Adelaide has claimed an elusive top-eight scalp, defeating Geelong by one point in another Adelaide Oval heartstopper.

Despite being comfortably beaten at centre clearances, the Crows made the most of their moments, led by inspirational captain Jordan Dawson and young gun Dan Curtin.

CROWS v CATS Full match coverage and stats

Reduced to one man on the bench for stages of the final term, Darcy Fogarty's late point proved decisive as Adelaide held on to record just its second victory over Geelong in the last 11 attempts.

Brilliant in the middle and damaging in attack, Dawson's three goals were pivotal, while Curtin impressed with his relentless workrate, poise in traffic and game-saving late mark.

The cardiac Crows, who have now played in eight games decided by 14 points or less this season, had passages of dominance but were never able to shake the Cats off their tail.

Both sides got going early with Jack Martin opening Geelong's account inside the first two minutes and Zac Taylor curling home Adelaide's response little more than a minute later.

03:15

Last two mins: Crows debutant lands big tackle as siren beats Cats in thriller

The thrilling final moments between Adelaide and Geelong in round 13

Published on Jun 4, 2026

Ex-Crow Patrick Dangerfield set the tone for the visitors with his relentless pursuit of the loose ball, but it was Adelaide which took a two-point margin into the first break.

The slippery conditions continued and Martin started the second just as he did the first, nailing the opener as both sides exchanged blows.

08:20

Highlights: Adelaide v Geelong

The Crows and Cats clash in round 13 of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

Published on Jun 4, 2026

Ben Keays found himself one of three loose Crows deep in attack and nailed a late goal to hand the Crows a six-point advantage at the main break, despite losing the centre clearances 9-3.

00:50

Crows hit the right Keays in this fun team goal

Adelaide conjures a slick move to will the footy forward before Ben Keays applies the finishing touch

Published on Jun 4, 2026

Clearly trying to move the ball faster from half-back, Adelaide began the second half well as goals to skipper Dawson and recruit Callum Ah Chee helped Matthew Nicks' men get out to a game-high 20-point lead.

But just when it appeared the Crows would run away with it, Geelong hit back hard with three consecutive goals to Shannon Neale, Ollie Dempsey and Jack Bowes to cut the margin to just two points at the final change.

A quick Keays snap and vintage Taylor Walker goal ignited the Crows early in the final term, but it was Dawson's third which brought the house down.

00:42

Captain Dawson brings the house down with stunning solo goal

Jordan Dawson ignites Adelaide Oval once again with a gutsy mark and booming finish from beyond 50

Published on Jun 4, 2026

Injuries threatened to spoil the Crows' party as Ah Chee and Jordon Butts were sidelined, joined momentarily by debutant Hugo Hall-Kahan and Toby Murray who were both left bleeding after a nasty head clash.

01:13

'That is horrible': Sickening head clash leaves two Crows bloodied

A heavy collision between Adelaide teammates Toby Murray and Hugo Hall-Kahan brings play to a halt in the final quarter

Published on Jun 4, 2026

Once again, the Cats refused to go away, drawing level thanks to goals from Ollie Henry, Shaun Mannagh and Bowes.

Fogarty's long-range effort appeared to sail through for a major before being overturned by the ARC, but it was the point which separated the teams at the final siren.

MRO trouble for Walker?
Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker may find himself in MRO trouble for shoving Cats defender Connor O'Sullivan into a pack early in the third term. The push saw O'Sullivan collide into the side of Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson, leaving both players worse for wear. The free-kick was awarded to O'Sullivan, but the incident may draw further attention.

00:43

'The AFL don't like this': Commentators weigh in on Walker nudge

A potential push from Taylor Walker becomes a talking point after a pack collision sends players to ground

Published on Jun 4, 2026

Crows keep Stewart quiet
Much was made pre-game of Tom Stewart's recent dominance against the Crows, but he wasn't allowed to have his usual influence this time around. Recruit Callum Ah Chee was given the task of making Stewart accountable and nullifying his intercept play. And he did just that, restricting the Geelong ace to 15 disposals and just three intercept possessions before frustratingly leaving the ground in the third term with a hamstring injury.

Dawson steals the show
Adelaide superstar Jordan Dawson produced a best afield performance to get his Crows across the line. The skipper was terrific in the middle but it was his influence in attack and game-high three goals which proved most important. He finished with 22 disposals, 472 metres gained, seven marks and nine tackles, continuing his fine season.

01:51

Captain colossal: Dawson inspires Crows to stirring win

Jordan Dawson leads from the front with three goals in a skipper's performance that helps lift Adelaide to a thrilling victory

Published on Jun 4, 2026

ADELAIDE       3.2     6.3     8.6       11.9 (75)
GEELONG        2.6     4.9     7.10     10.14 (74)

GOALS
Adelaide: Dawson 3, Walker 2, Keays 2, Taylor, Neal-Bullen, Berry, Ah Chee
Geelong: Martin 2, Bowes 2, Neale, Mannagh, O.Henry, J.Henry, Dempsey, Dangerfield

BEST
Adelaide: Dawson, Curtin, McAndrew, Peatling, Milera, Berry
Geelong: Dangerfield, O'Sullivan, Holmes, Smith, De Koning, Bruhn

INJURIES
Adelaide: Ah Chee (Hamstring), Butts (calf)
Geelong: Nil

Crowd: 42,340 at Adelaide Oval