One of the best first quarters you're ever likely to see, in which 15 goals were kicked by the two teams, was a brilliant start to what would prove to be an exciting matchup. Adelaide started on fire, with two quick goals to Scott Welsh and one to Tyson Edwards in the first 3 minutes. A beautiful snap from the boundary by Englishmen Sean Bennett was just a mind lapse by the Crows, as they went on to kick 5 more goals in a row, Welsh with 4 for the quarter. The Crows 8 goals in 13 minutes had commentators searching for the record books.
Incredibly, TFer's went from 1st to 51st gear in kicking the last 6 goals of the term, the Crows barely touching the pill. Borchich was in devastating touch, 14 disposals for the quarter, plus two class goals from outside 50. Cameron, Blackman and Young were all very effect, providing run and long kicks into the forward fifty.
A much quieter, but none the less, good second quarter saw both teams trading goals in a free flowing shootout. TF youngsters Borchich and Cameron continued on their merry way, Borchich with 22 disposals at half time, and Cameron destroying Graham Johncock in every aspect of the game. With Adelaide going into the half time with the same slender quarter time lead of 4 points, the second half was set to be an epic.
The Crows got off to another flying start in the third quarter, and their supporters were looking confident. But the TF leaders Darren Murphy and Dave Richards weren't about to let the game slip away. Richards set Murphy up for 3 goals for the term, as tempers were starting to flare as result of the TFer's rough style of play. Crow captain and enforcer Mark Rucciuto was flying the flag for the Crows, with some courageous acts and 2 late goals in the quarter.
An all in brawl errupted as Brett Burton crunched the TF captain from behind in a pitiful display, just before the siren. The TF's team orientated spirit was shown as Blackman, McNamara and Bennett came to their skipper's side in a matter of seconds. Blackman was slung to the ground by McGregor, as brawls were going on all over the ground. By the time it was broken up, all 32 players on the ground had been involved in the scuffle, with video footage ready to be looked at during the week.
The last quarter was an anti climax, as the TFer's were never headed after getting infront at the 5 minute mark. Goals were scored from every angle and distance, from the fired up players, with Ed even running up from fullback to kick the final goal of the match. Winning by 32 points, the TFer's had many positives, probably their only negative being Rob Dauth having a shocker, one of the only players to not kick a goal, and, not even getting a kick. The Crows weren't embaressed, banging through 21 goals of their own, but questions will be asked of their sluggish last quarter. Next week, TF has the Lions, in what should be a great game up at the Gabba.
Testing Forum
7.4.46
13.8.86
18.13.121
25.17.167
Adelaide Crows
8.2.50
14.6.90
20.8.128
21.9.135
Testing Forum
Goals: Murphy-7, Cameron-4, Borchich-3, Blackman, Patrick, Ponting-2, McNamara, Ed, Bennett, Richards, Jellet-1
Best:Borchich, Cameron, Murphy, Richards, Blackman, Patrick
Adelaide Crows
Goals: Welsh-6, Rucciuto-4, Perrie, Edwards, McGregor-2, McLeod, Burton, Shirley, Mattner, Goodwin-1
Best-Rucciuto, Welsh, Edwards, Goodwin, Perrie, Bock
3-Borchich-37 disposals, 9 marks, 3 goals
2-Cameron-22 disposals, 8 marks, 4 goals, 5 behinds, 7 tackles
1-Murphy-18 disposals, 13 marks, 7 goals, 1 behind