Crows move into position
With Hawthorn’s thrilling win over the Sydney Swans on Friday night, the Crows entered Saturday’s contest knowing that victory against the Magpie would ensure they finished round 17 with second spot tied up. Win they did, although it wasn’t without its scares - the Magpies provided serious competition all night and delivered Adelaide a wake-up call in the club’s home stretch before the finals. But with an eighth consecutive victory Adelaide claimed second position and is in the prime position to finish the premiership seasons strongly and earn a few home finals.
Thommo’s 300th
Saturday night built as a special one for Crows champion Scott Thompson - his 300th senior AFL appearance. Thompson has forged a career as one of the League’s elite inside ball winners since arriving at West Lakes after four seasons with Melbourne and it was no different against Collingwood. The 33-year-old was cheered when he gathered his first touch of the night and finished with 22. In what was a tight game Thompson wasn’t as prolific as we’ve come to expect, but his tackling was as ferocious as ever (nine) and with four clearances at stoppages he helped his side to another important win.
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Magpie threat
The Magpies might not have managed to claw themselves over the line on Saturday but it was another impressive performance nonetheless. It was also a display that further proved the club’s ability to shake up the top eight. A finals berth is now all but impossible, but in facing four top-eight sides in their last six games (North Melbourne, West Coast, Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn) the Magpies can remain a danger to the clubs in the top half of the ladder.
Fast finishers
The Crows had the fate of Saturday night’s game in their palm at three-quarter time and although they never managed to blow Collingwood away, they still outscored the Magpies late. It was Adelaide’s 10th final-term win of the season, lifting the club into elite company. Geelong has been the competition’s best-performing side in fourth quarters this season with 14 wins, followed by Hawthorn (11) and then the Sydney Swans and Crows. Good sides run games out and Adelaide is certainly that in 2016.
Brodie back at it again
Brodie Grundy’s form continued its rocket-launch trend on Saturday night. The big Magpie was a standout for his side in ruck duels and in general play; he took 10 marks to go with his 32 hit-outs and 23 disposals. With his combination of aerial skill and ability to find possession around the ground, the 22-year-old has taken a serious step forward in 2016.
