Adelaide Crows emerged victorious against West Coast Eagles in a thrilling match at Optus Stadium on Sunday evening, securing their 16th win of the season with a final score of 13.9 (87) to 12.8 (76). Trailing by 10 points early in the fourth quarter, the Crows mounted a comeback by scoring four of the last five goals. This victory not only highlighted their resilience but also confirmed their place in the 2025 Toyota AFL Finals Series, marking their first finals appearance since 2017.
Senior Coach Matthew Nicks addressed the media post-match, offering insights into the team’s performance and the challenges they faced against a spirited West Coast side. Here are the key takeaways from his press conference.
Full Credit to the Eagles
Despite West Coast’s position at the bottom of the ladder, they delivered a performance that tested the Crows throughout the match. The Eagles, energized by their home crowd and the emotional farewell of retiring stars Jeremy McGovern and Dom Sheed, pushed Adelaide to their limits. Nicks acknowledged the opposition’s efforts, stating, “Today unfortunately we didn’t bring our best and our opposition did, I thought they were outstanding tonight.”
Nicks further elaborated on the team’s struggles, particularly in terms of energy and execution, but expressed relief at the eventual outcome. “Our opposition were better than us with their energy, their intensity, the pressure they brought,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of learning from this experience to improve future performances.
Thilthorpe Cleared After Third-Quarter Scare
A moment of concern arose when star forward Riley Thilthorpe collided with Eagles Skipper Liam Duggan in the third quarter, necessitating a medical assessment. Fortunately, Thilthorpe was cleared of serious injury and returned to the field, ultimately contributing two crucial goals in the final quarter. Nicks described the incident, saying, “I think he jarred his neck which then shot some nerve pain down his arm.”
The coach highlighted Thilthorpe’s importance to the team’s structure, particularly during a period when West Coast appeared to be gaining momentum. His recovery and subsequent impact were pivotal in Adelaide’s victory.
Crows Trio Stand Up with Big Second Halves
At halftime, Adelaide needed leadership and inspiration, which came from skipper Jordan Dawson, Izak Rankine, and Zac Taylor. Dawson’s tenacity around the ball and Rankine’s moments of brilliance provided the spark the Crows needed. Meanwhile, Taylor’s career-high 20 disposals and crucial goal underscored his vital role in the win.
Nicks praised their contributions, stating, “When we needed them those two really stood up and showed their class in big moments.” He also commended Taylor for delivering one of his best performances, which was instrumental in turning the tide in Adelaide’s favor.
The Inexact Science of Managing Players
The decision to rest Taylor Walker, Adelaide’s all-time leading goalkicker, was a strategic move with an eye on the upcoming clash against Collingwood. Nicks explained the complexities involved in player management, especially as the season progresses.
“I think it’s always difficult, and there’s not an exact science to when you should rest players,” Nicks remarked, acknowledging the balance required between maintaining player health and securing victories. The successful outcome against West Coast validated the decision, but Nicks admitted the uncertainty that accompanies such choices.
Nicks Reflects on Securing Finals Spot
With the win against West Coast, Adelaide confirmed their place in the finals, sitting one game clear at the top of the ladder with two matches remaining. Nicks took a moment to reflect on this achievement, recognizing the hard work and development that has brought the team to this point.
“I take maybe a second to reflect on how big it is,” Nicks shared, expressing pride in the team’s progress and the support from their fans. The focus, however, remains on the challenges ahead, particularly the upcoming match against Collingwood.
As the Crows prepare for the finals, the lessons learned from their encounter with West Coast will be crucial in refining their strategies and maintaining their momentum. Adelaide’s journey to the finals is a testament to their resilience and determination, qualities that will be vital in the weeks to come.
