Adelaide secured the AFL’s 2025 minor premiership, following a 13-point victory against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Crows led at every change and, although were at times challenged by the Kangaroos, proved too strong to prevail 17.11 (113) to 15.10 (100).

Ben Keays, Riley Thilthorpe and James Peatling led the way up-forward with three goals, while Sam Berry (24 disposals), Jordan Dawson and Rory Laird (23 possessions apiece) were also strong.

Adelaide Senior Coach Matthew Nicks spoke to the media after the win and provided five key takeaways.

Crows dig deep

Adelaide were challenged by North Melbourne, particularly in the final quarter when the Kangaroos slammed on four consecutive goals to put the game within their reach.

Crows midfielder James Peatling steadied the ship with his third goal and helped his side to victory.

Despite the dips in momentum and some key statistics going the Kangaross’ way, Adelaide found a way to secure its 18th win of the minor round.

Nicks said that pleased him the most.

“It’s been not necessarily our best footy but we’ve got the job done and that’s put us… in a position as good as you could possibly be (in),” Nicks said.

“To sit here now and actually have the result go the way it did, that’s the outcome. We played a team that is very good in and around stoppages and they put us to the sword in that area today.

“We might’ve been a little bit off today, and that shows how even the competition is.

“We grounded out that win that we really wanted. We were looking to find our best, we didn’t necessarily find that (today) but I thought the 23 guys who represented us, the fight they showed was enough to get the job done.”

Securing the minor premiership

The victory in Round 24 has led to the Crows to finishing top of the AFL table with an 18-5 win/loss record.

The result also meant the side would feature in the Toyota AFL Finals Series for the first time since 2017.

Nicks said there had been a mountain of hard work done to reach this milestone, with the side going from 15th in 2024 to top.

But he said there was still plenty to work on with players and coaches continuing to lock in and narrow the focus ahead of the finals. 

“It’s a good reward for what has been a big year for us,” Nicks said.

“We’ve had a lot of learnings, that’s right across the season, even these last three games - to find a way today under pressure - we walk into the changerooms after this one and it takes a player or two to say ‘we’ve actually finished top of the ladder’.

“We can have a smile together and enjoy that - we will do that.”

Nicks on Dowling and Draper’s inclusion

Youngsters Sid Draper and Billy Dowling were called to the line-up against North Melbourne, with the latter playing his first AFL game of 2025.

Dowling finished the match with two goals, and despite Draper being tactically subbed out of the game at three-quarter time, Nicks said the duo would be all the better for the experience.

“A couple (of goals) early for Billy off the back of the team getting it done,” Nicks said.

“He’s been doing some great stuff at SANFL level - (he’s been) pretty unlucky this year not to get an opportunity earlier.

“When a team is performing the way it has, it’s pretty tough to break in. We debuted one this year, which was Sid (Draper) and he had another opportunity today.

“It will be a great experience for him, even to play three quarters of footy, is another great step.”

A week off before a home qualifying final

Adelaide will take some time to freshen up next week with the League-wide bye ahead of the finals kicking off.

Players would be given a few days off, according to Nicks, with the aim of returning to train hard ahead of a home qualifying final.

Although the Crows’ week one finals fixture will not be known until after the Gold Coast v Essendon game on Wednesday night, Nicks said his side would be ready.

“We get a chance now to reenergise as a lot of others do that make it to the start line. We’ll re-energise and I think we will benefit from that,” Nicks said.

“The ability to freshen ourselves up and then hit the ground running in a home final.

“We’ll be ready to play whenever the AFL wants us to play. But our guys will take a few days to mentally and physically freshen up, then we’ll be back into training pretty hard to be right to go.”

Nicks on Peatling’s game and the addition of experience

Adelaide recruit James Peatling enjoyed a standout game after finishing with 19 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 10 score involvements and three goals,

The former GWS midfielder was one of three players recruited by the Crows during the 2024 off-season, with fellow Giant Isaac Cumming and ex-Melbourne forward Alex Neal-Bullen also having an immediate impact this season.

Nicks lauded Peatling’s performance against the Kangaroos.

But he said the Club’s ability to recruit stemmed back to bringing Ben Keays across - the forward also starring against the Kangaroos with three goals, 19 disposals, nine score involvements and nine contested possessions - and Skipper Jordan Dawson.

“He’s (Peatling) been a great addition, one of many,” Nicks said.

“Our list management group has done a fantastic job to bring in such talent.

“JP is one, Alex Neal-Bullen has been huge for our Club. We go right back to when I first arrived and Ben Keays coming in and how he’s influenced the group.

“Our Captain - an important part of the game is how you can attract players to your football club and I think we’ve done a fantastic job of that right from the top down.”

The Crows will enjoy a League-wide bye next week, with the fixture for week one of the 2025 AFL Toyota Finals series being announced Wednesday night.

For all the up-to-date information on Adelaide's upcoming 2025 Toyota Finals Series, keep an eye on the Club's finals hub here.