Adelaide has announced itself as a genuine top-four contender after toppling the previously undefeated Sydney Swans in a pulsating contest at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
In a match featuring 11 lead changes, the Crows found one final surge in the final term to run out 10-point winners, 16.17 (113) to 15.13 (103).
The Swans repeatedly challenged the Crows and looked like they might have found the upper hand when best afield Dan Hannebery kicked a superb set shot goal from the boundary to put them in front 12 minutes into the final term.
But Tom Lynch (three goals) hit back with a brilliant goal from the boundary moments later and then left-footer Rory Atkins gave them breathing space.
Sydney surged yet again, Isaac Heeney capping a brilliant performance with two late goals, but Eddie Betts sealed the win with his fourth major 31 minutes into the final term.
Adelaide entered the clash coming off impressive wins against Port Adelaide and Richmond but neither tested it physically in the way the Swans did, and Don Pyke’s men stood up.
It was the Crows’ first win over the Swans in four seasons, and the first time the Sydney Swans failed to come away with the points from Adelaide Oval in four trips.
Sydney had the best midfielder on the ground, Hannebery, who finished with 38 possessions.
It also got excellent service from Kurt Tippett, who lowered the colours of Sam Jacobs in the ruck, and arguably had the two best forwards on the night in Lance Franklin and Heeney (both four goals).
Adelaide’s ability to prevail despite those factors was a major tick for Pyke’s game plan.
The Crows’ efficiency with ball in hand has improved markedly this season, and it continued to find dangerous forward-50 entries despite often being on the back foot.
Its forward line did the rest, with Lynch, Betts and company able to kick a winning score from more limited opportunities than in their past two victories.
The clubs exchanged the lead in every quarter and the Swans threatened take control of the match several times.
Tippett made a strong start in front of a hostile Crows crowd and Hannebery had 13 opening-term disposals, as the Swans dominated clearances.
Adelaide’s efficiency kept it in the contest early in the match and it was on the right end of some line-ball umpiring decisions up forward.
Betts kicked two goals from free kicks, the second a holding-the-ball decision after Dane Rampe claimed a mark which was deemed not 15m.
Momentum turned the Crows’ way late in the second term and it their turn to waste chances.
Richard Douglas missed three consecutive shots at goal and Taylor Walker missed a shot after the half-time siren.
A gripping third term then saw both sides add five goals.
MEDICAL ROOMS
Sam Jacobs momentarily gave Crows fans a scare when he came from the ground in the third term after receiving a knock to the knee. But the important ruckman returned and played out the match.
NEXT UP
Both sides face tough tasks against last year’s grand finalists next week and it will be interesting to see how they respond from this bruising clash. The Crows play Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night, while the Swans host West Coast at the SCG on Saturday.
ADELAIDE 3.1 5.8 11.13 16.17 (113)
SYDNEY SWANS 3.4 5.6 12.8 15.15 (103)
GOALS
Adelaide: Betts 4, Lynch 3, Walker, McGovern, Seedsman 2, Douglas, Jenkins, Atkins
Sydney Swans: Franklin, Heeney 4, McGlynn, Tippett,2, Cunningham, Parker, Hannebery
BEST
Adelaide: Thompson, Atkins, Sloane, Lynch, Betts, Douglas
Sydney Swans: Hannebery, Heeney, Tippett, Franklin, Parker, Kennedy
INJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
Sydney Swans: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Foot, Farmer, Rosebury
Official crowd: 51,330 at Adelaide Oval
