Adelaide’s final-quarter fight-back against the Western Bulldogs fell short at Adelaide Oval on Friday night, with the Crows going down by six points.
Despite the result, there were a lot of big moments from the Crows’ first home game of 2026, so here’s a round up of everything you might’ve scrolled past.
Adelaide fans show up with record crowd
Crows footy returned to Adelaide Oval for the first time in 2026, after Adelaide opened the season with an away game.
Fans showed they were as eager as ever to cheer on their team, turning out in droves.
A crowd of 49,185 packed Adelaide Oval - the largest attendance recorded for a Crows v Bulldogs clash.
The Crows will be back on their home deck on Good Friday for a match against Fremantle.
Tickets available here.
Rankine’s rousing return
Crows speedster Izak Rankine returned for his first match of 2026 after missing Round One due to suspension.
And Rankine produced an incredible moment which almost won the game for Adelaide.
The 25-year-old marked the ball in the north-eastern pocket (also known as Eddie Betts’ pocket), only for the umpire to call play-on.
He then took three quick steps to put space between him and Bulldogs Skipper Marcus Bontempelli, before kicking a goal from 40m out on the angle.
Rankine turned to face the crowd, as fans belted out ‘Whoomp! (There It Is)’ - his goal song - and teammates ran from every angle to celebrate with him.
The piece of magic also received praise from Betts, who commented on a video of Rankine booting the goal on the Crows’ Instagram with six fire emojis.
Butts’ brilliant game and Crows Live chat
Adelaide defender Jordon Butts had a huge impact in defence, enjoying a career-best game against the Bulldogs on Friday night.
Butts finished the match with 19 disposals, 12 marks, and 11 intercept possessions, while also kicking his first AFL goal.
The 26-year-old, who received four coaches’ votes for his performance, was interviewed on Adelaide’s post-game show, Crows Live.
Watch the interview below.
Crows Live is broadcast on the Club’s website, App, and YouTube after both home and away matches, taking fans into the changerooms featuring exclusive player interviews and coaching insights.
AFLW star recruit Grace Egan will host every Crows Live after AFL games at Adelaide Oval.
Around the grounds
Adelaide’s Friday night clash against the Bulldogs had everything - from crazy goals in the pocket, to take down-tackles and of course, a final quarter that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
The match drew plenty of media attention online, and here’s a few comments you might’ve missed.
