Adelaide notched up its fourth win of season 2025 on Saturday evening, as it defeated Greater Western Sydney by 18 points in a low-scoring affair at Adelaide Oval. 

The Crows led at every change, as their defence held up strongly to concede just 34 points and the midfield got the better of a star-studded Giants unit. 

Here are five key takeaways from Matthew Nicks’ post-match press conference. 

Defence holds up 

Adelaide came into Saturday’s clash against Greater Western Sydney knowing it had to improve the defensive side of its game, after conceding an average of 92 points across its first five matches. 

The back six banded together under pressure and produced their best performance of the season, as they held the dangerous Giants to just four goals.

“We were defensively stronger today, a lot stronger than what we had been up to this point in the season,” Nicks said. 

“That was an area we knew we had to improve on, and tonight was a great step in the right direction. 

“I enjoy footy as much as anyone, I enjoy the spectacle, but from a coaching point of view, my experience tells me you have to be able to defend, there aren’t many teams that win a Grand Final and concede 100 points plus. 

“We were under a lot of pressure, especially in that third quarter, and I thought our backs really stood up for us. Michalanney, Worrell, Murray coming back brings an energy to us, that whole defensive group was outstanding tonight.” 

Neal-Bullen’s influence on show 

In just his sixth game as a Crow, forward Alex Neal-Bullen’s impact was evident for all to see, as he worked tirelessly to ensure Adelaide came away with the four points. 

Playing across half forward, Neal-Bullen recorded 20 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency and 24 pressure acts, while also kicking a classy goal late in the third term. 

“It (Neal-Bullen’s role) stood out to us, we know how we want to play and we know what Alex brings to our group,” Nicks said. 

“It was amazing how many contests he was involved in and if he wasn’t he was right on the periphery of them in the right spots. 

“He played a really important role for us tonight, slightly different to what he has been, and he was instrumental, even if it’s not with ball in hand, it was where he was getting himself too.” 

Max’s first goal lifts the group 

The highlight of the night came in the early stages of the third term, as much-loved defender Max Michalanney found himself on the end of some slick ball movement and put through the first goal of his AFL career. 

The moment was the cherry on top of an outstanding night for the third-year Crow, who kept Giants star Toby Greene goalless in what was a complete performance. 

Nicks highlighted Michalanney’s goal, and how it lifted the team. 

“There was so much that led into it (Max’s first goal), but to have that little bit of polish on the end of it and the grin on his face was outstanding,” Nicks said.

“50-odd games in and he’s knocked his first one through, it’s a moment that he’ll never forget. 

“That moment was really big for the team as well, and gave us a lot of energy at a crucial point in the game as well.” 

Midfield unit works for each other 

Matched up against one of the competition’s premier on-ball units, Adelaide needed a team effort through the middle of the ground to get on top, and that was exactly what it got on Saturday evening. 

Star Izak Rankine received attention from premier Giants stopper Toby Bedford, and the likes of Jordan Dawson, Jake Soligo and Matt Crouch picked up the slack, as the Crows dominated clearance 37-24. 

“I was really pleased with Ranks’ (Izak Rankine’s game), we knew he'd work through what would be a really strong tag, I think Bedford has been outstanding (this year), he’s a great young player,” Nicks said. 

“I thought Soligo stepped up and took his opportunity again, he’s been great for us this year, and Crouch as well was excellent. 

“So having a group that can go through there and carry the load makes it a little easier, it’s not all on Izak to be outstanding every week, but I thought he was strong under a lot of pressure.” 

Stepping up in the contest 

Conditions were certainly not favourable at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, with a swirling breeze and intermittent rain making the contest a crucial aspect of the match. 

The Crows adapted beautifully to the challenge, as they dominated the Giants in the trenches, winning contested ball 138-121, and got the ball moving forward to record 56 inside 50’s compared to their opposition's 43. 

“The contest is always going to be huge every week, any loose ball it was really who’s going to get their hands on it,” Nicks said. 

“We watched their game last week and they were stronger than their opposition in that space, and we knew if we didn’t get that done tonight it would be a different result. So it was pleasing we were able to get on top in that area. 

“I don’t know what the exact contested ball numbers were, I don’t really care at the moment, but we looked hungrier, we looked like we had fast feet and we when it really counted as the rain came down we adjusted well. 

“I think that is a sign of maturity from our group to be able to consistently produce in that area of the game across four quarters.”