Rankine’s Spark and Walker’s Long Bombs Lift Crows in Comeback Win

Adelaide supporters saw a dramatic finish at home on Friday night, 1 August. Taylor Walker and Rankine powered the Crows to an epic 14-point win over Hawthorn. Despite being a powerful comeback, it’s regarded as something more. It’s a proper statement from a side determined to stay at the top of the table. From the game’s outcome, it’s hard to imagine that the Crows were trailing by more than five goals late in the first quarter. Still, the Crows later found their footing and closed out the match 15.11 (101) to 13.9 (87). Star performer Rankine kicked two in the final term while also setting up another. Walker also added to the momentum with his long-range set shots that proved all the difference in front of a packed Adelaide Oval. 

Leading into the Friday night clash, Adelaide was the favourite with odds around 4/7 to 8/11, while Hawthorn sat as the underdog at roughly 7/4 to 2/1. The line was set for Adelaide at about -12.5 to -14.5, typically priced at 10/11, with the total match points over/under market hovering near 162.5 at 10/11 for either outcome. As more people are turning their attention to AFL, interest in online sports betting for the AFL has followed suit. According to Viola D'Elia, the insights by Esports Insider Australia show that line betting and total points markets, in particular, are drawing punters in because of the scoring swings and the high pace of play. Many fans also like that promotions and offers are tailored specifically to Aussie Rules matches. These include boosted margins or doubled winnings on precise results. 

Friday’s match couldn’t have been a better example of why betting markets stay so volatile. The Hawks looked dominant early, stretching out to a 32-point lead before Adelaide managed their first real push. Once the Crows clicked, they took over the second quarter entirely. Adelaide piled on 6.6 to Hawthorn’s zero, flipping the match on its head by halftime. What had looked like a looming disaster suddenly turned into an opportunity, and the home crowd could sense it.

After the siren, head coach Matthew Nicks went on to speak with quiet satisfaction. Regardless of the final result, his focus was on more than the scoreboard. Instead, he had his attention on how the side responded under pressure. Nicks explained that the side’s performance was because of a deep sense of trust between the players and the coaching staff. He went on by stating that it had taken them a while to get to the team’s present performance. Just a few years ago, there had been times when he would be losing his voice at quarter-time. Now, the team is calm and knows what they can bring to the field even when the game isn’t going their way. That steadiness was evident, especially as the Crows absorbed early blows without panicking. 

Captain Jordan Dawson played a key role in the second quarter burst, slotting two goals and gathering 21 disposals across the match. Rory Thilthorpe was another standout, finishing with four goals and presenting a consistent aerial threat inside 50. However, it was Rankine who lit up the final stages, finding another gear when others were slowing down. After struggling to break free earlier, he found space, took risks, and converted when the pressure was highest.

The third quarter brought another twist. Hawthorn refused to fade, replying with six of the next seven goals to edge back in front by eight points at the final break. Gunston was reliable as ever, finishing with four goals, while Jack Ginnivan added two of his own. Around the ball, Karl Amon and Massimo D’Ambrosio were excellent, collecting 23 and 25 possessions respectively. James Sicily had a dominant night in defence, taking 11 marks and providing a constant aerial option. Yet despite all that, they couldn’t hold off Adelaide’s late push.

The final quarter belonged to the Crows. They quickly overturned the deficit with a string of goals that included a pair from Walker, both from distance and under pressure. His first sparked a wave of momentum. His second iced the contest. Rankine’s final goal came from the pocket. It was angled and awkward, but clean off the boot. By the time the siren sounded, the home side had rattled off the last three goals of the match, ending Hawthorn’s resistance and sending the fans into celebration.

While the result doesn’t knock the Hawks out of contention, it does put pressure on them heading into the final weeks of the regular season. They remain in fifth place, but the gap between them and ninth is tight. Adelaide, meanwhile, now sits at 15-5 and is temporarily back on top of the ladder.

Beyond the final scoreline, the Crows’ ability to stay composed and execute under pressure was what stood out most. Adelaide wasn’t at their best for all four quarters. That said, when it mattered most, they found the goals they needed and kept their nerve in defence. That level of control shows just how far this team has come since those earlier years under Nicks.