Adelaide has continued their undefeated record with Erin Phillips in the side, with a commanding 35-point win against a dejected Carlton outfit.
The Blues couldn’t remedy the embarrassment of last week’s record loss to the Western Bulldogs, as they were again unable to control the class and skill of the reigning premiers.
Yet there are concerns over Phillips’ troublesome quad which saw her miss the opening two rounds of the season after the superstar was benched at half-time.
In a must-win clash for both sides, it was a relatively even start to the match with both sides enjoying periods of dominance in their halves of the ground and playing with excellent ferocity and desperation.
It would be the class of Ruth Wallace which would open the game up.
Half way through the first term, Wallace was able to get on the board courtesy of an excellent snap, before doubling the dose minutes later with an incredible piece of work from the boundary.
Having gained a crucial break, it looked as if the Crows would run into quarter-time well in front as they dominated all over the field for the majority of early proceedings.
But a long finish from Tayla Harris right on the siren brought her side within a goal, breathing life back into the dispirited Blues who went into the break just four points down.
Carlton would ride the momentum of Harris’ last-minute goal into the start of the second term, getting on top through the midfield and beginning to get their run and spread going.
The change resulted in a quick major and subsequent lead change, as goalsneak Darcy Vescio put her stamp on the game after winning a tough two-on-one and converting with a snap around the body.
This form would be short-lived however, as Adelaide got back to their structures and began to win more of the ball.
Beginning with an excellent contested mark and conversion by Eloise Jones followed by an incredible boundary line snap just minutes later, the Crows ran rampant in the second half of the quarter piling on four straight goals as Jenna McCormick and Jasmyn Hewett also hit the scoreboard.
A convincing 23-point advantage under their belt going into half-time, the reigning premiers showed just how genuine their dash for finals contention was.
Conversely, with their season hanging by a thread, the Blues had to respond in the third quarter.
In an extremely tense quarter of footy, the Blues were able to halt the run and carry of the Crows and turn the contest into a slog dominated by stoppages and tight contests.
A tough collision between Ebony Marinoff and Katie Loynes highlighted the intensity; the hardened Marinoff leaving the field with blood gushing from her forehead.
Despite the improved effort, the Blues couldn’t hit the scoreboard, scoring 0.3 to Adelaide’s 0.0, spelling a quarter of missed opportunities for both sides.
It was a tough start to the last term with the Blues continuing to press hard to no avail.
An excellent effort by Adelaide co-captain Chelsea Randall would deny the Blues a vital goal at the beginning of the quarter, as the Crows managed to absorb the pressure of their opposition and retain their handy advantage.
It wouldn’t be until the last ten minutes that the Blues broke down defensively, as livewire Ruth Wallace gathered the ball inside 50 and drilled a running goal to stop the drought of majors.
Wallace’s haul would spark another dominant period for the Crows as they managed to get their run going and put away the Blues.
A late goal by Jessica Sedunary put the finishing touches on an excellent night for Adelaide, running out as 35-point victors.
Sitting at a record of 2-2-1 for the season, Adelaide face another must-win game against Fremantle up in Darwin next Friday night.
The Crows will be sweating on the fitness of co-captain Phillips, whose presence will be invaluable for the final two games..
Carlton on the other hand will be hoping to get some form back, as they meet an equally desperate Melbourne team at Ikon Park on Sunday afternoon.
ADELAIDE 2.2 6.3 6.3 8.7 (55) CARLTON 1.4 2.4 2.7 2.8 (20)
GOALS Adelaide: Wallace 3, Jones 2, McCormick, Hewett, Sedunary Carlton: Harris, Vescio
BEST
Adelaide: Wallace, Marinoff, Randall
Carlton: Harris, Harrington, Moody
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