Adelaide Crows v Richmond FC: Who won the national anthem staredown?

IT was one of the biggest talking points in the lead up to this year’s Grand Final. Who won the anthem standoff? The Tigers linked up arm in arm while every single Crow held his ground.

The Crows stare during the anthem. Picture. Phil Hillyard

IT was one of the biggest talking points in the lead up to this year’s Grand Final.

Who won the anthem staredown?

The Tigers linked up arm in arm while every single Crow had his eyes locked on his Richmond opponent.

When the anthem finished, the Crows refused to move until the Tigers did.

They stayed there for at least an extra 6 or 7 seconds - until the roar of the crowd echoed around the MCG.

Richmond fans responded by booing the Crows while Tiger players simply turned their backs on their opponents.

The Crows stare during the anthem during the 2017 AFL Grand Final between the Richmond Tigers and the Adelaide Crows at the MCG. Picture. Phil Hillyard

In the days leading up to the big dance, Adelaide players promised to continue the so-called Crows stare during the national anthem before the bounce.

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It also emerged during the week that the Crows would refuse to break their stance until the Richmond players had broken away.

Speaking before the match, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said his players would stand with linked arms.

Brilliant atmosphere at the MCG as @Adelaide_FC again adopts its "Staredown Stance". #AFLGF pic.twitter.com/KOqdAohSL8

— Andrew Capel (@andrewcapel) September 30, 2017

“Our big thing is the connection we had from the mental and physical point of view,” he told Channel 7

“Our strength will be in touch and we will wrap our arms around each other. We have done it all year and continue to do it today.”

Dustin Martin of the Tigers and team mates during the Australian national anthem

The crows stare down with the Aussie anthem is so good #AFLGF

— David Haladus (@effected666) September 30, 2017

What the hell is that stare down by @Adelaide_FC ? #AFLGF

— Tony Pignata (@tpignata9) September 30, 2017

Adelaide is doing the stare-down again! I'm shakin' in mah boots! (Not really.) #AFLGF

— Anthea Batsakis (@antheabatsakis) September 30, 2017

I don't understand the Adelaide stare down, surely you unite as one and not stand apart?

— Jrod 🔴⚫️ (@JarrodKent) September 30, 2017

Originally published as Adelaide Crows v Richmond FC: Who won the national anthem staredown?