Adelaide Crows Triumph Over Hawthorn Hawks in Round 21: A Friday Night Epic
In a pulsating Round 21 encounter on Friday night, the Adelaide Crows showcased their premiership credentials by edging past a determined Hawthorn Hawks side at the Adelaide Oval. In what was a classic AFL showdown, Adelaide fought back from a substantial early deficit to record a 14-point victory, winning 15.11 (101) to 13.9 (87). This win propelled the Crows to the top of the AFL ladder, underlining their ambitions as genuine title contenders.
A Rollercoaster Start: Hawks Dominate Early
Hawthorn made a blistering start to the match, leaving Adelaide fans stunned as they piled on the first five goals of the game. Their relentless pressure and clinical finishing saw them take a commanding 32-point lead midway through the first quarter. Adelaide struggled to contain the Hawks' midfield dominance, with quick ball movement and efficient inside-50 entries putting the home side on the back foot.
The Crows appeared shell-shocked and were caught flat-footed, allowing Hawthorn’s Jack Gunston and Jack Ginnivan to find space and time inside the forward 50. Gunston was particularly impressive, registering two first-quarter goals and presenting a constant aerial threat. James Sicily also played a pivotal role in repelling Adelaide’s rare forward forays, taking several intercept marks and organizing the Hawks' backline with authority.
Adelaide Roars Back in the Second Quarter
Despite the slow start, the Crows were not willing to surrender on home turf. Led by the commanding presence of captain Jordan Dawson and the tireless efforts of Reilly O'Brien in the ruck, Adelaide shifted the momentum in the second quarter. Their midfield brigade lifted significantly, winning crucial clearances and pushing the ball forward with renewed energy.
Izak Rankine and Darcy Fogarty became influential as the quarter progressed, injecting pace and creativity into the forward line. Adelaide capitalized on their dominance, slamming through six unanswered goals to not only erase the deficit but also enter halftime with a 16-point lead. Their defensive structures tightened, and pressure around the contest increased, suffocating Hawthorn’s attacking rhythm.
Hawthorn Strikes Back in the Third Term
Just as Adelaide appeared to take control, the Hawks responded with a surge of their own. The third quarter saw Hawthorn regain composure and efficiency, kicking six of the next seven goals. Karl Amon and Massimo D’Ambrosio were instrumental in transitioning the ball from defence to attack, linking up through the corridor and creating scoring opportunities.
Gunston continued his goal-scoring form, while Ginnivan provided spark around the ground. By the end of the quarter, Hawthorn had reclaimed an eight-point lead, setting up a thrilling final term. The momentum swings showcased the tenacity and belief of both sides, making it a contest worthy of Friday night prime time.
Final Quarter Brilliance: Crows Seal the Deal
With everything on the line, Adelaide delivered a scintillating final quarter. Izak Rankine emerged as the hero, turning the tide with two clutch goals and an assist that ignited the home crowd. His explosiveness, combined with creative playmaking, proved too much for Hawthorn’s defence to handle.
Veteran forward Taylor Walker also rose to the occasion. In the dying stages, he nailed two vital set shots from distance, displaying composure and leadership that helped ice the game. Riley Thilthorpe added a fourth goal to his tally, rounding out a dominant performance in the forward half.
The Crows piled on six goals to Hawthorn’s two in the final term, flipping the game once more and securing a memorable 14-point win. Adelaide’s superior fitness, depth, and big-game experience came to the fore when it mattered most.
Key Performers and Game-Changing Moments
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Izak Rankine: His last-quarter heroics were crucial, finishing with two goals and three goal assists.
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Taylor Walker: The seasoned campaigner kicked three goals, including two pressure set shots in the final term.
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Riley Thilthorpe: Starred with four goals and consistent forward pressure.
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Jordan Dawson: The Crows captain led by example with 21 disposals and two goals.
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Reilly O’Brien: Dominated the ruck contests, giving Adelaide first use at stoppages.
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Jack Gunston (Hawks): Finished with four goals, providing a focal point all night.
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Jack Ginnivan (Hawks): Registered 19 disposals and two goals, contributing across the field.
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James Sicily (Hawks): Marshalled the defence with 11 marks and excellent intercept play.
Tactical Overview
The match was a chess battle of tactical moves. Hawthorn started with aggressive forward pressure and efficient ball use. Adelaide’s ability to absorb pressure, restructure their defence, and transition through the middle in the second and fourth quarters highlighted their versatility and depth.
Crucially, Adelaide’s ability to dominate clearances—led by O’Brien and Dawson—shifted the balance of the contest. Their forward line diversity, with multiple goal scorers, overwhelmed Hawthorn’s defensive unit late in the game.
Implications for the Ladder
With this result, Adelaide climbed to the top of the AFL ladder with a 15-5 record. Their recent form, including five consecutive wins, makes them strong contenders for the minor premiership. They’re peaking at the right time and are well-positioned for a double chance in the finals.
Hawthorn, now sitting fifth at 13-7, face a more precarious path. With several teams breathing down their neck, including Gold Coast and Sydney, every remaining match becomes a must-win scenario. Their early dominance in this game showed potential, but consistency across four quarters remains their biggest challenge.
The Bigger Picture
Adelaide’s resurgence under coach Matthew Nicks has been remarkable. With a blend of experienced leaders and emerging stars like Soligo and Thilthorpe, they’ve found the right balance across all lines. Their midfield is firing, and their forwards are sharing the load—an ominous sign for any finals opponent.
Hawthorn, guided by coach Sam Mitchell, are clearly building something promising. Their list features a mix of veterans and youth, and their competitive edge has returned this season. While this loss stings, it also serves as a learning experience that could strengthen their resolve come September.
Fan and Media Reaction
Fans were treated to a classic at Adelaide Oval. Social media buzzed with praise for Rankine’s dynamic finish and Walker’s clutch goals. Analysts across AFL media applauded the Crows' resilience and labelled them a "dark horse" for the flag.
The match was widely regarded as one of the best of the season, thanks to its dramatic momentum shifts, elite individual performances, and high stakes.
Looking Ahead
For Adelaide, the focus turns to maintaining form and securing a top-two finish. They face stiff opposition in the final rounds but look every bit a premiership threat. Depth, belief, and leadership are working in perfect sync.
For Hawthorn, sharpening their fourth-quarter execution and boosting scoring efficiency will be key. With finals still in reach, they’ll need to regroup quickly and channel the positives from their spirited showing.
Conclusion
The Round 21 clash between the Adelaide Crows and Hawthorn Hawks was a high-stakes thriller that showcased the best of AFL—intensity, skill, drama, and passion. Adelaide’s comeback victory not only sent a message to the competition but also gave their fans plenty to cheer about as the business end of the season approaches. Meanwhile, Hawthorn’s promising performance, despite the result, proves they’re still a team to watch as finals approach.
In a season full of memorable moments, this Friday night showdown at Adelaide Oval will be remembered as a defining contest of 2025.
