Whatever Matthew Nicks said to his team at half-time, it worked.
After heading into the main break 10 points down, Adelaide came out and kicked six unanswered goals to secure a 37-point win against Richmond on Sunday afternoon.
A five-goal third quarter helped the Crows win 14.14 (98) to the Tigers’ 9.7 (61)on Mother’s Day at the MCG.
The flourish of goals coincided with Adelaide skipper Jordan Dawson’s move from the half-back into the middle, where he had immediate impact.
Dawson, who missed last week’s Showdown due to personal reasons, put his side on his back, with 16 second-half disposals, six inside 50s and a goal to help his side gain separation from Richmond.
The Tigers’ spirited youngsters had shocked the more-experienced Crows in the first half, particularly in the second quarter where they outscored last year’s minor premiers, kicking four goals to Adelaide’s two.
Veteran forward Tom Lynch was influential up forward finishing with a game-high three goals, the premiership Tiger slotting the first of both the first and second quarters.
Lynch was joined by Noah Balta, who hit the scoreboard once in his new role as a ruck/forward, and the Tigers welcomed back vice-captain Tim Taranto who finished with a team-high 28 disposals.
But it’s Richmond’s young stars who continue to improve week-on-week that keep Tigers’ fans full of hope.
Patrick Retschko had 22 disposals, while Sam Cumming and Tom Burton continue to gain invaluable experience at the top level.
RICHMOND 3.2 7.4 7.5 9.7 (61)
ADELAIDE 3.2 5.6 10.10 14.14 (98)
GOALS
Richmond: Lynch 3, Balta, Campbell, Sonsie, Green, Lefau, Cumming
Adelaide: Neal-Bullen 2, Rachelle 2, Pedlar, Rankine, Curtain, N. Murray, Thilthorpe, T. Murray, Cumming, Dawson, McAndrew, Keays
BEST
Richmond: Taranto, Lynch, Ross, Short, Retschko
Adelaide: Dawson, Milera, Rankine, Rachele, McAndrew
