carlton snagged the next four on the spin to turn the contest in their favour.
The outstanding Hill racked up 32 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 424 metres gained and six clearances.
"She started the game really strongly and had a great, big first half. Executed well, and got our team going," Buck said.
The 22-year-old was well supported by skipper Abbie McKay and Irish goalsneak Erone Fitzpatrick (two goals), while debutant Poppy Scholz impressed.
Abbie and younger sister Sophie McKay, who debuted on Thursday, famously rang Carlton's bell with their father, Blues AFL great Andrew McKay, to kick off that night in 2017.
New Collingwood skipper Ruby Schleicher led from the front, laying five crunching tackles in the first quarter alone, while Brittany Bonnici (21 disposals, seven clearances, 14 tackles) and Carly Remmos (16 disposals) were busy.
Last year's wooden spooners, Collingwood are already without Bri Davey, Sarah Rowe, Jordyn Allen and Mattea Breed through injury.
Collingwood's Irish debutant Kellyann Hogan suffered a shoulder injury and will have scans.
No.1 draft pick Ash Centra, who was on managed minutes after a hip injury, announced herself with her first disposal just before halftime, clunking a contested mark before kicking a goal with her first kick.
"I was really happy for her that she kicked that goal, she's going to be a serious player," coach Sam Wright said.
But it wasn't enough to spark a comeback.
Instead, Carlton jagged two more goals in the third quarter, and kept Collingwood goalless for the entire second half to wrap up victory.
"We just showed patches today," Wright said.
"That's the really disappointing thing, not just for me but for the girls."
Collingwood return to action against GWS at Victoria Park next Saturday, and Carlton face Hawthorn in Frankston that night.
Coach Matthew Buck wants Carlton to keep being part of the AFLW season opener after the Blues kicked off the 10th campaign with a stylish 24-point win over Collingwood.
The two teams from the AFLW's first ever game in 2017 once again opened the season as part of a celebration of that famous night at Princes Park, when Carlton won in front of a lockout crowd.
Players from the inaugural match were among those in the crowd on Thursday night as Mimi Hill's midfield masterclass led the Blues to a 6.9 (45) to 3.3 (21) victory in front of 8042 fans.
The Blues and Magpies also opened the fixture in 2018, 2021 and the second season of 2022.
"First of all, to have the opening game here at Ikon Park, it was fantastic," Buck said.
"I think we want this game moving forward. I think we had a great crowd in here.
"We played a great brand of footy - crowd was up and about, that's for sure, so that was a really exciting part.
"And then the kicker of it being 10 seasons on and to still have some players that played in that game, Darcy Vescio and Breann Harrington ... (still) playing so well, the story's great."
Collingwood kicked the first two goals, but Carlton snagged the next four on the spin to turn the contest in their favour.
The outstanding Hill racked up 32 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 424 metres gained and six clearances.
"She started the game really strongly and had a great, big first half. Executed well, and got our team going," Buck said.
The 22-year-old was well supported by skipper Abbie McKay and Irish goalsneak Erone Fitzpatrick (two goals), while debutant Poppy Scholz impressed.
Abbie and younger sister Sophie McKay, who debuted on Thursday, famously rang Carlton's bell with their father, Blues AFL great Andrew McKay, to kick off that night in 2017.
New Collingwood skipper Ruby Schleicher led from the front, laying five crunching tackles in the first quarter alone, while Brittany Bonnici (21 disposals, seven clearances, 14 tackles) and Carly Remmos (16 disposals) were busy.
Last year's wooden spooners, Collingwood are already without Bri Davey, Sarah Rowe, Jordyn Allen and Mattea Breed through injury.
Collingwood's Irish debutant Kellyann Hogan suffered a shoulder injury and will have scans.
No.1 draft pick Ash Centra, who was on managed minutes after a hip injury, announced herself with her first disposal just before halftime, clunking a contested mark before kicking a goal with her first kick.
"I was really happy for her that she kicked that goal, she's going to be a serious player," coach Sam Wright said.
But it wasn't enough to spark a comeback.
Instead, Carlton jagged two more goals in the third quarter, and kept Collingwood goalless for the entire second half to wrap up victory.
"We just showed patches today," Wright said.
"That's the really disappointing thing, not just for me but for the girls."
Collingwood return to action against GWS at Victoria Park next Saturday, and Carlton face Hawthorn in Frankston that night.
Coach Matthew Buck wants Carlton to keep being part of the AFLW season opener after the Blues kicked off the 10th campaign with a stylish 24-point win over Collingwood.
The two teams from the AFLW's first ever game in 2017 once again opened the season as part of a celebration of that famous night at Princes Park, when Carlton won in front of a lockout crowd.
Players from the inaugural match were among those in the crowd on Thursday night as Mimi Hill's midfield masterclass led the Blues to a 6.9 (45) to 3.3 (21) victory in front of 8042 fans.
The Blues and Magpies also opened the fixture in 2018, 2021 and the second season of 2022.
"First of all, to have the opening game here at Ikon Park, it was fantastic," Buck said.
"I think we want this game moving forward. I think we had a great crowd in here.
"We played a great brand of footy - crowd was up and about, that's for sure, so that was a really exciting part.
"And then the kicker of it being 10 seasons on and to still have some players that played in that game, Darcy Vescio and Breann Harrington ... (still) playing so well, the story's great."
Collingwood kicked the first two goals, but Carlton snagged the next four on the spin to turn the contest in their favour.
The outstanding Hill racked up 32 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 424 metres gained and six clearances.
"She started the game really strongly and had a great, big first half. Executed well, and got our team going," Buck said.
The 22-year-old was well supported by skipper Abbie McKay and Irish goalsneak Erone Fitzpatrick (two goals), while debutant Poppy Scholz impressed.
Abbie and younger sister Sophie McKay, who debuted on Thursday, famously rang Carlton's bell with their father, Blues AFL great Andrew McKay, to kick off that night in 2017.
New Collingwood skipper Ruby Schleicher led from the front, laying five crunching tackles in the first quarter alone, while Brittany Bonnici (21 disposals, seven clearances, 14 tackles) and Carly Remmos (16 disposals) were busy.
Last year's wooden spooners, Collingwood are already without Bri Davey, Sarah Rowe, Jordyn Allen and Mattea Breed through injury.
Collingwood's Irish debutant Kellyann Hogan suffered a shoulder injury and will have scans.
No.1 draft pick Ash Centra, who was on managed minutes after a hip injury, announced herself with her first disposal just before halftime, clunking a contested mark before kicking a goal with her first kick.
"I was really happy for her that she kicked that goal, she's going to be a serious player," coach Sam Wright said.
But it wasn't enough to spark a comeback.
Instead, Carlton jagged two more goals in the third quarter, and kept Collingwood goalless for the entire second half to wrap up victory.
"We just showed patches today," Wright said.
"That's the really disappointing thing, not just for me but for the girls."
Collingwood return to action against GWS at Victoria Park next Saturday, and Carlton face Hawthorn in Frankston that night.
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The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Adelaide edge Collingwood in thriller to keep top spot
Adelaide have ended their Collingwood hoodoo with a nerve-jangling three-point triumph to keep their grip on top spot. The Crows trailed by 25 points at quarter-time but prevailed 9.5 (59) to 8.8 (56) at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night - their first win against the Pies since 2016. Adelaide (68 premiership points) will finish first entering the finals if they defeat 17th-placed North Melbourne next Saturday. Collingwood (60 points), with five losses from their past six games, are fourth and in a logjam jostling for positions ahead of their Friday-night fixture against Melbourne. The Crows had lost their past 10 games against Collingwood, preceded by a 2017 draw. But with victory before a sold-out crowd of 54,283 - the second-largest attendance at an AFL game at the Oval - Adelaide equalled their club-best returns of 17 wins and five losses in 2005 and 2012 - a win over the Roos will create a new benchmark. "We didn't play our best footy and we found a way (to win)," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said. "I know the belief is there, we know how to win." The Crows were jumped by a fast-starting Collingwood, who produced a first-term blitz to create a 25-point quarter-time lead, 5.3 to 1.2. But Adelaide flipped the script in the second term, with ex-captain Taylor Walker kicking two of five unanswered goals for the hosts. A late strike from Izak Rankine gave Adelaide a five-point edge at halftime, 6.3 to 5.4. The third quarter, amid rain, was tight - neither team managed a goal until Adelaide's Isaac Cumming scored in the 27th minute. But Pie forward Jamie Elliott replied, threading a set shot from an acute angle, to reduce Adelaide's advantage to two points at three-quarter time, 7.6 to 6.8. Another scoring stalemate ensued in a tense finale: a goalless 17-minute stretch was broken when Crow James Peatling snapped accurately. But Magpie Jack Crisp responded six minutes later to reduce the margin to three points, only for key Crow Riley Thilthorpe to then take a superb contested mark and convert. Again the Pies responded, with a long bomb from Nick Daicos leaving the visitors three points down with almost four minutes remaining, but Adelaide grimly held on for victory. "We didn't quite get the four points but we leave here not with our tail between our legs," Collingwood coach Craig McRae said. "It was a hard game, a finals-type game ... it was a real tactical battle." Ex-Crow skipper Walker and Darcy Fogarty kicked two goals each, while defenders Josh Worrell (27 disposals), Mark Keane (23) - who rebounded the ball from Adelaide's defensive 50m arc some 13 times - and captain Jordan Dawson (23) were influential. Collingwood's Nick Daicos was superb with a game-high 29 possessions and a goal. Veteran Scott Pendlebury (24 touches) was prominent, especially early, Darcy Cameron (23 disposals) ruled the rucks, and forwards Elliott and Tim Membrey booted two majors apiece. Adelaide have ended their Collingwood hoodoo with a nerve-jangling three-point triumph to keep their grip on top spot. The Crows trailed by 25 points at quarter-time but prevailed 9.5 (59) to 8.8 (56) at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night - their first win against the Pies since 2016. Adelaide (68 premiership points) will finish first entering the finals if they defeat 17th-placed North Melbourne next Saturday. Collingwood (60 points), with five losses from their past six games, are fourth and in a logjam jostling for positions ahead of their Friday-night fixture against Melbourne. The Crows had lost their past 10 games against Collingwood, preceded by a 2017 draw. But with victory before a sold-out crowd of 54,283 - the second-largest attendance at an AFL game at the Oval - Adelaide equalled their club-best returns of 17 wins and five losses in 2005 and 2012 - a win over the Roos will create a new benchmark. "We didn't play our best footy and we found a way (to win)," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said. "I know the belief is there, we know how to win." The Crows were jumped by a fast-starting Collingwood, who produced a first-term blitz to create a 25-point quarter-time lead, 5.3 to 1.2. But Adelaide flipped the script in the second term, with ex-captain Taylor Walker kicking two of five unanswered goals for the hosts. A late strike from Izak Rankine gave Adelaide a five-point edge at halftime, 6.3 to 5.4. The third quarter, amid rain, was tight - neither team managed a goal until Adelaide's Isaac Cumming scored in the 27th minute. But Pie forward Jamie Elliott replied, threading a set shot from an acute angle, to reduce Adelaide's advantage to two points at three-quarter time, 7.6 to 6.8. Another scoring stalemate ensued in a tense finale: a goalless 17-minute stretch was broken when Crow James Peatling snapped accurately. But Magpie Jack Crisp responded six minutes later to reduce the margin to three points, only for key Crow Riley Thilthorpe to then take a superb contested mark and convert. Again the Pies responded, with a long bomb from Nick Daicos leaving the visitors three points down with almost four minutes remaining, but Adelaide grimly held on for victory. "We didn't quite get the four points but we leave here not with our tail between our legs," Collingwood coach Craig McRae said. "It was a hard game, a finals-type game ... it was a real tactical battle." Ex-Crow skipper Walker and Darcy Fogarty kicked two goals each, while defenders Josh Worrell (27 disposals), Mark Keane (23) - who rebounded the ball from Adelaide's defensive 50m arc some 13 times - and captain Jordan Dawson (23) were influential. Collingwood's Nick Daicos was superb with a game-high 29 possessions and a goal. Veteran Scott Pendlebury (24 touches) was prominent, especially early, Darcy Cameron (23 disposals) ruled the rucks, and forwards Elliott and Tim Membrey booted two majors apiece. Adelaide have ended their Collingwood hoodoo with a nerve-jangling three-point triumph to keep their grip on top spot. The Crows trailed by 25 points at quarter-time but prevailed 9.5 (59) to 8.8 (56) at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night - their first win against the Pies since 2016. Adelaide (68 premiership points) will finish first entering the finals if they defeat 17th-placed North Melbourne next Saturday. Collingwood (60 points), with five losses from their past six games, are fourth and in a logjam jostling for positions ahead of their Friday-night fixture against Melbourne. The Crows had lost their past 10 games against Collingwood, preceded by a 2017 draw. But with victory before a sold-out crowd of 54,283 - the second-largest attendance at an AFL game at the Oval - Adelaide equalled their club-best returns of 17 wins and five losses in 2005 and 2012 - a win over the Roos will create a new benchmark. "We didn't play our best footy and we found a way (to win)," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said. "I know the belief is there, we know how to win." The Crows were jumped by a fast-starting Collingwood, who produced a first-term blitz to create a 25-point quarter-time lead, 5.3 to 1.2. But Adelaide flipped the script in the second term, with ex-captain Taylor Walker kicking two of five unanswered goals for the hosts. A late strike from Izak Rankine gave Adelaide a five-point edge at halftime, 6.3 to 5.4. The third quarter, amid rain, was tight - neither team managed a goal until Adelaide's Isaac Cumming scored in the 27th minute. But Pie forward Jamie Elliott replied, threading a set shot from an acute angle, to reduce Adelaide's advantage to two points at three-quarter time, 7.6 to 6.8. Another scoring stalemate ensued in a tense finale: a goalless 17-minute stretch was broken when Crow James Peatling snapped accurately. But Magpie Jack Crisp responded six minutes later to reduce the margin to three points, only for key Crow Riley Thilthorpe to then take a superb contested mark and convert. Again the Pies responded, with a long bomb from Nick Daicos leaving the visitors three points down with almost four minutes remaining, but Adelaide grimly held on for victory. "We didn't quite get the four points but we leave here not with our tail between our legs," Collingwood coach Craig McRae said. "It was a hard game, a finals-type game ... it was a real tactical battle." Ex-Crow skipper Walker and Darcy Fogarty kicked two goals each, while defenders Josh Worrell (27 disposals), Mark Keane (23) - who rebounded the ball from Adelaide's defensive 50m arc some 13 times - and captain Jordan Dawson (23) were influential. Collingwood's Nick Daicos was superb with a game-high 29 possessions and a goal. Veteran Scott Pendlebury (24 touches) was prominent, especially early, Darcy Cameron (23 disposals) ruled the rucks, and forwards Elliott and Tim Membrey booted two majors apiece.
Daily Telegraph
6 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
AFL live ladder predictor: Every club's finals chances during round 23
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Adelaide has edged closer to locking up top spot on the AFL ladder after outlasting Collingwood in an epic battle at the Adelaide Oval. Amid a barrage of Collingwood inside 50s, the Crows held on to break a 10-game losing streak to the Magpies, who lost at the ground for the first time in 10 visits. It means Adelaide has locked up a top-two spot, and can claim the minor premiership with a win over North Melbourne next week. MORE: Crows break Collingwood hearts in finals-like epic Earlier, Gold Coast had a chance to sew up a top four position and plan an assault on the top two, but that's all up in the air now. The Giants came and conquered, all but securing a finals campaign in a huge upset that shakes up the ladder. Brisbane locked up its own future with an upset of its own over the Dockers, with Fremantle now in a perilous position where they could miss finals. It is becoming increasingly likely that there will be a 15-win team miss finals for the first time in the league's history. This page will be updated throughout the weekend's games to show exactly who is favoured to miss the cut at any given point. Adelaide Crows were the first to lock in finals. Picture: Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos/via Getty Images 1. ADELAIDE Played: 21, Won: 17, Lost: 5, Percentage: 141 RUN HOME R24: North Melbourne, Marvel (Saturday afternoon) What a win over Collingwood! The Crows have locked in the minor premiership - pretty much. They would need to lose to North Melbourne in round 24 to drop off, but even then, a home qualifying final awaits. Best Case Scenario: 1st Beat Kangaroos OR lose to Kangaroos AND Cats lose to Tigers Worst Case Scenario: 2nd Lose to Kangaroos AND Cats beats Tigers Expected Finish: 1st Beat Kangaroos OR lose to Kangaroos AND Cats lose to Tigers The Lions secured a finals berth after their win over the Dockers. Picture: Getty Images 2. BRISBANE Played: 22, Won: 15, Drawn: 1, Lost: 6, Percentage: 114.3 RUN HOME R24: Hawthorn, Gabba (Sunday night) Brisbane has secured its immediate future with a win over Fremantle – the Lions will play finals. A win over Hawthorn in round 24 could see them edge inside the top four, which is a huge result given the injury woes in recent weeks. Losing to Hawthorn would result in a home elimination final; potentially even against Hawthorn. Best Case Scenario: 1st Win against Hawks AND Crows lose to Magpies and Kangaroos AND Cats lose to Swans and Tigers AND Magpies lose to Demons Worst Case Scenario: 8th Lose against Hawks AND Giants beat Saints AND Dockers beat Bulldogs Expected Finish: 4th Locked up a finals appearance with a dominant win over Fremantle on Friday. Now a lot relies on the win over Hawthorn next Sunday. We're still on Jeremy Cameron 100 watch. Picture: Getty Images 3. GEELONG Played: 21, Won: 15, Lost: 6, Percentage: 139.8 RUN HOME R23: Sydney, SCG (Sunday afternoon) R24: Richmond, MCG (Saturday afternoon) Sydney at the SCG could be a tricky fixture to venture through, but if the Cats escape victorious then a top-two finish beckons. A minor premiership is not out of reach, but it would take a Collingwood win over Adelaide and a perfect end to the season – with enough of a margin to overturn the small percentage difference. Best Case Scenario: 1st Win against Swans and Tigers AND Crows lose to Magpies or Kangaroos, with a 2.6% turnaround Worst Case Scenario: 8th Lose to Swans and Tigers AND Hawks beat Lions AND Giants beat Saints Expected Finish: 2nd Win against Swans and Tigers and have expected winners from other matches A win over Sydney opens up a shot at the minor premiership, but only if the Crows slip up. But lose to the Swans and the Cats could slide outside the top four. Suns losing to Giants also firms up a top two finish There's still a lot to play out for the Magpies. Picture: Getty Images 4. COLLINGWOOD Played: 22, Won: 15, Lost: 6, Percentage: 123.1 RUN HOME R24: Melbourne, MCG (Friday night) What an eight-pointer that game was. Collingwood could've locked up a top-four finish if they held on against the Crows on a wet Saturday night. Now they need to beat Melbourne to be in the conversation for a double chance. Best Case Scenario: 2nd Beat Demons AND have Cats drop two, plus Lions lose to Hawthorn. Worst Case Scenario: 8th Lose to Melbourne AND have Giants beat Saints AND have Hawks beat Lions AND have Bulldogs beat Dockers Expected Finish: 4th Lose to Crows but beat Demons and have expected winners from other matches 5. HAWTHORN Played: 22, Won: 15, Lost: 7, Percentage: 122.7 RUN HOME R24: Brisbane, Gabba (Sunday night) A convincing win over Melbourne has them just about locked into finals - where they end up is still up to other results. Win against Brisbane and they're a chance for top four, lose and its elimination final time. They can't finish 9th; their percentage is better than Fremantle's and they're eight points ahead of the Dogs - who play each other next week. Best Case Scenario: 4th Beat Lions AND have Magpies lose to Melbourne. Worst Case Scenario: 8th Lose to Lions, and have expected winners from the other matches Expected Finish: 8th Lose to Lions, and have expected winners from the other matches The Dockers loss and Giants win means the Hawks can't finish ninth, but will likely finish eighth. An upset win at the Gabba next week pushes them into double chance territory. GWS could make the top four or miss the finals. Picture: Getty Images 6. GWS GIANTS Played: 22, Won: 15, Lost: 7, Percentage: 115.5 RUN HOME R24: St Kilda, ENGIE (Sunday afternoon) The Giants will be playing finals after their upset over the Suns. But while they can keep moving up the ladder, an elimination final beckons - very likely a home final if they knock off the Saints next week. Best Case Scenario: 5th Beat Saints AND have Suns lose to either Power or Bombers AND have Hawks beat Lions Worst Case Scenario: 8th Lose to Saints Expected Finish: 6th Beat Saints The Giants stamped their ticket to the finals with the dominant upset win over the Suns. Even if they lose to the Saints in round 24, they are locked into finals. A home final beckons if they win next week. The show is not over just yet for Nat Fyfe. Picture: Janelle St Pierre/7. FREMANTLE Played: 22, Won: 15, Lost, 7, Percentage: 108.6 RUN HOME R24: Western Bulldogs, Marvel (Sunday afternoon) Get ready for a classic 'round 24 elimination final' for Fremantle. The Dockers had a real chance to lock in a finals berth on Friday, but the loss to Brisbane could cost them a September appearance. They can still make the eight without winning next week, but it would take a whole lot of luck. Best Case Scenario: 4th Win against Bulldogs AND Cats lose to both Swans and Tigers AND Magpies lose to both Crows and Demons AND Lions beat Hawks Worst Case Scenario: 9th Lose to Bulldogs and have expected winners from other matches Expected Finish: 9th Lose to Bulldogs and have expected winners from other matches The Dockers' destiny is still in their hands - win and they're in. But lose and they miss out. A true Round 24 elimination final. The Suns are on the verge of their first finals campaign. Picture:8. GOLD COAST Played: 21, Won: 14, Lost: 7, Percentage: 121.2 RUN HOME R24: Port Adelaide, AO (Friday night) R24: Essendon, PFS (Wednesday night) Could the loss at home against the Giants be the moment in history we look back at? Surely the Suns don't miss finals from here, but the pressure is on to hold onto a double chance. Best Case Scenario: 3rd Win games against Power and Bombers AND have Lions lose to Hawks Worst Case Scenario: 9th Lose games against Power and Bombers Expected Finish: 3rd Win against Power and Bombers AND have Cats win against either Swans or Tigers A loss against the Giants has cost them a home qualifying final, but the Suns can still get a double chance - they just need to win out from here. The Bulldogs' last game of the season will determine their fate. Picture: Getty Images 9. WESTERN BULLDOGS Played: 21, Won: 13, Lost: 8, Percentage: 135.4 RUN HOME R23: West Coast, Marvel (Sunday twilight) R24: Fremantle, Marvel (Sunday afternoon) Luke Beveridge needs to echo the mantra of Dory from Finding Nemo: 'Just keep s-winning.' Knocking off the Eagles is a start, but the Bulldogs will likely need to beat Fremantle in the final round to make the top 8. But their destiny is still in their own hands, their percentage is superior to those around them. Just keep winning. Best Case Scenario: 4th Win both games AND have Giants lose to Saints AND have Suns lose to either Power or Bombers Worst Case Scenario: 9th Lose to Dockers Expected Finish: 7th Win both games and have the expected winners from other matches would lead to a 6th-place finish. The Bulldogs won't miss finals if they win their final two games, and would need results to go their way if they were to drop one of the two clashes. Round 24 v Fremantle could be an elimination final. Originally published as AFL live ladder: Who will finish in the top eight, miss the finals
Perth Now
7 hours ago
- Perth Now
Adelaide edge Collingwood in thriller to keep top spot
Adelaide have ended their Collingwood hoodoo with a nerve-jangling three-point triumph to keep their grip on top spot. The Crows trailed by 25 points at quarter-time but prevailed 9.5 (59) to 8.8 (56) at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night - their first win against the Pies since 2016. Adelaide (68 premiership points) will finish first entering the finals if they defeat 17th-placed North Melbourne next Saturday. Collingwood (60 points), with five losses from their past six games, are fourth and in a logjam jostling for positions ahead of their Friday-night fixture against Melbourne. The Crows had lost their past 10 games against Collingwood, preceded by a 2017 draw. But with victory before a sold-out crowd of 54,283 - the second-largest attendance at an AFL game at the oval - Adelaide equalled their club-best returns of 17 wins and five losses in 2005 and 2012 - a win over the Roos will create a new benchmark. The Crows were jumped by a fast-starting Collingwood, who produced a first-term blitz to create a 25-point quarter-time lead, 5.3 to 1.2. But Adelaide flipped the script in the second term, with ex-captain Taylor Walker kicking two of five unanswered goals for the hosts. A late strike from Izak Rankine gave Adelaide a five-point edge at halftime, 6.3 to 5.4. The third quarter, amid rain, was tight - neither team managed a goal until Adelaide's Isaac Cumming scored in the 27th minute. But Pie forward Jamie Elliott replied, threading a set shot from an acute angle, to reduce Adelaide's advantage to two points at three-quarter time, 7.6 to 6.8. Another scoring stalemate ensued in a tense finale: a goal-less 17-minute stretch was broken when Crow James Peatling snapped accurately. But Magpie Jack Crisp responded six minutes later to reduce the margin to three points. Key Crow Riley Thilthorpe then took a superb contested mark and converted. Again the Pies responded, with a long bomb from Nick Daicos leaving the visitors three points down, but Adelaide grimly held on for victory. Ex-Crow skipper Walker and Darcy Fogarty kicked two goals each, while defenders Josh Worrell (27 disposals), Mark Keane (23) and captain Jordan Dawson (23) were influential. Collingwood's Nick Daicos was superb with a game-high 29 possessions and a goal. Veteran Scott Pendlebury (24 touches) was prominent, especially early, Darcy Cameron (23 disposals) ruled the rucks, and forwards Elliott and Tim Membrey booted two majors apiece.
