standing at AAMI Stadium last night, with Collingwood staving off an equally courageous Adelaide to win by 24 points.
With both teams struck by injuries, it made it as much an gripping contest between two ultimately very tired and sore teams, the win was well-earned.
who was replaced by Chris Egan.
Others were slightly hurt, but quarter, and James Clement, who appeared to strain an Achilles.
and it showed including Tyson Edwards, who spent most hamstring.
Add those woes to the bruises from the heavy bumps and tackles, and both teams earned applause.
showed in him.
At 25, and with only 17 AFL games behind him, Bryan kicked three 17-minute mark of the third term.
The Magpies, who had led by 23 points shortly after quarter-time and had lost the lead, turned a nine-point deficit into a 22-point of a draw.
times, missing a few easy set shots and having kicks go astray here and there, but it was their persistence and grit that deserved the focus. Bryan also should be forgiven for his poster early in the last quarter, which would have been the early "clincher".
Predictably, it was a low-scoring game as Adelaide enforced its much-touted three-quarter-field zone, and made it difficult for Collingwood to move the ball through the midfield.
However, there were also times when the Crows' best intentions came unstuck, due more to the pressure applied by Collingwood than errors by the Crows.
Goals were hard to come by in a game that was hard, mostly fast, and a battle of wits. Significantly, Collingwood had 71 more disposals, an indication of its work ethic.
Both sides had their heroes. Bryan was superb, as were the performances of Tarkyn Lockyer, Ben Johnson, Dane Swan, Leon Davis Adelaide, and was well-supported by kids who should also get there Richard Douglas, Chris Knights, and Bernie Vince. Ben Rutten was outstanding as he held Anthony Rocca goalless.
There were absorbing one-on-one contests. Dale Thomas was made to work hard by another promising youngster in John Hinge, who was most impressive in his AFL debut.
Knights, two determined back men who gave their respective sides enormous protection and drive.
No one gave up.
It was a terrific game, but beyond the display of determination competitive for some years. Last night was merely one of the best circumstances.
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