Ben Keays tried his best to suppress his disbelief.<\/p>\n
\u201cWow \u2026 I will probably leave it at that, I hope you guys don\u2019t mind,\u201d the Adelaide forward said.<\/p>\n
Keays was reacting to the AFL\u2019s backflip, which will no longer allow the ARC to amend decisions after play has resumed.<\/p>\n
The left-footer was at the centre of the previous change when he was denied of a finals-shaping goal against Sydney in 2023.<\/p>\n
The goal umpire incorrectly called Keays\u2019 late goal against the Swans in Round 23 a behind, which ultimately cost the Crows a spot in the finals.<\/p>\n
This year the ARC could bring the ball back to the goal line even if it had gone live to ensure the correct call.<\/p>\n
But after some teething issues over the weekend, the AFL reverted to the ruling that cost Keays and the Crows three seasons ago.<\/p>\n
Keays wasn\u2019t aware of the change and was caught off guard by the update when asked on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, you can take the ball and play on from a point kick-in, and it\u2019s back to that (rule)? Wow,\u201d Keays said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, yeah, that\u2019s my first instance finding out about that, um yeah, it\u2019s interesting.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince I haven\u2019t prepared a response, I will probably leave it at that, I hope you guys don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those fine margins that cost Adelaide a finals berth in 2023 could again come into play in Friday night\u2019s all-encompassing Showdown.<\/p>\n
The Crows are three wins from seven matches with a percentage of 96.1 after bowing out of last season\u2019s finals without a scalp.<\/p>\n
Port Adelaide is fresh off a brilliant win over Geelong and remarkably enter the Showdown with the possibility of putting a dent in Adelaide\u2019s premiership chances.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just love the energetic and intense atmosphere, sort of the hum of the crowd,\u201d Keays said in anticipation of the Showdown.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what makes it such an amazing fixture, it\u2019s like a bit of a cauldron out there on the Adelaide Oval and that\u2019s created by both sets of fans.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am looking forward to all the Crows fans being there in full voice and bringing that intense atmosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adelaide is yet to make a decision on whether its captain and Showdown hero Jordan Dawson will play after the sudden death of his brother.<\/p>\n
Dawson played last weekend against Brisbane but was visibly emotional after the game.<\/p>\n
Keays said the Crows would continue to support Dawson and his availability.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbsolutely, we\u2019re going to support Daws however he needs, support his family as a club and whatever he needs we\u2019ll be there for him,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n