Adelaide squared its win-loss ledger at 3-3 with a thrilling one-point victory against St Kilda at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night. 

In a contest that ebbed and flowed throughout the night, the Crows held off the fast-finishing Saints and secured a crucial 15.13 (103) to 15.12 (102) triumph. 

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

Walker winds back the clock

Veteran Crows forward Taylor Walker was at his vintage best on Saturday night, booting five goals in a match-winning performance. 

Matched up on St Kilda co-captain Callum Wilkie, Walker worked his way into the match after a slow first quarter and proved the difference in attack for his side. 

On what was an emotional night for the Club, Nicks said he felt Walker rose to the occasion and willed his team home. 

“It’s tough when your captain’s not playing, but it was good to see a former captain step up and there was definitely a bit in it for him,” Nicks said. 

“Tex is an emotional guy, and he was doing whatever he could to make Jordan proud, so it probably adds to the performance.

“We didn’t help Tex in the first quarter, but he knew what needed to be done, and to his credit he then went and executed for three quarters.”

Crows get the job done in tense final minutes

Adelaide found itself in familiar territory late in the final term, as it had to play out a close finish, with a win, loss and a draw all on the cards. 

Nicks said it was pleasing to see the group learn from its previous shortcomings, and execute when it counted. 

“I’m really proud of the way our guys fought it out,” Nicks said. 

“We’ve been on the other end of those (types of results), you think about those sliding door moments and tonight was one where we gutsed it out. 

“We actually executed some really high quality stuff towards the end of that game, which our guys will learn from, this time from a positive point of view.

“We felt towards the end of this game we had 18 guys all on the same page, and we were able to execute the small things that helped get us over the line.”

Edwards impresses on debut 

Young on-baller Charlie Edwards made his AFL debut against the Saints, and showcased his talents with a strong first up performance. 

Getting an opportunity through the midfield, Edwards had an influence on the contest, as he recorded 18 disposals, five clearances and 474 metres gained. 

Nicks said it was not surprising to see the 20-year-old contribute after he put in a strong, two-year apprenticeship at SANFL level.  

“With respect for Charlie, he’s been very unlucky not to play throughout the last couple of years,” Nicks said. 

“So I’m probably not surprised by the way he played tonight, I thought he did a fantastic job and it was great to see him stand up in some key moments.

“He was able to drive his legs out of stoppage, and that’s the stuff we’ve seen from Charlie throughout the past couple of years as a big strength.” 

Slow starts continue to frustrate coaches

The Crows fell victim to another slow start on Saturday night, conceding five of the first six goals to be 26 points down in the early stages of the second term. 

It was the fifth-straight week Adelaide had trailed at the first change, and Nicks said the coaching group was working tirelessly to try and find a solution. 

“We probably played into their hands a little for the first quarter, but overall we know we need to improve our first quarters,” Nicks said.

“There’s no doubt there’s a trend starting to appear, but that’s okay, because we’re going to dig in and get better.

“If we’re winning games of footy and starting like that, then we’re still in a better position than playing great first quarters and losing games. 

“We’ll continue to look into why we’re being a bit sluggish off the mark and keep trying to improve.” 

Crows family bands together

The one-point victory against the Saints capped an emotional week for all involved with the Adelaide Football Club. 

Wrapping their arms around Skipper Jordan Dawson, the group galvanised on the field to produce a spirited victory. 

Nicks said the events of the past week put into perspective the power of a footy club, and its ability to be there for its people. 

“It’s been an emotional week, a really emotional week,” Nicks said. 

“To get a win is a great result, but when you spend time in a footy club like we are, you realise how lucky you are to be in a position like this when circumstances play out the way they did this week. 

“It’s a really tough time for somebody and family that means a lot to us, so we’re lucky we’re part of this footy club.”