In a thrilling opening to the Gather Round on Thursday night, April 10, 2025, the Adelaide Crows faced off against the Geelong Cats at the iconic Adelaide Oval, marking a critical clash between two potential finals contenders. With both teams coming off contrasting performances, the stakes were high as spectators anticipated an intense showdown.
Adelaide entered the match with a season that had seen them score an impressive 500 points, the highest in the league, but they were coming off a bitterly disappointing loss to the Gold Coast Suns just a week prior. The Crows lost that match by a single point, a defeat compounded by a controversial umpiring decision that left fans and players alike fuming. “We had our chances to win that game, and it was a tough pill to swallow,” said veteran forward Taylor Walker. “Now, we need to bounce back and show what we’re made of against a quality side like Geelong.”
The Cats, last year’s preliminary finalists, were looking to build on their recent form, having secured a commanding victory over the Melbourne Demons with a staggering 148 uncontested marks. This strategy of maintaining possession has become a hallmark of Geelong’s disciplined play, and it posed a significant challenge for the Crows. “That will be a big focus for us tomorrow night,” Walker noted, highlighting the need for Adelaide to counter Geelong’s possession game.
As the match unfolded, the Crows were buoyed by the return of their key players, including Darcy Fogarty, who had recently made headlines for a unique promotional partnership with a local brewery. Fogarty had forfeited a $30,000 windfall after deciding not to keep a temporary tattoo of a Cooper’s beer can on his bicep for the match. Despite the absence of the tattoo, Fogarty still managed to celebrate a second-quarter goal in style, mimicking the action of cracking open a beer after scoring, much to the delight of the crowd. “And then the celebration. Wait for it, wait for it ... he cracked one open,” remarked Channel 7’s Kane Cornes, capturing the jubilant atmosphere in the stadium.
In the lead-up to the game, Fogarty had expressed uncertainty about the tattoo’s longevity, stating, “It looks good. I’m not sure how they did it but it’s slowly starting to peel a little bit at the edges.” Yet, his performance on the field was anything but fleeting, as he teamed up with Walker to create a formidable attacking duo.
Geelong’s defense, anchored by Tom Stewart, was prepared for the challenge posed by Fogarty and Walker. Stewart had taken 11 marks in their previous game against Melbourne and was well aware of the offensive threats that Adelaide presented. “We – as a team, collectively – and me, myself, we’re probably going to have our hands full,” Stewart acknowledged. “Three big boys who like throwing their weight around – that’s the one thing I’m going to be on red alert for.”
As the match progressed, the intensity on the field mirrored the stakes of the contest. Adelaide was determined to assert their dominance early, while Geelong aimed to maintain their structured approach. The Crows needed to capitalize on their scoring prowess, while the Cats focused on their defensive strategies to stifle Adelaide’s attack.
With the first half drawing to a close, both teams had moments of brilliance, but it was clear that the match would be a test of endurance and tactical execution. Adelaide's recent form had shown flashes of brilliance, but they needed to prove they could withstand the pressure of a finals contender like Geelong.
Meanwhile, the health of Adelaide's star onballer Izak Rankine remained a point of concern. He had been limited to a light training session earlier in the week due to a calf injury, leaving fans anxious about his fitness for the crucial match. “We’ll make a last-minute call on his fitness,” a Crows spokesperson said, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding Rankine's availability.
As the second half began, the atmosphere in Adelaide Oval was electric, with fans rallying behind their team. The Crows had a chance to showcase their attacking flair and prove they could compete with the best in the league. The excitement was palpable as the players took to the field, ready to battle for every possession.
Throughout the match, Adelaide's strategy was clear: they aimed to exploit Geelong’s defensive weaknesses while maintaining their high-scoring capabilities. The Crows utilized quick ball movement and dynamic forward entries, looking to create scoring opportunities. Walker and Fogarty's synergy was evident as they combined for several key plays, pushing the Cats' defense to its limits.
Conversely, Geelong's approach was methodical, relying on their ability to control the tempo of the game. The Cats' disciplined style of play was evident as they sought to limit Adelaide's scoring chances while capitalizing on turnovers. Stewart's leadership in defense was crucial, as he rallied his teammates to maintain focus and composure.
As the final quarter approached, the tension in the stadium reached a fever pitch. Fans were on the edge of their seats, knowing that the outcome could significantly impact both teams' aspirations for the season. Would Adelaide solidify their standing as a finals contender, or would Geelong assert their dominance and continue their pursuit of a premiership?
With the game still in progress, the excitement was palpable. Both teams were fighting tooth and nail, and it was evident that neither side was willing to back down. The final moments promised to be a showcase of skill, determination, and the heart of Australian rules football.
