Adelaide have sent an ominous warning to tomorrow’s preliminary finalists, dominating Geelong from just about start to finish in an emphatic 61-point victory.
In front of an Adelaide Oval-record crowd of 53,817, the Crows blew their opponents away with a six-goals-to-one effort in the first quarter before withstanding a second-quarter rally and kicking away in the last with seven goals to two.
Goals to Charlie Cameron and Eddie Betts in the first two minutes set the tone early and, while Nakia Cockatoo was able to put Geelong on the board, two goals to Tom Lynch, a second to Betts and a major to Sam Jacobs saw the home side up by 31 points at the first break.
The match looked over early in the second when Josh Jenkins’ opener was followed by two to Paul Seedsman, but Geelong were able to wrestle some momentum back.
Four of the next five goals went the way of the visitors – including two to ex-Crow Patrick Dangerfield – but a steadier from Andy Otten just before the siren saw Adelaide head into the main break up by 35.
The sides traded goals in the third quarter, with the margin not changing at the final break, before Adelaide went gangbusters in the last quarter to blow the deficit out to 61 points.
The Crouch brothers were superb, with Brad collecting 29 disposals, ten tackles and eight clearances, while Matt contributed 31 disposals, six clearances and a goal.
Rory Laird was lethal with the ball, racking up 32 disposals at 91 per cent effectiveness.
But it was the potent Adelaide forward line on full display, with Charlie Cameron (five goals), Josh Jenkins (four), Eddie Betts, Taylor Walker and Tom Lynch (two each) all proving too much to handle for their respective opponents.
Joel Selwood battled hard for Geelong with 34 disposals, ten tackles, seven clearances and a goal, while his partner in crime Dangerfield managed 24, nine tackles and two goals – although his kicking was sub-standard like the qualifying final.
The two sides got through the night unscathed on the injury front, although the Geelong loss saw the careers of Andrew Mackie and Tom Lonergan brought to a close.
Mark
Guest
Exactly.
BigBear
Guest
So sad. Poor Duckwoods and Diverfields free kicks didn't get them over the line. Embarrassing that potentially great players tarnish their reputations with that rubbish. Good Luck to the remaining 3 teams, full of hard nuts and skill.
Paul D
Roar Guru
We have oodles of picks at this draft. Won't be a problem
Geoff Schaefer
Guest
Two reasons Charlie will stay at the Crows. Eddie. Betts.
DonsR
Guest
Yep. Meaning that they'll have to pay overs to nab him. He is the type of player who blossoms with quality around him, ball is delivered to him cleanly and in space. He won't quite get this level of service in brisvegas and thus won't meet the expectations of his price tag. Don't get me wrong though he is an awesome player (clearly!)
Sammy
Guest
I think Charlie's value just went up..A LOT!!
David C
Guest
Charlie Cameron is going to be a good pick up for Brisbane.
David C
Guest
They deserved it more the Selwood actually.
Mattyb
Guest
A great effort by Adelaide who have probably surpassed people's expectations in making it through to the GF with ease. A good effort from Geelong who have finished where most people would have suspected,a good side but were never a realistic chance of a premiership with a side that relies on so few. Big question now for Geelong is whether to continue to trade in players or start to try and bring in some quality youth.
Mattyb
Guest
Sammy,you'd think Carlton have learnt from this season and if Gibbs again wants out a more realistic trade will be put forward rather than the silly situation of last year. Adelaide have continued to improve meaning the need to recruit him has lessened,while the blues have again gone backwards and the state of their list suggesting they'll need to bring more players in,so a reasonable trade for Gibbs has become more important one would think.
Geoff Schaefer
Guest
That one's for you Phil Walsh!
Chris
Guest
It would be bloody-minded and ignorant of us Victorians to deny the fact that Adelaide have played the most attractive and high-scoring football of any team in the competition. They deserve to be in the Grand Final and I wish them Good Luck because of their style of football which is attacking and non-stop running. This is a far cry from the Mick Malthouse and Ross Lyon approach to the lovely australian game. It also highlights another point which most of us don't realise and that is that one swallow does make a Spring. Do any of you remember when North Melbourne were on their last legs and recruited Gary Demposey to try and get over the line? Did they succeed? No! Do you remember the Brisbane Lions attempt to do the same by luring Fevola? It has been proven time and time again that you can't put all your recruiiting eggs into one Dangerfield basket! I don't agree with Nathan Buckley on some points but I do agree with what he did in getting rid of the deadwood at Vic Park. The signs are there that a resurgence is in the offing. If you play aggressive SA brand type footy you will make the grade.. That's my take... P:S: Now let's see the Giants thump Richmond!!!!!
Jack
Guest
finals blowouts, so tedious and disappointing as a spectator..will the GF be the same?
Ashley
Guest
Well played Crows. You will take some beating. Yet I can't help but wonder if the script would be the same if the Cats Richmond final had been played at Skilled Stadium and not a 'home game' in front of 90000 Richmond supporters.
Aransan
Guest
A one-sided game. I don't believe Joel Selwood had recovered from that ankle injury in time for the finals and he has been incredibly courageous in carrying that injury through the finals. Let us hope for a more even match between the Tigers and the Giants, the winner might have a better preparation for the GF than Adelaide.
Sammy
Guest
Well at this stage not getting gibbs for overs has not hurt the crows at all. Dominant midfield and just outworked the cats all over the ground. Just great to be on the right end of a prelim for once
Kurt
Guest
And yes I'm aware this comment makes no sense on its own, meant it in response to Joe's comment that Scott's record is not catastrophic.
anon
Roar Pro
Since winning the 2011 premiership with Thompson's team he's won 3/11 finals. Been uncompetitive in 3 of their last 4 finals. I'm sure we'll read stories about Scott being a finals failure and the Dangerfield deal being a dud.
anon
Roar Pro
I called this in the prediction thread. Said Adelaide had to rough up Dangerfield to take him out of the game and that's what they did. Said that the extra rest would benefit Adelaide and it did. This kills the ridiculous debate about the extra week off being a disadvantage. Maybe it's too big an advantage. Last year Geelong last their home prelim because they choke in finals and GWS lost their home prelim because they ski downhill. Chris Scott's finals record since seagulling that 2011 premiership worsens to 3/11 with Geelong being uncompetitive and blown out of the water in 3 of their last 4 finals now. Questions need to be asked of Scott now. It's not just losing finals but being completely uncompetitive from the first bounce. Very disturbing.
Kurt
Guest
And that is why you fail young Skywalker.