The Adelaide Crows held off a tough last-quarter fight back from the Sydney Swans to win by 27 points at the SCG, 15.13 (103) to 11.10 (76).

Sydney put up a great fight in the final quarter, led by an inspirational 80-metre run early in the term by Irishman Tadhg Kennelly, pushing off three Adelaide defenders and resulting in a goal.

It brought the Swans back within 18 points before Adelaide rallied with two late goals to see the Crows bag their second win of the season.

And the Swans will now sweat on medical reports for Paul Williams after a clash with Tyson Stenglein late in the game that saw Williams taken from the ground holding his right hip.

Earlier, Adelaide's Tyson Edwards opened the scoring with a goal from 55 metres out directly in front. Chris Ladhams and Mark Stephens both scored to stretch the Crows’ lead to four goals early in the match.

Ladhams potted a tough set-shot from 40 metres out on the boundary line with the favoured South Australian banana kick.

From there it was a messy game with both sides failing to break free. Stuart Maxfield was the one shining light for the home side, gathering 18 touches and kicking two goals in the first half.

The Swans outscored the Crows 5.1 to 2.3 in the third term which set up their run in the final quarter, but two late goals after the Williams’ injury made sure the Crows came up with the points.

Mark Stevens finished with four goals for the Crows, with three to Chris Ladhams and two to the best on ground Mark Ricciuto. Tyson Edwards finished with two for the match.

For Sydney, Stuart Maxfield and Barry Hall were the only multiple goalscorers -both scoring two goals.


SYDNEY: 2.2 4.5 9.6 11.10 (76)
ADELAIDE: 6.6 11.8 13.11 15.13 (103)

Goals: Sydney: Hall 2, Maxfield 2, Nicks, Goodes, Fosdike, Kirk, Bolton, Schneider, Kennelly. Adelaide: Stevens 4, Ricciuto 3, Ladhams 3, Edwards 2, Bode, Reilly, Gallagher.
Best: Sydney: Maxfield, C.Bolton, Goodes, Fosdike, Kennelly.
Adelaide: Stevens, Ricciuto, Edwards, McLeod, Ladham, Smart.
Injuries: Sydney: Williams (thigh).
Reports: Nil
Changes: Sydney: L Ablett in for O’Loughlin. Adelaide: Schell in for McGregor.
Crowd: 23,651 at the SCG