Adelaide have kept their finals hopes alive with a vital 15-point win over Geelong in a fiery encounter at the Adelaide Oval.
The Crows needed to win to avoid falling further behind the log jam of clubs vying for a spot in the top eight.
With four points separating seven clubs, the Cats could fall out of the eight by the end of the round if results don’t go their way.
Don Pyke's side now sit just a game outside the eight.
Here's everything you need to know!
The Talking Point: Walker reported for high bump on Tuohy
Adelaide captain Taylor Walker was reported for a high bump on Geelong’s Zach Tuohy.
Walker seemed to bypass the ball and collect Tuohy with a massive hip and shoulder that collected the head of the Cats defender.
Taylor Walker has been placed on report for this contact on Zach Tuohy.#AFLCrowsCats pic.twitter.com/BVluWYFUJf
— AFL (@AFL) July 12, 2018
The Irishman was taken from the field and is being assessed by the Geelong medical team but returned to the field to play out the remainder of the match.
It’s certain the Crows skipper will come under heavy scrutiny from the MRO and could face a stint on the sidelines.
2012 was the last time Walker was suspended.
AFL Nation commentator Kane Cornes defended the forward, saying he needed to make an early statement in what was a must win game for the Crows.
Huge hit from Walker on Tuohy!
— AFL Nation (@AFLNation) July 12, 2018
Cornes: He elected to bump, he got him high. He'll miss a week for that. I don't mind it though. If it costs him a week to make a stand on the big stage, is it that bad of a thing?#AFLCrowsCats
The Moment: Sloane’s long bomb
It’s been a huge few days for Rory Sloane.
After weeks of speculation, Sloane pledged his future to the Crows by re-signing for a further five-years.
The 29-year-old has endured a frustrating season with a persistent foot injury sidelining him for a huge chunk of the season
After a strong performance against Richmond last week, the Sloane backed it up again tonight against Geelong.
His long-range goal just before three-quarter time was a massive moment that sent the home crowd into delirium and put the Crows into a commanding lead.
The Adelaide Oval crowd goes absolutely berserk for the newly re-signed Rory Sloane! #AFLCrowsCats pic.twitter.com/wR2SgfHpiJ
— AFL (@AFL) July 12, 2018
Sloane’s teammates came from everywhere as they showed their love for the re-signed Crows vice-captain.
The Star: Rory Sloane
It was Rory Sloane’s night as he capped off a fantastic week for both himself and the club.
Sloane was magnificent at the contest as he provided his customary grunt, aggression and bravery as showcased how much Adelaide have missed his presence around the ball.
The midfielder ended the night with 27 disposals, eight clearances, eight inside 50s, seven tackles and one massive goal just before three quarter-time.
Adelaide’s vice-captain is back in a big way.
What’s next?
Both Adelaide and Geelong have appointments next Saturday night, with the Crows taking on Brisbane at the Gabba, while the Cats clash with Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium.
Full Score
Adelaide: 4.3, 7.9, 13.15, 16.16.112
Geelong: 3.3, 6.7, 10.9, 14.13.97
GOALS
Adelaide: Lynch 4, Murphy 3, Gallucci 2, Jenkins 2, Brown, Atkins, Betts, Sloane, Walker
Geelong: Hawkins 4, Dangerfield 3, Parfitt, Menzel, Tuohy, Kelly, Menegola, Narkle, Duncan
BEST
Adelaide: Sloane, Laird, Atkins, Lynch, Crouch, Murphy
Geelong: Dangerfield, Ablett, Selwood, Hawkins, Blicavs, Kelly,
INJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
Geelong: Nil
Reports: Walker (high contact)