The Crows not only went down to the Hawks by five points – 11.9 (75) to 10.10 (70) - but lost star midfielder Simon Goodwin to a broken wrist and back-up ruckman Ben Marsh to an ankle injury.
This on top of the pre-match withdrawal of Wayne Carey with a calf injury as well as injuries to key players Mark Stevens, Matthew Clarke and Tyson Steinglein left the Crows vulnerable to a fiercely committed Hawthorn side, desperate to end a month long losing streak that has put the future of coach Peter Schwab under question.
The match went down to a kick on the final siren with Ken McGregor failing to make the distance kicking into the wind from 50 metres to ensure a rare win for a Victorian team over a non-Victorian side this season.
But while the Hawks’ fourth win in 11 games keeps their slim finals hopes alive, the Crows are likely to find themselves in the top eight by percentage only come the end of the round.
However despite the Crows’ long injury list it should also be noted the Hawks won this game despite also suffering injuries to three players during the game in ruckman Robert Campbell, Chance Bateman and Campbell Brown.
Brown suffered a shoulder injury but it was the act that brought on that injury that summed up the Hawks’ desperation to end their losing streak.
With the Crows leading by eight points just before the last change, the Hawks knew they had to hold firm considering they had last use of what was a three to four goal breeze blowing to the Richmond end of the ground.
With the quarter almost over the Crows attacked one last time with the inspirational Brown diving in front of Nigel Smart to prevent a certain mark.
His inspirational act also caused a turnover which led to a goal to Nick Holland at the other end and suddenly the Hawks were only two points behind at the last change and with the wind behind them.
And when youngster Rick Ladson goaled in the first minute of the final term it appeared the Hawks were certainties but goals to Ken McGregor and Tyson Edwards looked set to give the Crows another against-the-odds victory which has become their trademark in games at the MCG.
However when Andrew McLeod – who was well beaten by Richard Vandenberg until starring in the last quarter – was caught in possession, it lead to a goal to Vandenberg which put the Hawks back in front with seven minutes to play.
And when skipper Shane Crawford, who played his best game for the season, passed to Nick Holland for a goal a minute later the Hawks were ten points in front and appeared home.
But then McGregor goaled from a Nigel Smart hand pass to cut the margin to five points with less than a minute left before just failing to make the distance with another shot right on the final siren.
However an Adelaide victory would have been harsh on Hawthorn, which was the better side in a fierce contest spoiled as a spectacle for most of the day by a strong breeze.
This was the day when the Hawks answered their critics, in particular skipper Crawford who showed he is still far more than just a television personality with the type of devastating display that has become his trademark.
With youngster Sam Mitchell, who amassed more than 30 touches, providing great support it meant the Hawks controlled the midfield and took full advantage of Peter Everitt’s ruck dominance.
And despite being without the injured Nathan Thompson in attack, the Hawks were able to conjure a winning score thanks to three goals from Nick Holland along with two fine running goals from Joel Smith.
HAWTHORN: 0.1, 5.6, 7.6, 11.9 (75)
ADELAIDE: 2.3, 4.5, 7.8, 10.10 (70)
GOALS: Hawthorn: Holland 3, Smith 2, Everitt, Ladson, Rawlings, Brown, Vandenberg, Ries.
Adelaide: McGregor 3, Ladhams, Edwards 2,Smart, Perrie, Burton.
BEST: Hawthorn: Mitchell, Crawford, Everitt, Smith, Cox, Vandenberg.
Adelaide:Hart, Smart, McGregor, Massie, Edwards, McLeod.
INJURIES: Hawthorn: Bateman (chest), Campbell (knee), Brown (shoulder).
Adelaide: Goodwin (wrist), Marsh (knee).
CHANGES: Hawthorn: Rick Ladson replaced Angelo Lekkas (nose).
Adelaide: Chris Ladhams replaced Wayne Carey (calf).
UMPIRES: Ryan, Margetts, Goldspink.
CROWD: 25,851 at the MCG
