Comeback Crows sink Brisbane in AFL thriller
Down 17 points at three-quarter time, the Crows then booted five goals to none for a 10.8 (68) to 8.15 (63) triumph at a rain-soaked Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
Adelaide will retain a hold on third spot regardless of other weekend results - they're just two premiership points behind the second-placed Lions.
Adelaide livewire forward Josh Rachele slotted three goals, as did did ex-Lion Ben Keays (20 disposals).
And their captain Jordan Dawson took a mark-of-the-year contender - and then goaled - during a final-term flourish which enhances the Crows' status as a genuine contender.
Adelaide boast nine wins and four losses and appear certain to return to the finals for the first time since 2017.
Brisbane duo Cam Rayner and Charlie Cameron kicked two goals each and Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft was outstanding with a game-high 31 disposals.
Ashcroft's midfield colleagues Hugh McCluggage (27 touches, one goal), Jarrod Berry (28 possessions) and Lachie Neal (22) also revelled in the wet.
The quartet overpowered the on-ball brigade of Adelaide for the initial three quarters before the Crows' unheralded last term.
In slippery conditions, it took until the 21st minute of the game for Brisbane's Rayner to score the opening goal.
Just 60 seconds later, the Lions struck again when Callum Ah Chee bounced through a major.
The visitors led 2.3 to 0.6 at the end of a first quarter which could land Crows recruit James Peatling in strife for a sling tackle on Neale.
The Lions champ wasn't hurt when his head hit the turf but Peatling was penalised for a dangerous tackle certain to attract match review scrutiny.
Brisbane scored three goals in nine minutes to create a 21-point advantage midway through the second term.
But Adelaide responded to the danger with Rachele threading a remarkable 45m set shot from outside a boundary line to help reduce their deficit - the Lions led by eight points at halftime, 5.3 to 3.7.
That advantage was reduced to two points early in the third quarter when Rachele snapped his second goal - and some 26 minutes into the term, the home side were still within four points.
But late strikes from Cameron and Kai Lohmann gave Brisbane a 17-point buffer at three-quarter time.
Adelaide then stormed to victory with five goals to none in less than 18 minutes.
Tall attacker Riley Thilthorpe triggered the spree with a classy goal on the run from an acute angle - Keays, Dawson, Rachele and Keays again followed with majors for an 11-point lead.
The Lions pressed late but could add only eight behinds in the final quarter - plus two attempts which sailed out-on-the-full.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
4 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Wallabies stun Springboks with first Ellis Park win in 62 Years
Captain Siya Kolisi in his unfamiliar position of No.8 powered over from close range, brushing effortlessly past Fraser McReight's tackle attempt to make the score 22-0 after just 18 minutes. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's stunned and bloodied face, covered in sweat told the story of his team when words could not. The Wallabies' physical power from Will Skelton, Tom Hooper and Taniela Tupou that was so impressive in the third Test against the Lions appeared blunted by a South African team with rapid line speed and chop tackles. At the toughest moments for the Wallabies under Schmidt, there are always players who continue to fight back. At inside centre Len Ikitau was the spark that Australia desperately needed. Ikitau did brilliantly to find a rare attacking opportunity after an offload from James O'Connor to send in Dylan Pietsch for a try to briefly quell South Africa's surging momentum just before half-time. With the score at 22-5, it appeared little more than a consolation prize. How little we knew. The South African bomb squad has gained infamy for its ruthless power and efficiency off the bench. Angus Bell's impact from his first brutal carry at the start of the second half after coming on as a replacement sent shockwaves through the Springbok defence. Bell then released a beautifully timed pass to set Harry Wilson through an uncharacteristically wide gap in the South African defence to score his side's second try. Suaalii had endured a tough afternoon in Johannesburg, struggling in defence and starved of possession, but he made a brilliant read to intercept a long pass from South Africa five-eighth Manie Libbok and score under the posts. After O'Connor's conversion, the lead was reduced to just three points with twenty minutes to go. It seemed barely believable- because it was. Wright's early nerves were shredded as he became the Wallabies' main attacking threat alongside Max Jorgensen. The Brumbies fullback sprinted through the broken field with a hobbling Wilson following him to score his second try to send the Wallabies into a lead. Wilson was taken off with clutching his knee and will face a nervous wait to see the full extent of the damage. It is easy to forget that Jorgensen is merely 20 years old, given his position as one of the world's best wingers. In defence, he was ruthless and brave, frequently chopping down the huge frame of Du Toit. In attack, he was tireless and his efforts were rewarded with a magical try after stepping Libbok to give the Wallabies a 10-point lead with 13 points left in the game, completely silencing the stunned Ellis Park crowd. Wright scored a try of his own to put the game beyond reach and finally follow the heroes of 1963 with the Wallabies' second win ever at Ellis Park.
The Age
4 hours ago
- The Age
Wallabies stun Springboks with first Ellis Park win in 62 Years
Captain Siya Kolisi in his unfamiliar position of No.8 powered over from close range, brushing effortlessly past Fraser McReight's tackle attempt to make the score 22-0 after just 18 minutes. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's stunned and bloodied face, covered in sweat told the story of his team when words could not. The Wallabies' physical power from Will Skelton, Tom Hooper and Taniela Tupou that was so impressive in the third Test against the Lions appeared blunted by a South African team with rapid line speed and chop tackles. At the toughest moments for the Wallabies under Schmidt, there are always players who continue to fight back. At inside centre Len Ikitau was the spark that Australia desperately needed. Ikitau did brilliantly to find a rare attacking opportunity after an offload from James O'Connor to send in Dylan Pietsch for a try to briefly quell South Africa's surging momentum just before half-time. With the score at 22-5, it appeared little more than a consolation prize. How little we knew. The South African bomb squad has gained infamy for its ruthless power and efficiency off the bench. Angus Bell's impact from his first brutal carry at the start of the second half after coming on as a replacement sent shockwaves through the Springbok defence. Bell then released a beautifully timed pass to set Harry Wilson through an uncharacteristically wide gap in the South African defence to score his side's second try. Suaalii had endured a tough afternoon in Johannesburg, struggling in defence and starved of possession, but he made a brilliant read to intercept a long pass from South Africa five-eighth Manie Libbok and score under the posts. After O'Connor's conversion, the lead was reduced to just three points with twenty minutes to go. It seemed barely believable- because it was. Wright's early nerves were shredded as he became the Wallabies' main attacking threat alongside Max Jorgensen. The Brumbies fullback sprinted through the broken field with a hobbling Wilson following him to score his second try to send the Wallabies into a lead. Wilson was taken off with clutching his knee and will face a nervous wait to see the full extent of the damage. It is easy to forget that Jorgensen is merely 20 years old, given his position as one of the world's best wingers. In defence, he was ruthless and brave, frequently chopping down the huge frame of Du Toit. In attack, he was tireless and his efforts were rewarded with a magical try after stepping Libbok to give the Wallabies a 10-point lead with 13 points left in the game, completely silencing the stunned Ellis Park crowd. Wright scored a try of his own to put the game beyond reach and finally follow the heroes of 1963 with the Wallabies' second win ever at Ellis Park.
The Advertiser
6 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.
