Crows Survive Tigers’ Scare as Rankine Stars in Wet Thriller
In a gripping Round 22 clash, Adelaide edged out Richmond by four points, with Izak Rankine delivering a career-best performance to keep the Crows’ top-four hopes alive. The match, played in wet conditions, saw the lead change hands multiple times before Zac Taylor’s 50m set shot with under four minutes remaining sealed the victory for Adelaide.
Rankine was the standout, amassing 36 disposals, 11 clearances, and a crucial long-range goal in the third quarter that swung momentum back to the Crows. His efforts were complemented by captain Jordan Dawson, who contributed 34 disposals and a goal, helping Adelaide establish an early 13-point lead. However, Richmond fought back through goals from Campbell and Mykelti Lefau, trailing by just one point at half-time.
The Tigers continued their resurgence in the third term, taking the lead with two brilliant finishes, but Rankine’s dominance in the midfield and his stunning long bomb reignited Adelaide’s charge. The Crows reclaimed the lead at three-quarter time, setting up a tense final quarter. Despite Richmond’s relentless pressure, Adelaide’s composure under pressure proved decisive, with Taylor’s late goal sealing a hard-fought victory.
While the win was crucial for Adelaide’s finals aspirations, concerns remain over their ball use going forward, particularly in wet conditions. The Crows’ 14th win of the season keeps them in contention, but they will need to address their forward efficiency to make a deep finals run. For Richmond, the narrow loss highlighted their young talent’s potential, but also exposed the gap between them and the competition’s top sides.
Shimanta Das 
