Crows Stun Magpies at MCG in Round One Victory – AFL 2026
ADELAIDE has emphatically broken a 12-year hoodoo, defeating Collingwood at the MCG for the first time since with a victory. The Crows secured a 13.15 (93) to 11.13 (79) win, a statement performance following a disappointing end to their season.
Last September, Adelaide lost all eight quarters across their finals series exits against Collingwood and Hawthorn. This result, however, signaled a clear intent to atone for that heartbreak. A dominant six-goal stretch after halftime nearly sealed the contest, though Collingwood, under coach Craig McRae, mounted a characteristic late charge.
The win carries particular weight for Matthew Nicks’ side, who finished atop the ladder last year with 18 wins before their finals stumble. This victory provides a crucial psychological boost after a challenging off-season and pre-season at West Lakes.
Adelaide’s midfield dominance and sustained pressure proved decisive. The Crows controlled the early stages and maintained that advantage throughout much of the game. The Magpies, missing key defensive personnel in captain Darcy Moore, veteran Jeremy Howe, and Reef McInnes, struggled to contain Adelaide’s potent forward line.
The absence of those key defenders left Collingwood vulnerable, forcing Isaac Quaynor and Brayden Maynard into difficult matchups against the taller Adelaide forwards, Darcy Fogarty and Taylor Walker. Billy Frampton’s attempt to neutralize Riley Thilthorpe proved unsuccessful.
Thilthorpe, who enjoyed a breakout campaign culminating in All-Australian selection, continued his impressive form, booting three crucial goals, including two during Adelaide’s game-breaking third quarter.
Josh Worrell was a standout for Adelaide in the first half, racking up nine intercepts from his 27 disposals. Wayne Milera was similarly influential, amassing 34 disposals and 654 meters gained. Dan Houston continued his strong start to the season with 32 touches and 693 meters gained, while Nick Daicos, despite the Crows’ attention, finished with 33 disposals, 776 meters gained, and two goals.
Adelaide had expressed interest in participating in Opening Round but were unable to secure a spot. Collingwood, having defeated St Kilda on Labour Day Eve, entered the match as favorites, but were quickly challenged by the Crows’ intensity.
Collingwood struggled to establish a foothold in the first half, failing to connect effectively inside 50 despite winning the territory battle. They managed four goals in the second quarter, all from general play.
The Crows responded emphatically after the break, registering the first six scores in eight minutes, including three goals. Daicos’ move to a wing early in the second half appeared to disrupt Collingwood’s structure as Adelaide seized control.
Collingwood refused to surrender, launching a spirited fightback in the fourth quarter. Goals from Lachie Schultz and Jamie Elliott narrowed the margin to 12 points, fueled by a vocal home crowd and their history of close victories under McRae. However, a 50-meter penalty awarded to Walker, leading to a goal for Fogarty, extinguished Collingwood’s momentum and effectively sealed the result.
Nicks’ tenure has been characterized by a patient build, and this victory represents a significant breakthrough. If Saturday night’s performance is indicative of their potential, Adelaide will undoubtedly be a premiership contender in .
Scott Pendlebury reached a significant milestone, surpassing Hawthorn legend Michael Tuck to develop into the second-most capped player in AFL history, trailing only Brent Harvey by five games. Pendlebury played 64 percent of the game after a period on the bench early in the first and second quarters.
Jake Soligo made a positive impact after overcoming a challenging summer, slotting a crucial goal following a procedure on his heart in late February to correct an irregular heartbeat. Soligo was cleared to play in round one after his workload was carefully managed.
Collingwood’s forward line appears to be struggling following the departures of Brody Mihocek and Mason Cox. Dan McStay, Tim Membrey, and Jack Buller combined for just one goal on Saturday night, raising concerns about their ability to consistently convert opportunities. Mihocek has since joined Melbourne, while Cox has landed at Fremantle.
COLLINGWOOD 0.1 4.8 6.10 11.13 (79)
ADELAIDE 2.3 5.5 11.10 13.15 (93)
GOALS
Collingwood: Steele 2, Schultz 2, Elliott 2, N. Daicos 2, Membrey, McCreery, Crisp
Adelaide: Thilthorpe 3, Fogarty 2, Cumming 2, Soligo, Rachele, Pedlar, Neal-Bullen, Keays, Cook
BEST
Collingwood: Houston, N.Daicos, Cameron, Quaynor, Steele
Adelaide: Milera, Worrell, Thilthorpe, Cook, Neal-Bullen, Cumming
INJURIES
Collingwood: Nil
Adelaide: Nil
Crowd: 62,482 at the MCG