Adelaide Crows Outshine St Kilda in Wet Conditions at Adelaide Oval

Adelaide Crows delivered a strong performance in challenging wet conditions at Adelaide Oval, securing a 32-point victory over St Kilda in a Saturday night clash.

Riley Thilthorpe, making a comeback, played a pivotal role for the Crows, scoring two crucial goals in the final quarter after starting as a substitute.

The match showcased emerging talents like Jake Soligo, who shone with 25 possessions, alongside seasoned players Jordan Dawson and triple club champion Rory Laird, who demonstrated their experience with 26 and 31 disposals, respectively.

On the St Kilda side, defender Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera led the charge with 29 disposals, while Mattaes Phillipou stood out with 20 possessions and a remarkable goal in the third term.

Mason Wood and Cooper Sharman contributed with two goals each, supported by Hunter Clark and the returning Zak Jones who displayed their skills with 21 and 20 touches, respectively.

The first quarter saw St Kilda take the lead at 3.3 to 2.1, with Sharman making an impact with two set-shot goals and Phillipou’s impressive performance.

However, Adelaide turned the tables in the second quarter, scoring three goals to St Kilda’s one, taking a narrow four-point lead into halftime at 5.5 to 4.7.

Despite heavy rain making scoring difficult in the third term, Phillipou’s sensational 55-meter goal brought St Kilda within one point before Adelaide’s Sholl responded with a critical goal, maintaining a slim eight-point advantage heading into the final quarter.

The Crows broke away in the last quarter with Dowling extending the lead, followed by Thilthorpe’s impactful return, sealing the victory with two quick goals.

Adelaide Coach Matthew Nicks praised his team’s efforts, highlighting their ability to adapt to the conditions and turn the game around, while St Kilda’s Ross Lyon acknowledged Adelaide’s superior performance and cleanliness in crucial aspects of the game.