Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Adelaide Crows climbed into the AFL top six after captain Jordan Dawson inspired a tense 11.9 (75) to 10.14 (74) win over Geelong at a rain-soaked Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.
The result gave Adelaide its first win over Geelong in five years, ending a six-game losing run against the Cats and lifting Matthew Nicks’ side to 7-5.
For more AFL news, read Dean Solomon Rejects James Hird Coaching Talk As Essendon Focus Turns To Carlton.
Dawson Leads Adelaide Through Late Drama
Darcy Fogarty was denied a late goal after a score review, but the behind that was awarded put Adelaide in front with less than four minutes left. Neither side scored again as the Crows held on in a fierce final stretch.
"We've played so many games against them that have been tight, so to get one is really pleasing," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said.
"Geelong are such a great side and have been for so long ... but for me it's more about the way we got it done.
"Deep down I just know how good we are and it's hard sometimes to walk in here and talk to that, but I will today.
"The boys executed under immense pressure and I'm incredibly proud of the way they went about it. They deserve the result."
Dawson finished with 22 disposals and three goals despite hurting his hip in a third-quarter collision. Taylor Walker may face review after pushing Connor O'Sullivan into Dawson in a marking contest.
"He's a warrior. He's not the only one, but he incredibly just kept going," Nicks said of Dawson.
"It was quite a collision but it doesn't surprise us. That's why he's our captain. He just finds a way."
Geelong Left To Rue Missed Chances
Daniel Curtin had 26 disposals and took a key late intercept mark, while Wayne Milera and Rory Laird were busy for the Adelaide Crows. Official AFL match updates are available through the AFL website.
Bailey Smith led Geelong with 34 disposals, while Max Holmes and Patrick Dangerfield each had 30. Dangerfield was strong early in midfield, but the Cats were wasteful in front of goal.
"I was going to say we shouldn't walk away devastated - but I am devastated," Cats coach Chris Scott said.
"We feel like the game was there for us to win and we didn't quite grab it.
"But that is, to an extent, the competition we're in."