EMERGING Adelaide forward Riley Thilthorpe has proven the hero as the Crows reeled in a 36-point deficit to pinch a stunning six-point victory over St Kilda.
The Crows kicked the final seven goals on Saturday night as Thilthorpe’s kick over his head from 10 metres out put them in front for the first time in the game with a minute to go.
Adelaide went scoreless until midway through the second quarter but came good when it mattered to win 9.12 (66) to 8.12 (60) in Cairns.
Thilthorpe had a chance to kick his third goal and put Adelaide in front only minutes earlier but his tough set shot went out on the full.
However, the Crows kept charging to break St Kilda hearts and all but end the Saints’ chances of playing finals for the second-straight year.
Thilthorpe’s second goal came in controversial circumstances with the umpire handing him a free kick for contact against St Kilda defender Dougal Howard only metres out from goal.
The early roles were reversed in the second half as Adelaide kicked 7.6 to 1.6, with the Saints’ last goal coming two minutes into the third term.
After being dominated in the middle during the first quarter-and-a-half, Adelaide’s on-field brigade got on top with Ben Keays, Paul Seedsman and captain Rory Sloane playing crucial roles.
Adelaide collected last year’s wooden spoon but can now add a rousing comeback win to giant upsets over premiership contenders Geelong and Melbourne this season.
St Kilda utility Hunter Clark’s game ended early after being on the wrong end of a strong collision with Adelaide veteran David Mackay during the second quarter.
Clark, who was subbed off for Jack Bytel, was left with a broken jaw, while a dazed Mackay was able to gather himself and play out the game.
Both sides have the bye next weekend before St Kilda face Richmond at the MCG and the Crows travel to tackle Carlton in round 15.
(C) AAP 2021
ADELAIDE 0.0 2.6 6.6 9.12 (66)
ST KILDA 4.3 7.6 8.9 8.12 (60)
Goals: Adelaide: R Thilthorpe 3 B Smith D Mackay J Rowe R Sloane S McAdam T Walker. St Kilda: M King 2 M Wood 2 B Crouch D Butler J Sinclair R Byrnes.
Umpires: Robert Findlay, Nick Brown, Alex Whetton.
Venue: Cazaly’s Stadium.
