Adelaide has made a big statement on the opening night of Gather Round, cruising to a comprehensive 56-point win over Carlton.
A heaving Adelaide Oval crowd of 47,395 were on hand to welcome in the AFL’s newest initiative, which will see all nine matches in one round played in the same state for the first time.
The Crows’ first quarter onslaught set the tone for a comfortable win in the end, even as the Blues continued to push for an unlikely comeback in the second half.
Darcy Fogarty's goal from the pocket in the last quarter effectively ended the contest, continuing his hot start to 2023 on his return from injury.
Adelaide flew out of the blocks, kicking eight of the first 10 goals largely on the back of manic pressure and sublime field kicking.
The Crows dominated the midfield battle right from the outset, taking control of the contest in front of a frenzied home crowd.
Matthews Nicks’ side has shown their versatility in their forward line so far this year, with their current depth highlighted by Ned McHenry’s omission from the starting 22 despite receiving coaches votes last week.
The likes of Josh Rachele, Ben Keays, Fogarty and veteran Taylor Walker were irresistible forward of centre, combining for 12 goals over the course of the evening.
Rory Laird was Adelaide’s best player in the first term, racking up 16 disposals and Carlton were forced into action, shifting Ed Curnow onto the Crows on-baller as they looked to wrestle back control of the match.
Carlton was forced into making their sub before half time, with ruckman Marc Pittonet coming off for Josh Honey with an eye injury.
AFL Nation’s Kane Cornes noted in commentary that the forced changed could actually work in the Blues’ favour, with Michael Voss’ side evening up the contest around the ground in the second term as they tried to mount a comeback.
Carlton continued to own field position early in the third quarter, but it was Adelaide’s constant pressure around the ground which saw them hold steady and eventually see off the Blues for the remainder of the contest.
"The pressure Adelaide (is) applying is at finals level,” Cornes said on AFL Nation during the crucial third term.
Patrick Cripps' quiet game was emblematic of a Carlton midfield group who were beaten on the night.
The Blues will be forced to wait for their first win at Adelaide Oval, leaving the famous South Australian ground with plenty to ponder ahead of a pivotal clash against St Kilda in Round 6.
All eyes on Sam Walsh’s return
The Carlton star made his return from back surgery in Thursday night game and considering his side’s issues with scoring from stoppage so far in 2023, he was a welcome inclusion.
Walsh worked his way into the contest, kicking a goal in the contest as part of a team-high 25-disposal game.
"Sam Walsh is already looking really sharp on return from injury,” Kane Cornes said in commentary.
Look for the Blues star to build as this season progresses.
Adelaide hits eight-year first term scoring high
Round 22 back in 2015 was the last time Adelaide scored as many points in first quarter as they did on Thursday night.
Right from the outset, the Crows looked in the mood and blew the Blues away with a combination of midfield domination and scoreboard efficency.
It was largely led by the aforementioned Laird, as well as Jordan Dawson’s foot skills and Adelaide's dynamic ball movement which set them on their way to victory.
"The Crows greatest hits are being rolled out right now,” Gerard Whateley said on AFL Nation in the third quarter.
FULL SCORE
Adelaide: 8.3, 10.5, 13.7, 18.10 (118)
Carlton: 2.1, 5.4, 7.7, 9.8 (62)
GOALS
Adelaide: Fogarty 5, Walker 3, Keays 3, Laird, Pedlar, Jones, McHenry, Rachele, Rankine, Smith
Carlton: Curnow 2, McKay 2, Durdin 2, Acres, Motlop, Walsh
BEST
Adelaide: Fogarty, Walker, Dawson, Laird, Jones
Carlton: Walsh, C. Curnow, McKay
INJURIES
Adelaide: N/A
Carlton: Marc Pittonet (eye)
CROWD: 47,395 at Adelaide Oval.