Two matches into Round 4, and we already know one of the teams that will be playing in the NAB Cup Grand Final. After scorching the Collingwood Magpies, the Adelaide Crows find themselves playing in the preseason premiership for the first time since 2008. Both Adelaide and Collingwood finished Round 1 with two wins apiece, but Collingwood were defeated by Melbourne and Adelaide in Rounds 2 and 3, respectively.
The Crows topped the Magpies 1.20.9 (138) to 1.7.10 (61). Jason Porplyzia was the leading goal-scorer in the match; he booted four goals for Adelaide. Tom Lynch and Shaun McKernan each added three goals for the Crows.
Taylor Walker’s goal after the half-time siren gave the Crows an eight-point advantage heading into the second half; Walker finished with two goals in the match.
Travis Cloke was the only Magpie who booted at least two goals for Collingwood, who were held to just two goals and three behinds in the second half. Adelaide scored 13 goals (including a Super goal from Matthew Jaensch) in the second half en route to the 77-point win.
Who will the Crows be playing against in the NAB Cup Grand Final? As of right now, undefeated West Coast are in the driver’s seat. If the Eagles beat the St. Kilda Saints on Saturday, then West Coast will advance to the Grand Final as well. If West Coast lose, it opens the door for the following clubs: St. Kilda Saints (obviously), Hawthorn Hawks, Fremantle Dockers, Geelong Cats, Melbourne Demons, and Western Bulldogs.
