Adelaide’s SCG success continued, Darcy Fogarty starred in attack and Izak Rankine led from the front, plus more key stats and storylines from the Crows win over Sydney.

SCG remains a happy hunting ground

Adelaide has a remarkable record at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Crows have now won 15 times in 25 games against Sydney at the venue since 1991. Sydney had won its previous eight games at the SCG this season. 

Fogarty and Thilthorpe stand tall

Forward Darcy Fogarty was crucial in Adelaide’s last quarter blitz, kicking three goals from seven touches to finish with 4.0 from 20 disposals. Fogarty had a relatively wayward start in front of goals earlier this season but has booted 18.1 in his last six games for a total of 25.10. Riley Thilthorpe was also a key target on Friday night, taking a game-high three contested marks and kicking 2.3, including the 52-metre set shot to secure the game late in the final quarter. 

A complete performance from Rankine

Izak Rankine worked hard across the ground to collect a game-high 30 disposals, including 20 contested possessions and 18 ground balls. He also had eight clearances and five score involvements, including his own clever goal in the first term.

Defenders set the tone

Wayne Milera added to his All-Australian submission with another strong game at half-back. He had 26 disposals including 23 kicks, 585 metres gained, five intercepts and took 12 marks. Milera was particularly busy during Adelaide’s impressive start, when he had 10 kicks and a handball. Another defender who made a fine opening was Mark Keane, with six intercepts, six disposals, two contested marks and four score involvements in the first quarter. And on the night before his 24th birthday, James Borlase stood tall in defence against the AFL’s leading goalkicker Charlie Curnow, holding him to 0.2.

Rachele creates and delivers

Josh Rachele’s first quarter goal lifted him to a career-high season tally of 31 and he continued to find other ways to contribute to the scoreboard with 18 disposals and a game-high four goals assists. 

Rising group delivers

With Taylor Walker and Rory Laird sidelined, Ben Keays (179 games) and Captain Jordan Dawson (171 games) were Adelaide’s most experienced players in a side that included eight who had played under 50 AFL games.