AFL Round 2 Adelaide v Essendon: All the news, fallout and analysis on Crows’ big win at the MCG

Another week, more Izak Rankine magic and another record for Matthew Nicks’ new-look Crows. And what they did on Saturday, running riot over a ‘weak’ Essendon, has rivals on notice.

Adelaide has ended its near eight-year hoodoo at the MCG with a 61-point thrashing of a weak Essendon on Saturday.

The hot Crows had all the answers, leading at every break to record their first win at the MCG since round 15, 2017.

“We found a way to take our game to another level, which is a good sign,” Crows coach Matthew Nicks said following the win.

“We’re looking to be a consistent team. It was a little step, putting two together now, plus our preseason.

“Four quality performances for us now (including pre-season games) should keep that confidence at a high level.”

Jordan Dawson was instrumental with 33 touches and 11 of the Crows’ 63 inside 50s to help lead the breakthrough win at the venue after a run of 10 losses and a draw.

But almost more prevalent was the lack of competitiveness from the Bombers.

There was little to celebrate outside of a gallant performance from their leader Zach Merrett, who had four goals and a game-high 36 touches, and five goals between debutant Thomas Edwards and second gamer Isaac Kako.

Josh Rachele booted four goals in the big win over Essendon. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos

Rachele flexes his muscles at the G' 💪#AFLDonsCrowspic.twitter.com/91oRL12xWI

— AFL (@AFL) March 22, 2025

The game was just about over midway through the third term after Izak Rankine kicked a spectacular 45m drop punt from the boundary to extend the Crows’ lead to 61 points.

Adelaide dominated, winning marks, 129-59, and inside 50s, 60-48, and having 12 different goal scorers.

Ben Keays kicked four goals and had 22 touches, Josh Rachele kept busy with four goals, adding to his two in the 63-point win over St Kilda in round 1, and Darcy Fogarty and Riley Thilthorpe kicked three each.

Rankine subbed out moments after kicking the early goal of the year contender, but Nicks confirmed the decision was management one.

Rankine’s high workload coupled with his increased time in the midfield so far this season led to the call.

“We’re in a unique position there where we can make a decision around where the game’s at and probably Isaac’s history on the MCG (hamstring strain last season) is one that sits in the back of your mind as a coach.

“If we get an opportunity to manage a player when it comes to their loads, we’ll do that. “Two weeks in a row now, we’ve had that luxury. Tex (Walker) round one and then Isaac today.”

STUNNING GOALS

Rankine can add another highlight to his large file after a stunning goal on the run from 45m out on the boundary.

The lively forward took two bounces before pulling the trigger on a stunning drop punt from the tightest of angles.

Minutes later, Dons young gun Kako showed incredible strength to break two tackles before nailing a snap.

Crows skipper Jordan Dawson led the way. Picture: Michael Klein

Riley Thilthorpe takes a big mark. Picture: Michael Klein

CROWS WRECK HAVOC

The half time siren not only drew the end to a dominant first half from the Crows but a ring of boos from Dons fans.

Keays, Rachele and Fogarty had two goals each to half time, helping lift Matthew Nicks’ side to a dominant 40-point lead at the main break.

It was a one-sided half with the Crows easing their way inside 50 on 34 occasions compared to the Dons’ 19.

The Crows went on four-goal streaks twice before a three-goal run to complete the half.

One of the most eye opening moments was when the Dons’ allowed Alex Neal-Bullen to score and extended the Crows margin to 15 points with two seconds left in the opening term.

Crows veteran Taylor Walker had broken weak tackles from Andrew McGrath and Mason Redman which led to a handball chain for Neal-Bullen to snap easily.

SNAP KING

Sam Draper had fans in a pickle after he elected to snap instead of drop punt from less than 20m out directly in front on two occasions in the first term.

On both occasions, he executed his surprise snaps before celebrating with the crowd in two joyous moments. Notably, after his first goal, he put a finger to his mouth as if to say shhh to the crowd for being surprised about his choice to snap.

EDWARDS IMPRESSES

Edwards made a positive start to his career with a set-shot goal in the first term which he set up from a tackle just moments earlier.

Initially the 24-year-old, who was picked up less than a month ago after impressing in practice matches, dropped a simple mark, although, he quickly recovered with a tackle to cause a turnover and ultimately his first AFL goal.

Edwards’s goal ended the Crows’ hot four-goal streak to make it 28-14 on the scoreboard.

He later tackled again to set up a goal for his skipper Merrett.

Dan Curtin boots his first goal on the MCG. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos

SCOREBOARD

ESSENDON 3.2 5.4 9.7 15.10 (161)

ADELAIDE 5.5 11.8 18.10 25.11 (161)

HATZOGLOU’S BEST

Dons: Merrett, Caldwell, Tsatas, Edwards, Kako.

Crows: Dawson, Keays, Crouch, Soligo, Worrell, Sholl, Neal-Bullen.

GOALS

Dons: Merrett 4, Edwards 3, Draper 3, Kako 2, Gresham, Martin, Caldwell.

Crows: Keays 4, Rachele 4, Fogarty 3, Thilthorpe 3, Rankine 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Soligo 2, Walker, Milera, Curtin, Sholl, Hinge.

INJURIES Dons: Nil. Crows: Nil.

Venue: 46,688 at the MCG

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

MAX HATZOGLOU’S VOTES

3 Dawson (ADL)

2 Merrett (ESS)

1 Keays (ADL)