In a thrilling opening to the Gather Round, Geelong Cats emerged victorious against the Adelaide Crows with a final score of 119 to 100 at Adelaide Oval on April 10, 2025. This match, which kicked off at 7:40 PM AEST, was marked by a strong performance from Geelong, who overcame the absence of their All-Australian defender Tom Stewart due to illness.
Stewart's late withdrawal was a significant blow for the Cats, who had to adjust their lineup at the last minute. Ted Clohesy stepped in to fill the void left by Stewart, who woke up unwell on the day of the match and could not prove his fitness. Despite this setback, Geelong managed to maintain their composure and secure a crucial win.
On the other hand, the Crows entered the game unchanged, with Izak Rankine proving his fitness after a week of uncertainty surrounding his calf injury. Initially doubtful for the match after missing the captain's run on Wednesday, Rankine was cleared to play just hours before the opening bounce, much to the relief of the Adelaide fans.
Both teams had made strategic changes leading up to this encounter. The Crows welcomed back midfielders Matt Crouch and Zac Taylor, who replaced Lachie Murphy and James Borlase in the lineup. Meanwhile, Geelong had previously made adjustments by bringing in Mark Blicavs and Mitch Knevitt, who replaced Jack Henry and Clohesy in the starting side before Stewart's illness forced another change.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of excitement. Geelong's forward line was particularly effective, with Jeremy Cameron leading the charge by scoring four goals. Patrick Dangerfield also made a significant impact, contributing four goals of his own, showcasing his veteran prowess on the field.
Adelaide, despite the loss, had standout performances from several players. Darcy Fogarty was a key figure for the Crows, netting four goals, while Ben Keays added three to the tally. Other contributors included Izak Rankine, who scored two goals, and Taylor Walker, who also found the back of the net twice.
The game saw a close contest throughout, with both teams exchanging leads. Geelong managed to edge ahead with a total of 18 goals compared to Adelaide's 15, and while the Crows had a slight advantage in marks with 88 to Geelong's 73, it was the Cats' efficiency in front of goal that ultimately made the difference.
In terms of overall statistics, the match was tightly contested. Geelong recorded 119 points with 18 goals and 8 behinds, while Adelaide finished with 100 points, scoring 15 goals and 10 behinds. The kicking and handballing statistics were almost identical, with Adelaide achieving 217 kicks and 148 handballs, while Geelong had 215 kicks and 141 handballs.
Clearances were another critical area where Geelong edged out their opponents, winning 40 to Adelaide's 37. However, the Crows managed to keep the pressure on with a solid defensive effort, registering 54 tackles compared to the Cats' 51.
The victory for Geelong not only boosts their confidence after a previous win against Melbourne but also allows them to improve their season record to 3-2. The Crows, on the other hand, faced their second consecutive loss, dropping to 3-2 after their earlier defeat to Gold Coast.
As the Gather Round continues, this match sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting festival of football in South Australia. The Cats will look to build on this momentum, while the Crows will aim to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
Fans can look forward to more thrilling action as the Gather Round progresses, with both teams showcasing their talent and determination on the field. The rivalry between Geelong and Adelaide remains fierce, and this match only adds another chapter to their storied encounters.
