A last-gasp goal to Angus Graham has delivered Adelaide a courageous four-point victory over North Adelaide at Prospect Oval.
Graham hauled down a strong contested mark 30 metres out with just 20 seconds remaining in a thrilling final-quarter battle. The 201 cm ruckman calmly slotted the set shot to hand the SANFL Crows a memorable 15.4 (94) to 13.12 (90) victory over last year’s Grand Finalists.
The margin between the two sides never extended beyond three goals in what was a titanic struggle all afternoon.
The lead changed hands four times in a thrilling final quarter. North Adelaide looked to have the result sewn up when the Roosters banged on four straight goals and consolidated their advantage with a major to Jay Shannon at the 25-minute mark.
But Graham’s heroics ensured the SANFL Crows marched to their third victory from the side’s last four games.
Comeback Crow Tom Lynch was influential in his first game in seven weeks since returning from a fractured jaw. Lynch gathered 31 disposals, eight marks and seven inside-50ms in a scintillating performance.
Impressive left-footer Matt Crouch was also at his prolific best for the SANFL Crows. The 19-year-old collected a game-high 35 disposals and nine clearances in a masterful midfield display.
SANFL skipper Ian Callinan (27 possessions, four marks, one goal) led from the front, while Kyle Hartigan and Jake Kelly were irrepressible in defence.
The win was even more extraordinary given Adelaide was reduced to 20 men, with Ricky Henderson benched after half time with a quad complaint.
Adelaide coach Heath Younie said the win was a just reward for the much-improved SANFL Crows.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the team today,” Younie told afc.com.au post-match.
“It was a real battle out there and the guys just refused to give it away, which was the most pleasing aspect.
“It’s that kind of attitude and work ethic that is the cornerstone of what we are about as a Club.”
Younie, a dual best and fairest at North Adelaide from 183 games with the Roosters, said he felt helpless watching the frenetic final moments.
“In the coaches box, there’s not much you can do.” Younie said.
“You’ve just got to let the players play and hope that they stick to the systems and structures that you’ve taught them throughout the year.
“Thankfully, they did and they got the rewards.”
In his first appearance since Round Seven, Lynch had a dream opportunity to kick the first goal of the game six minutes into the contest but his set shot sailed wide.
Both sides traded blows in a see-sawing opening quarter, with Adelaide’s Jason Porplyzia slotting the Crows’ first with a crafty snap under pressure.
North’s Matthew Campbell kept the Roosters in the hunt early, but Adelaide had the answers through rookie Crows Jack Osborn and James Battersby to take a one-point lead into the first change.
Lynch, Crouch and Callinan imposed themselves on the contest in the second term, as the Crows booted three goals in quick succession to skip out to an 18-point advantage. The lead would ultimately be the biggest margin of the contest.
The Roosters wrestled back momentum midway through the term with the aid of a strong breeze, but could not find the middle and blew several late opportunities. North finished with five behinds for the quarter, as the Crows held on to a nine-point advantage at the main break.
Two goals to former Crow Alan Obst saw the home side snatch the lead for the first time of the match 10 minutes into the third term. But smooth-moving left-footer Mitch Grigg responded immediately for Adelaide with his second major of the match to reclaim the lead.
The Roosters continued to pepper the scoreboard but inaccuracy hurt the home side as the Rooster remained six points adrift at the final break.
The floodgates opened in the final term as both sides battled end to end in a final-quarter shootout.
Adelaide rebounded from nowhere after a string of four unanswered Rooster goals, with classy goals to Will Paynter and James Battersby keeping the Crows in touch.
Graham then made the game his own to give the Crows their fourth win of the season and propel Adelaide into seventh spot on the SANFL ladder.
ADELAIDE 3.2 6.3 9.3 15.4 (94)
NORTH ADELAIDE 3.1 4.6 7.9 13.12 (90)
GOALS
Adelaide: Grigg 2, Porplyzia 2, Graham 2, Robinson 2, Battersby 2, Osborn, Spina, Callinan, Atkins, Paynter
North Adelaide: Campbell 3, Obst 2, Shannon 2, Mitchell, Anderson, Thiele, Ryswyk, Combe, Motlop
BEST
Adelaide: M. Crouch, Hartigan, Graham, Callinan, Lynch, Kelly, Atkins, Knight
North Adelaide: Shannon, Amato, Motlop, Anderson, Obst
INJURIES
Adelaide: Henderson (quad)
North Adelaide: Nil
