‘What the hell’: Adelaide defeat Port Adelaide after the siren in absolute thriller

Just as it looked like Port Adelaide were home and hosed in the Showdown, Adelaide stole the game after the siren in insane scenes.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Players surround Jordan Dawson of the Crows after kicking the winning goal during the 2022 AFL Round 03 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Port Adelaide Power at Adelaide Oval on April 01, 2022 In Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Adelaide has pulled off a huge upset to defeat Port Adelaide with a goal after the siren in a thrilling (15.6) 96 to (13.14) 92 Showdown victory on Friday night.

The Power had their noses in front for just about the entire game but the Crows threw everything at them in the last quarter and got within striking distance.

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But Adelaide got a chance to steal victory when Sam Mayes needlessly knocked over Lachlan Murphy with a high tackle with just seconds remaining.

New recruit Jordan Dawson, known for his lethal left boot, came from nowhere to swoop in and take the free kick after the siren, with the Crows trailing by two points.

He prodded at the ball and it looked like it was sailing right of the goalpost, but swung sharply back late and miraculously went through for a goal, sparking pandemonium.

“The scenes at the Adelaide Oval!” commentator Anthony Hudson said.

“Jordan Dawson, the replacement, has stepped forward to kick a goal that did not look like it was going to be a goal.”

“We were right behind the kick and he did not make great contact with it. But it came back,” Jason Dunstall added.

Fremantle legend Matthew Pavlich replied: “It was one of those ones that comes off the in-step that ends up shaping back.”

“I don’t think anyone can comprehend what has just happened,” Hudson said.

JORDAN DAWSON IS THE NEW KING OF ADELAIDE!

AFTER THE SIREN AND HOW'S THE REVERSE SWING???#AFLCrowsPowerpic.twitter.com/bkypMz6mwT

— AFL (@AFL) April 1, 2022

Speaking after the game, Dawson said he didn’t plan to bend the ball through the posts like he did.

“Nah, not really. Luckily we don’t have to draw pictures! I don’t even know what to say,” he told Fox Footy.

“I think obviously we’ve copped a little bit in the first few weeks. Our game plan we know stacks up with the best teams.

“We obviously weren’t able to play the way we wanted to play in the first few week and to come out in the Showdown, obviously my first win, a lot of the boys’ first win in a Showdown it’s pretty special. The crowd was unbelievable.

“I suppose that’s just why we train, we practice those set shots and lucky it swung back late and snuck through past the post.”

Jordan Dawson with the stunner! Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

AFL fans were stunned at the insane finish, as well as the reverse swing on Dawson’s kick, which defied all sorts of physics to go through for the matchwinning goal.

Crows veteran Paul Seedsman wrote: “Bloody smokes the ball Daws. Delight to watch and a hard fought and deserved victory from the boys. You beauty!”

The ABC’s Tim Verrall tweeted: “What the hell just happened!!! That was one of the best things I’ve ever witnessed.”

Journalist James Mottershead said: “The slice on that kick!!!! Clutch!”

Sports producer Chris De Silva joked: “Jordan Dawson kicked it like it was a Jabulani at the 2010 World Cup.”

Dawson just drilled that. Yet it swayed right. Wowee.

— Simon Love (@SimoLove) April 1, 2022

Dawson’s Freak

— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) April 1, 2022

For his efforts, Dawson was awarded the Showdown medal in his very first game between Adelaide and the Power.

It was a dagger to the hearts of Ken Hinkley and Port, who now slump to 0-3 for the season as the Crows nabbed the club’s first win of the season.

It’ll be another tough week for the Power. Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Even more heartbreaking for the Power, Travis Boak missed a kick from 40m out which sailed to the left of the goals which would have given his side a seven point lead with two minutes left.

It was also a huge night for 20-year-old Lachie Gollant in just his third senior game as he booted five goals in the absence of key stars Charlie Dixon and Taylor Walker.

Originally published as ‘What the hell’: Adelaide defeat Port Adelaide after the siren in absolute thriller