A late comeback from West Coast wasn't enough to prevent Adelaide's 31-point win on Saturday afternoon, although the Eagles restored some pride with the fighting performance.
At half time it looked like the Eagles were set to break an unfortunate record; to become the first side in VFL/AFL history to lose eight straight games by more than 50 points.
Longest streaks of V/@AFL games losing by 50+ points
— Swamp (@sirswampthing) May 29, 2022
7 - 1995 R13-19 - fitz
7 - 2013 R07-14 - gws
7 - 2022 R05-11 - WCE
Down by nine goals midway through the second term, the Eagles somewhat recovered in the second half, but not enough to avoid their eighth straight loss.
Adelaide was dominant from the first bounce, bouncing back to break their own five-game losing streak.
However, Adam Simpson’s side began to turn the tables in the second half, winning the third and fourth terms and continuing to close in on the Crows’ lead until the final siren.
Veteran Luke Shuey stood up for the Eagles without four-time All Australian Jeremy McGovern, who was a last-minute withdrawal. Shuey recorded team-high numbers with 14 contested possessions, 549 metres gained, 10 clearances and eight inside 50s.
Adelaide trio Darcy Fogarty, Shane McAdam and Taylor Walker were vital in the wet weather win, kicking three goals each.
The Crows on-ball unit also gathered plenty of the Sherrin between them, Rory Laird (33 disposals), Ben Keays (29), Matt Crouch (27) and Jackson Hately (25) all making a significant impact on the game.
Both sides will have a week to recover from the demanding match with a bye in Round 13 before the Eagles face yet another challenge against the Cats and the Crows clash with the Suns.
FULL SCORE
Adelaide Crows: 5.2, 9.6, 10.10, 13.10 (88)
West Coast Eagles: 0.1, 3.4, 5.5, 8.9 (57)
GOALS
Adelaide Crows: D Fogarty, S McAdam, T Walker 3, J Soligo 2, W Milera, R Laird
West Coast Eagles: J Darling 2, A Gaff, J Redden, J Cripps, S Petrevski-Seton, C West, J Kennedy
BEST
Adelaide Crows: D Fogarty, R Laird, T Walker, S McAdam, B Smith
West Coast Eagles: J Darling, A Gaff, T Kelly, J Redden, L Shuey
INJURIES
Adelaide Crows: P Parnell (muscle cork) replaced by medical substitute Harry Schoenberg
West Coast Eagles: n/a