Adelaide outlast Giants in wet-weather grind at Adelaide Oval

Adelaide has claimed a major scalp and returned to the AFL winner’s list, grinding out an 18-point win over a wasteful Greater Western Sydney in wet and windy conditions at Adelaide Oval.

In a scrappy, low-scoring affair, the Crows kept the Giants goalless for nearly a quarter and a half and did enough in the second half to seal an 8.10 (58) to 4.10 (34) win in front of 40,000 fans on Saturday evening.

While the spectacle was far from pretty, it was a mature performance from Matthew Nicks’ side, who held firm when GWS surged in patches — particularly after half-time when heavy rain lashed the ground. The win lifts Adelaide to 4-2 on the season, level with the Giants, and into the top five.

Adelaide’s pressure and defensive structure were the difference, with the home side owning the territory battle early and continuing to apply the heat in the contest. Skipper Jordan Dawson (27 disposals, 9 inside 50s) led from the front, while Reilly O’Brien (38 hitouts, 12 disposals) dominated the ruck duel against an out-of-sorts Kieren Briggs.

Despite having four of the top five ball-winners on the ground — Lachie Whitfield (39), Tom Green (36), Lachie Ash (29) and Finn Callaghan (28) — GWS failed to turn possession into points. Without Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan (calf), the GWS Giants lacked a reliable target inside 50 and often kicked aimlessly to numbers.

Adelaide’s forwards weren’t much more polished, but they took their chances when it mattered. Taylor Walker was the only multiple goal scorer on the ground with two, while Max Michalanney brought the home crowd to its feet with a long-range major — the first of his career — early in the third term.

Recruit Alex Neal-Bullen (20 disposals, one goal) was a key contributor, snapping a goal in traffic to shift momentum, while Matt Crouch (26 disposals, 7 clearances) and Rory Laird (21) helped control the stoppages.

The match threatened to boil over in the final term after Izak Rankine gave the Crows breathing space with a composed finish, only for Jake Stringer to respond with his first goal after three early misses. But Adelaide’s defensive resolve held up in the closing stages, with the Giants unable to mount a serious comeback.

One concern for the Crows was an apparent shoulder injury to Darcy Fogarty after a third-quarter collision with Harry Himmelberg. The key forward returned briefly but was eventually subbed out and iced up on the bench.

While both teams were well below their best with ball in hand — the first half saw a combined 91 turnovers — it was Adelaide who made fewer mistakes and capitalised when the game was up for grabs.

The win marks the Crows’ first over a top-four side in 2025 and sends a message that they’re well and truly in the hunt to play finals. For the Giants, it was a night of missed opportunities and a stark reminder that control without impact won’t win games — especially on the road, and especially in the wet.

Adelaide v GWS Giants final score

Adelaide 7.10 (52)
GWS Giants 4.10 (34)

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