Crows break AFL losing streak at MCG

26 Aug 2012, 9:25 pm   -   Source: AAP
Adelaide have belted Melbourne by 69 points at their AFL clash on Sunday at the MCG. (AAP)

Adelaide have belted Melbourne by 69 points at their AFL clash on Sunday at the MCG. (AAP)

Crows coach Brenton Sanderson said it was important his side win again at the MCG with the AFL finals so close.

Kurt Tippett struggled to remember the last time he had played in a winning AFL side at the MCG.

That summed up the significance of Adelaide's 69-point belting of Melbourne in their Sunday twilight match with the Crows having lost their last six games at the grand final venue going back to 2009.

The first game of their MCG losing streak was the heartbreaking 2009 semi-final loss to Collingwood, who sliced the Crows open in the second half.

"It's important for this side to start some good memories here," Crows coach Brenton Sanderson said after the 22.18 (150) to 11.15 (81) cakewalk.

"I know a few guys carry a few scars from matches in the past.

"A (69-point) win at the MCG, this close to September, is really important for the group."

With the finals only two weekends away, Adelaide also badly needed a win after last week's upset 10-point loss to Brisbane.

By taking care of the Demons, they are guaranteed a top-four finish and a finals double chance with one round left.

But the Lions loss means they are virtually no chance of hosting a qualifying final.

The Crows were at their best in the third term, kicking 10.4 from 16 inside 50s.

That is a club record for the third term.

Taylor Walker dominated with 16 marks and four goals, while Tippett also impressed with 11 marks and three goals and small forward Ian Callinan kicked four as well.

Ruckman Sam Jacobs added to his All-Australian claims with a game that Demons coach Mark Neeld called "outstanding".

While pleased with the performance, Sanderson said parts of Adelaide's game needed improvement and he was non-plussed with their last quarter.

Demons forward Brad Green kicked two goals in his retirement match and was chaired from the field, with the Crows helping form a guard of honour.

Neeld noted that Melbourne and Adelaide had the same number of inside 50s for the game and his team had tried to take it up to the Crows.

But as Melbourne matched Adelaide in some areas early, they were torn apart in others.

"Coaching a young side, it's a weekly thing, it's interesting - you focus on something and then you forget to mention something and that doesn't get done," Neeld said.

"Unfortunately, Walker and Tippett were not playing for us."

Demons midfielder Colin Sylvia had a game-high 34 disposals and Nathan Jones also worked hard at the clearances.

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