Melbourne had Adelaide on the ropes but couldn’t land the required blow.
In fact, they didn’t land a single six-point blow that quarter, at the end of which the Demons led by a single point.
There is a sense that an opportunity was lost by Melbourne, who certainly should be up by more. Three of the Dees’ six behinds that term felt like self-inflicted let-offs.
The two skippers have been enormous. Max Gawn has given Lachlan McAndrew a bath in ruck, while Jordan Dawson enhanced his standing as Adelaide’s “Captain Marvel” with two brilliant first-half goals, giving him a stunning aggregate of 17.1 in front of the sticks this season. As ever, the Crows wouldn’t be in the hunt if it weren’t for the brilliance of Dawson.
Melbourne lead 36-35 at half-time.
