Adelaide premiership captain Mark Bickley has described the 1997 preliminary final against the Western Bulldogs as “the most euphoric moment” of his career.
The Crows claimed a two-point over the Bulldogs thanks to a late goal from Darren Jarman.
Bickley told The Optus Crows Show that hearing the final siren to claim a Grand Final berth was “spectacular”.
“The game being so close, a Grand Final on the end of it, not knowing back in those days… the runner didn’t come out and tell you there was 30 seconds to go,” Bickley said.
“We were hanging on for dear life.”
Adelaide entered half-time with a 31-point deficit but surged on the back of Jarman (three goals), Andrew McLeod (22 disposals, one goal) and Kane Johnson (21 disposals).
“We were about four or five goals down, we hadn’t played all that well,” Bickley said.
“I don’t think we felt as though we were out of the game, but we just felt we needed to improve.
“Blighty (Malcolm Blight) made that very well-known at half-time.
“We were able to turn it around in the second half.”
Bickley said the Club’s failure to reach a Grand Final in 1993 helped spur the comeback on.
“When there’s a Grand Final on the end of it, it’s a pretty big motivator for you,” Bickley said.
“In 1993 we were in the opposite position against Essendon… about seven goals up,” he said.
“We let that opportunity slip to play in a Grand Final and of course Essendon went on to win the flag.
“I think there were nine or 10 players who were still playing from ‘93. Even if it was subconsciously, we knew we had to make the most of it.”
Also on The Optus Crows Show this week, Rory Atkins shows off his video game skills and Nigel Smart looks back on the 2002 semi final against Melbourne.
The Optus Crows Show airs on Channel 7 at 1pm ACST in Adelaide.
For interstate fans, you can watch the full episode on afc.com.au shortly after.