A seasoned Collingwood outfit got the better of Adelaide in the qualifying final at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night. 

The Magpies booted seven-straight goals across the end of the second and start of the third term, helping build a lead they ultimately wouldn’t relinquish. 

Adelaide fought its way back into the contest with three-straight goals to end the third term, but could not close the gap, as the visitors prevailed 11.13 (79) to 8.7 (55) victory. 

Crows Senior Coach Matthew Nicks spoke to the media after the match, and delivered five key takeaways. 

Lots of learning to take out of the finals experience

Adelaide fielded 16 finals debutants on Thursday night, as the Club returned to September action for the first time since 2017. 

On the flipside, its opponents were the oldest side in the competition, who squeezed every ounce of that experience to help power them to a clinical victory.

Although the overwhelming feeling in the Crows’ rooms post-game was disappointment, Nicks said he was confident his side would be better for the run, and could move on quickly to a do-or-die semi-final next week. 

“How quickly can we move on, that’s the big question,” Nicks said. 

“We were beaten tonight by a side that played better than we did, no doubt about that.

“We’re in a unique position, which we’ve earned, that we get the chance to come back and play here next week. 

“So that’s our biggest lesson out of the night, only playing three quarters in a final is not going to get it done.” 

The Crows couldn’t quell Collingwood’s third-quarter momentum.

Five goals in 15 minutes to begin the third quarter proved to be the difference in the game for Collingwood, as it built a matchwinning lead. 

The Magpies won the ball all out of the centre and put the Crows’ defence under pressure it ultimately could not cope with. 

Nicks said his team’s inability to quell the opposition’s momentum and get the game on their terms through the midfield was what cost them. 

“They had momentum out of the centre and it was one of those patches where we got it wrong at centre bounce and weren’t able to hold up behind the ball,” Nicks said. 

“We have been so good behind the ball all year and we’ve probably put that group, at times, under too much pressure. 

“Unfortunately the dam wall broke for that period of time, they kicked five goals and that was the game really. 

“We then struggled to find our way back in and Collingwood set up the field and played the game on their terms - overall it was a really disappointing patch and one we’ll move on from as quickly as we can.” 

Lack of composure proves telling

Throughout the night Adelaide gave itself enough opportunities to hit the scoreboard, but could not make it count due to its lack of composure with ball in hand. 

The Crows won the inside 50 count 50-49 and produced solid passages of play throughout the night, but were constantly brought undone by their delivery into the forward 50. 

Collingwood finished the night with 78 intercepts, as Nicks admitted his team played into its opposition's set-up.

“We lacked composure with the ball in hand tonight, there were times when we hacked it forward and maybe we didn’t need to,” Nicks said. 

“There were times when we could have used the ball a bit better and challenged our opponents. 

“Collingwood are very good at shaping the ground, holding their positions and it looks like they are playing extras behind the ball but they are just holding their shape.

“We really just hacked the ball into that on a number of occasions, and we were also beaten in the contest too many times, so when we did have an even number ahead of the ball they outmarked us - to their credit.” 

Pedlar has an impact in first final

Dynamic forward Luke Pedlar returned to the line-up after missing the past two games with a hamstring injury, and had an immediate impact by kicking a team-high three goals. 

Pedlar showed his class around the sticks throughout the night, and constantly challenged the Collingwood defence with his ability to create a contest and apply pressure. 

Nicks said it was pleasing to see the 23-year-old embrace the finals stage and produce a strong performance.

“I thought it was a great performance from Pedlar, in his first game back for a while,” Nicks said. 

“It was probably what we hoped with Peds, that he was going to be that big-game player and enjoy a stage like tonight and I thought he played some great footy. 

“There were times where as a team we had some good patches and did some good things, but overall it just was not our best night tonight.” 

Nicks on potential Rachele return

Adelaide will have a big decision to make ahead of its semi-final next week, as livewire Josh Rachele hopes to prove his fitness. 

The 22-year-old has not played since Round 17, when he tore the posterior capsule in his left knee in a marking contest. 

Rachele has spent the past two months recovering from knee surgery, and as reported in this week’s injury update, is on track to be fit to return next weekend. 

Nicks said there was a lot to weigh-up when it came to a potential return straight into the AFL side for next week’s semi-final. 

“He’s moving really well, Josh, he hasn’t put a foot wrong,” Nicks said. 

“So he’ll be pushing (to play next week), he’s a competitor and will be very keen to get back in.

“But we’ll have to make the right decision there, not rush that, because he’s going to be a really important player moving forward for us. 

“We won’t push it if he’s not ready, we’ll make a professional decision based on what’s best for the player and the team - but he’s given himself the best chance.” 

The Crows will now turn their attention to next weekend’s semi-final which will be played at home against the winner of the match between GWS and Hawthorn.

Details on the semi-final match will be released later this weekend.