The Adelaide Crows continued their strong start to the 2025 AFL season, defeating the North Melbourne Kangaroos 86 to 59 at Adelaide Oval on March 30. The Crows, who remain unbeaten, showcased their dominance with a well-rounded performance, particularly in contested possessions and tackling, as they pushed their record to 3-0.
In a game that saw a mix of skill and intensity, the Crows led at every change, with a particularly strong third quarter where they extended their lead to 27 points. The Crows had 283 disposals compared to North Melbourne's 261 by the end of the third quarter, demonstrating their control over the match.
Adelaide's Taylor Walker was a standout player, kicking three goals, while Riley Thilthorpe and Ben Keays contributed significantly with two goals each. The Crows' ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident as they out-tackled North Melbourne 48 to 38, a telling statistic that highlighted their defensive prowess.
Despite trailing for most of the match, North Melbourne showed resilience, with Nick Larkey scoring three goals to keep his team within striking distance. The Kangaroos managed to close the gap to just nine points at one stage, but the Crows responded decisively, maintaining their advantage with critical goals from players like Sid Draper, who scored his first AFL goal, and Cam Zurhaar, who kept the pressure on with a goal for North Melbourne.
The match began with high expectations for both teams. North Melbourne entered the game with a 1-1 record after a solid performance against Melbourne the previous week, while the Crows looked to build on their unbeaten streak. The Kangaroos, under the guidance of coach Alastair Clarkson, opted for an unchanged lineup, signaling their confidence in the squad. In contrast, Crows coach Matthew Nicks made a strategic change, bringing in James Borlase to replace the injured Nick Murray.
As the game progressed, the Crows quickly established their dominance, leading 8.5 (53) to 5.5 (35) at halftime. However, the match took a concerning turn for Adelaide when young forward Josh Rachele suffered a rib injury in the second quarter after a heavy collision with North Melbourne's ruckman Tristan Xerri. Rachele was substituted out of the match, leaving the Crows to adjust their strategy without one of their key players.
After halftime, the intensity of the match increased, with both teams exchanging goals. The Crows continued to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, with Walker and Thilthorpe leading the charge. The Crows' ability to score from stoppages proved crucial, as they consistently found ways to push the ball forward into their attacking zone.
One of the highlights of the match was the performance of Ben Keays, who not only contributed with goals but also played a vital role in the midfield. His second goal came at a critical moment, extending the Crows' lead and providing a much-needed boost to the home crowd.
North Melbourne attempted to mount a comeback, with Larkey and Paul Curtis providing some attacking flair. Curtis's goal brought the Kangaroos within eight points, but the Crows responded swiftly, with Draper and Keays pushing the lead back to a more comfortable margin.
The final quarter saw the Crows hold their nerve, despite North Melbourne's best efforts to close the gap. The Kangaroos, who had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the match, struggled to maintain their momentum as the Crows tightened their defense and continued to apply pressure.
In a significant off-field development, Richmond's Rhyan Mansell received a three-game ban for a dangerous push on St Kilda's Liam O'Connell during a previous match. The incident raised eyebrows, especially considering the AFL's stance on player safety and the consistency of penalties across similar incidents.
The Crows' victory not only solidifies their position at the top of the ladder but also sets the tone for the remainder of the season. With a perfect start, they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches. Meanwhile, North Melbourne will need to regroup and reassess as they prepare for their next challenge, hoping to find the consistency that eluded them against the Crows.
As the AFL season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and standout performances from both teams. The Crows will be particularly keen to maintain their unbeaten streak, while the Kangaroos will aim to bounce back and establish themselves as serious contenders in the league.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the 2025 AFL season unfolds, with each match promising to deliver excitement and drama.
