Adelaide have thrashed Essendon, with Hugo Hall-Kahan among their three first-time goalscorers. Photo: Dylan Burns/AAP PHOTOS
Adelaide’s fate rests squarely in their own hands, says coach Matthew Nicks, after the Crows returned to the AFL top four with a comfortable 72-point win over battling Essendon.
The Bombers, anchored to the bottom of the ladder after Richmond’s win over West Coast earlier on Sunday, started brightly with the first two goals.
But Adelaide kicked the final five majors of the first term and never looked back, romping home by 23.7 (145) to 11.7 (73) at Marvel Stadium.
“We’ve just got to continue to win now. Destiny’s in our hands,” Nicks said.
“I guess in a way we’ve earned the position we’re in. We’ve now got three weeks to nail that, starting next weekend.”
Riley Thilthorpe joined the Adelaide goalfest, kicking five. (Dylan Burns/AAP PHOTOS)
The Crows (13-7) are in prime position to seize a top-four berth, but Nicks urged his charges to lock in on their next match against Richmond at Adelaide Oval.
“It’s something that we acknowledge. We look at results yesterday and we don’t shy away from the fact that that opportunity is now there,” Nicks said.
“If you win all three games, then it’s ours.”
Adelaide spearhead Riley Thilthorpe, who Nicks called “dominant”, monstered Essendon’s defence and finished with 5.2 and 10 marks.
Crows star Izak Rankine (23 disposals, 10 score involvements and three goals) was influential.
Skipper Jordan Dawson (30 disposals, nine clearances) was prolific, while Billy Dowling and Ben Keays kicked three goals each.
On return from injury, Crows recruit Callum Ah Chee kicked two goals and had three goal assists.
Adelaide also celebrated terrific maiden AFL goals from impressive debutant Oscar Ryan, Hugo Hall-Kahan and first-gamer Archie Ludowyk.
James Borlase (hamstring awareness) sat out the second half but Nicks believed the defender would be fine.
Peter Wright was a shining light for Essendon, kicking six goals.
Peter Wright was defiant for the cellar dwelling Bombers, kicking six majors. (Dylan Burns/AAP PHOTOS)
“His last four or five, six weeks have been sensational,” interim coach Dean Solomon said.
“The way that he’s showed leadership within the whole group, it’s been a significant shift in growth for Pete and no doubt game day has just been an outcome of that mindset.
“So he got a bit of reward today.”
Essendon star Zach Merrett (27 disposals) fought hard and young gun Archie Roberts (26) was a threat.
Zach Merrett provided a focal point for the Bombers … and a seat for Oscar Ryan. (Dylan Burns/AAP PHOTOS)
Essendon’s Angus Clarke was concussed when he was accidentally collected by teammate Isaac Kako.
Solomon said Clarke would head to hospital due to neck soreness and expected him to have his left knee, which he hyperextended earlier, scanned.
The gulf in class won out and Adelaide led by 33 points at halftime, then 50 at three-quarter time before kicking away late.
Solomon lamented Essendon conceding 66 points in “red time” late in quarters.
“It’s been a bit of a theme over the last five or six weeks. We concede one, it becomes two or three or four very quickly,” he said.
Essendon (2-18), still in the recruitment process for their next coach, next face Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.
Australian Associated Press
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