Adelaide’s drought-breaking finals win delivered plenty of big moments, but the numbers tell an even stronger story.

Worrell rewrites the finals record book

Josh Worrell’s record-breaking defensive masterclass helped Adelaide defend 61 inside 50s from the Western Bulldogs. Worrell finished with an AFL finals record 19 interceptions alongside a career-high 34 disposals and 10 marks. The previous record was 16, set by Melbourne’s Stevem May in the 2022 qualifying final. All-Australian half-back Wayne Milera also starred for the Crows, with 27 disposals at a remarkable 100 per cent efficiency as well as an equal team-high seven score involvements. 

Tex signs off at Adelaide Oval

Adelaide Oval AFL goals record-holder Taylor Walker’s last game at the ground featured one crucial goal in the final quarter to take his total score at the venue to 319.198. According to stats guru @sirswampthing, Walker kicked 150.106 at the Cathedral end and 169.92 at the city end in his 142 games. His career total is now 713, five behind St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt who is ranked 25th in VFL/AFL history. 

Rankine shines on the finals stage

Izak Rankine collected more than 30 disposals for the fourth consecutive game, finishing with 34, seven clearances and two goals, including one of the most amazing snap shots of the season. Rankine was one of six Crows playing their first final, along with Lachlan McAndrew, James Borlase, Hugo Hall-Kahan, Brayden Cook and Luke Nankervis.

Rachele leads a damaging forward mix

Crows leading goalkicker Josh Rachele added 3.2 to his 2026 tally on Saturday night, moving to 41 to go past 40 for the first time in his career. Rachele’s second quarter was particularly damaging, when he kicked 2.1 from nine disposals. Darcy Fogarty had seven score involvements, including his own two goals, while Alex Neal-Bullen and Riley Thilthorpe both had six score involvements. 

Crows dominate Dogs in September

Adelaide has now beaten the Western Bulldogs in the four finals they have played. The run started with the two preliminary finals in 1997-98 and then the 2015 Elimination Final at the MCG. In 36 AFL seasons, Adelaide has played 39 finals for 19 wins and 20 losses. It was the Crows’ first winning final since the 2017 Preliminary Final against Geelong at Adelaide Oval. It was also the 33rd anniversary of Adelaide’s first ever finals appearance, when it came from behind to defeat Hawthorn by 15 points in an Elimination Final at the MCG.