A late twist in one of the games of the year saw Adelaide save their season – and perhaps their coach’s career.
The task before the Adelaide Crows on the weekend was enormous – a road trip, an undefeated Carlton and a season to salvage. Lose, and it was pretty much curtains. Lose, and the heat on Matthew Nicks would have intensified. When Charlie Curnow roved his own contest and goaled to put the Blues 16 points up with minutes to go, that seemed like the game, and the season.
But as Nicks later said, “it’s amazing what one kick can do to a changeroom.” He could have added – to a campaign, to a club, and to a coach’s career. One of the best games of the year had a late twist, and the Crows found a way. They were everything they haven’t been so far this year – quick, bold, clean, and most importantly, accurate.