Adelaide survives late scare in Perth
Adelaide has edged past West Coast by nine points at Optus Stadium, overcoming a 17-point deficit in the third quarter. The ladder leaders secured a 13.9 (87) to 12.6 (78) win after a four-goal final term placed them a game clear at the top with two rounds remaining.
Riley Thilthorpe kicks one of three goals in Adelaide’s win over West Coast
Despite the result, Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks admitted post-match the win “felt like a loss” due to West Coast’s intensity. The Eagles, currently bottom of the table, led for much of the game and threatened to cause one of the biggest upsets in recent AFL history.
Nicks praises late lift from key players
Izak Rankine starred in Adelaide’s comeback with 23 disposals and a goal
Key Adelaide players had quiet opening halves, with Izak Rankine managing only three disposals and Riley Thilthorpe goalless to half-time. Both were instrumental in the final quarter, Rankine collecting 23 disposals and kicking a vital goal, while Thilthorpe finished with three majors, including two late in the match.
Nicks commended skipper Jordan Dawson’s leadership and acknowledged the lift from Rankine and Thilthorpe when the team needed it most. He admitted the forwards were given limited opportunities early but responded strongly in the second half.
Duggan bump under review
A third-quarter incident involving West Coast captain Liam Duggan and Thilthorpe is expected to be assessed by the Match Review Officer. Duggan made contact with Thilthorpe’s head in a bumping action, forcing the Crows forward from the field for a concussion test.
Liam Duggan’s bump on Riley Thilthorpe will be reviewed
Thilthorpe returned later in the quarter after receiving treatment for neck soreness. Nicks downplayed any injury concerns, saying Thilthorpe had jarred his neck and experienced temporary nerve pain. Duggan maintained he believed the contact was to the shoulder.
West Coast shows improved defensive effort
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter was pleased with his team’s response following their 83-point loss to Melbourne the previous week. The Eagles improved their defensive intensity, laying 24 more tackles and producing nine more inside 50s than in Round 21.
McQualter said the performance proved defensive pressure was about intent rather than skill or draft position. He described the defensive work inside their own 50 as the best of the season, crediting the group effort in keeping Adelaide’s attack under control for three quarters.
Ginbey wins praise despite Thilthorpe’s late goals
Reuben Ginbey contests with Riley Thilthorpe in a strong defensive effort
Young defender Reuben Ginbey was singled out for his exertion against Thilthorpe, restricting the Adelaide forward’s influence until the fourth quarter. McQualter was dismayed that Ginbey wasn’t included in the AFL Players’ Association’s 22Under22 team, terming him an “unbelievable competitor”.
Commentating old players also terming Ginbey as a competitor who could compete on his own even if he was at a disadvantage in terms of size and height. His work came amidst a defensive side that had been savaged all season.
Emotional farewell lifts Eagles’ spirits
The match had West Coast’s lowest home crowd since 2022 but was filled with emotion through formal farewells for premiership players Dom Sheed and Jeremy McGovern in 2018. McGovern addressed the players before the game, reminding them to be proud they could represent the club.
McQualter described McGovern’s energy and competitiveness as infectious in setting the tone for how the Eagles played. The players responded with relentless pressure and contested play that harassed Adelaide right up to the last siren.
Also Read: https://crafmin.com/rwa-inc-onchain-private-investor-platform/
Final thoughts
Adelaide stopped themselves from becoming the first ladder-leading side in 20 years to lose to a team in last place. The win moved them closer to their minor premiership, however, Nicks admitted the team must improve at losing moments of momentum. West Coast lost on the scoreboard but took positives from a better performance, particularly in defence, as they try to finish the season on a high.
