Charlie Cameron kicked a career-best five goals against the Cats on Friday night. It topped his previous best of four goals, which he’s achieved three times.

Cameron became only the fourth Crow to kick five or more goals in a Preliminary Final. Tony Modra (six in 1993), Matthew Robran (six in 1998) and Andrew McLeod (seven in 1998) are the only others to achieve the feat.

Taylor Walker’s two goals moved him to 21 goals in finals – just two majors behind Club record-holder Andrew McLeod. Incredibly, teammate Eddie Betts already has 19 to his name from his four years as a Crow. Betts has 30 career finals goals including 11 with Carlton.


It was the third time the Crows have kicked a score of 6.3 (39) in the first quarter of a final. It also occurred in the 2015 Elimination Final against the Western Bulldogs and the 2009 Semi-Final against Collingwood.

Adelaide withstood Geelong’s charge to win its 21st second quarter from 24 games this year.

This year’s finals series has already matched the record for the most games decided by more than 50 points in a major round. Ironically, the home and away season featured the most games decided by under four points (24), eclipsing the previous record of 18 in 1928.

Left-footer Rory Atkins earned team-best 566 metres for his side. Atkins and Cameron both gained a game-high 26 metres per possession on average.

Preliminary Final Match Report: Crows v Cats

Adelaide had 60 intercept possessions to Geelong’s 61, but outscored the Cats 111 to 38 from turnovers. It equalled the Club’s season-high total from this scoring source.

Rory Laird amassed a team-high 32 disposals at an elite 91 per cent efficiency.

He set a new career-high by claiming 15 marks – six more than any other player on the ground – including two intercepts.

Laird also had a match-high 20 kicks at an incredible 95 per cent efficiency and a game-high six rebound 50ms.

Midfield bulls Brad Crouch and Rory Sloane were the top clearance winners on the ground with eight each.

Brad Crouch laid an equal-match high 10 tackles, just one behind his career record of 11 set against Hawthorn in Round 14 earlier this season.

Brother Matt Crouch again surpassed the 30-possession mark for the 18th time this season. The All Australian had 31 disposals, seven marks, six clearances and laid five tackles.

Ruckman Sam Jacobs was the No.1 ranked player on the ground according to Champion Data’s Player Rankings. Jacobs amassed 130.9 points after recording a match-high 35 hit-outs along with 16 disposals, five marks and a goal.

Richard Douglas recorded a game-high 26 pressure acts against the Cats.

Adelaide’s ferocious pressure held Geelong to a disposal efficiency of just 69 per cent a week after the Cats recorded an efficiency rate of 76 per cent against Sydney – their second-best figure of the year.

Incredibly, five Crows had five inside 50ms against the Cats on Friday night in Brad Crouch, Taylor Walker, Rory Atkins, Charlie Cameron and Tom Lynch. Another three Crows had four forward forays.

Friday night’s final marked Don Pyke’s 32nd win as Crows coach and his 18th by more than 50 points.

 

Match statistics
Disposals
Adelaide – 382
Geelong – 349

Disposal efficiency
Adelaide – 76 per cent
Geelong – 69 per cent

Kicks
Adelaide – 254
Geelong – 179

Handballs
Adelaide – 128
Geelong – 170

Clearances
Adelaide – 42
Geelong – 36

Inside 50ms
Adelaide – 52
Geelong – 49

Contested possessions
Adelaide – 141
Geelong – 139

Uncontested possessions
Adelaide – 247
Geelong – 211

Tackles
Adelaide – 64
Geelong – 85

Hit-outs
Adelaide – 39
Geelong – 41