Rowe defeated former Crows coach Graham Cornes and previous winner Tony Modra in a stellar performance before the Adelaide V Hawthorn clash.
The conditions were difficult for goal scoring, with a blustery wind lashing at the faces of the former stars and the mercury barely climbing into double figures. Modra was again the favourite with Rowe and Cornes expected to just make up the numbers.
It was Stephen Rowe who began proceedings, and he seemed to enjoy the task of having “nothing to lose” against the ilk of Tony Modra. His plan was to attack at all costs, and hopefully set a standard that would make his opponents really feel the pressure. Rowe looked relaxed and comfortable on the main stage, kicking two goals and one behind. His time was quick, and he would take some beating.
Graham Cornes was the next man in the limelight, and he looked slightly nervous in front of the unforgiving crowd. He was erratic, kicking one goal, one point and one which failed to register on the scoreboard.
Former Crows legend Tony Modra was the last man to enter AAMI Stadium. Modra, who is no stranger to the Foodland “Kick-Off For A Camry” competition having won the last two, was placed under genuine pressure by the underdog Stephen Rowe. For the first time Modra looked uncomfortable and would need to be at his best to make it through to the Grand Final. The former Coleman Medallist rushed through his kicks and only managed to register one point, which was as a result from the ball thudding into the post. The crowd was stunned as Rowe celebrated and the forlorn figures of Graham Cornes and Tony Modra departed the arena. Their Foodland shoppers are left consolation prizes, no longer in the running for the new model Toyota Camry.
Foodland shoppers entered the competition by filling out a coupon at their local Foodland store. Six lucky names were drawn at random and each aligned with a former Crow with the ability to snag a goal. An epic Grand Final is assured, with Darren Jarman and Stephen Rowe to lock horns before the Adelaide V Collingwood game at AAMI Stadium on Saturday August 5 at 6.40pm. There is a great deal at stake, with one lucky Foodland shopper sure to walk away with the keys to a new Toyota Camry!
