Richmond can breathe a sigh of relief after seeing off a massive challenge from Adelaide in a win that proved the Tigers’ class.
Damien Hardwick’s side ultimately ran out 32-point winners, yet the second half was an enthralling one where Richmond only secured the win in the dying minutes.
For the second week running, the Crows will rue the fact they could manage just one good half of footy out of the two.
While the Tigers hit back late to kick the final five goals of the game, both sides butchered good chances late after experiencing the effects of a high-paced game.
Trent Cotchin steps up when Tigers need him.#AFLCrowsTigers pic.twitter.com/yC7ScnUjf5
— AFL (@AFL) March 25, 2023
Adelaide kicked seven consecutive goals from after half-time to early in the final term, yet booted nine behinds in the same period.
But the key stats tell the nature of the contest, with inside 50s, contested possession and clearances all close to identical.
The Richmond lead was as big as 45 points at half-time, with Hardwick’s men destined to run out comprehensive winners.
The Tigers were running in waves and sliced through Adelaide to look dangerous every time they went forward. A comeback wouldn’t have even been on the minds of many Crows fans, with a lack of heart and care the primary concerns for the Crows.
Yet the script was flipped as Matthew Nicks’ men strolled back out after half-time with a point to prove. Rory Laid rebounded after a poor week to finish with 38 disposals (14 contested), while Darcy Fogarty and Taylor Walker showed plenty as a forward duo in combining for five goals from nine shots.
The Adelaide Oval ERUPTED after this Josh Rachele snag and the Crows are on the march! 🔥🔥
— AFL Nation (@AFLNation) March 25, 2023
𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀:
🎙️ @PaulBonsor7
🎙️ @BGibbsy4
📲 https://t.co/gzFUfpwaU4
📻 https://t.co/XB1I2hWJXA#AFLCrowsTigers #AFL pic.twitter.com/1mV6fKnb6h
But the young Crows ran out of legs as the comeback reached its pinnacle, with the experience of the Tigers proving paramount in securing a testing victory.
However, Richmond will be monitoring Jacob Hopper next week after the recruit suffered an ankle injury early in the final term.
Hopper was seen thumping the turf in pain before limping off the ground unassisted. He returned 10 minutes later and showed plenty why the Tigers recruited him, finishing with 23 disposals, seven marks and a goal to be his side’s best.
One player who’s almost certain to be missing in Richmond’s blockbuster against Collingwood next week is Nathan Broad, who will be cited by the MRO for a sling tackle on Crow Patrick Parnell.
Parnell was subbed off as a result of his head smashing the turf, meaning the Richmond defender is a long shot to play in Round 3.
"It's either high impact, or severe impact." - Cameron Ling
— 7AFL (@7AFL) March 25, 2023
"It'll be interesting to see where the AFL goes with this." - @DThomas_39
Nathan Broad is expected to come under MRO scrutiny after this tackle on Patrick Parnell.#AFLDogsSaints pic.twitter.com/6BC3iOPK65
All attention for the Tigers now turns to the MCG next week. An enthralling clash with Collingwood looms that will tell plenty about the prospects of both sides, while the Crows will experience the magic of a Showdown next Saturday.
FULL SCORE
Adelaide Crows: 1.3, 3.6, 8.14, 10.16. (76)
Richmond:4.1, 11.3, 12.4, 17.6 (108)
GOALS
Adelaide Crows: Fogarty 3, Walker 2, Rankine 2, Rachele 2, Thilthorpe
Richmond: Ryan 3, Lynch 3, Riewoldt 2, Short, Martin, Hopper, Graham, Broad, Baker, Mansell, Bolton
BEST
Adelaide Crows: Laird, Scholl, Walker, Dawson, Fogarty
Richmond: Hopper, Baker, Nankervis, Vlastuin, Taranto
INJURIES
Adelaide Crows: Parnell (head)
Richmond: Hopper (ankle)
CROWD: TBC