AFL

'Change things up': Crows take different finals mindset

By Steve Larkin

Aug 31, 2026

Adelaide's players are adopting a polar opposite mentality to their finals flame-out last year, spearhead Riley Thilthorpe says.

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Last year, the Crows became the first VFL/AFL minor premiers since 1983 to crash out of the finals in straight-sets defeats.

"We probably tried to pretend the pressure wasn't there this time last year, didn't really know what to expect," Thilthorpe told reporters on Monday.

This year, the Crows are embracing the heat to win the club's first final since 2017.

"Obviously we didn't quite get it done last year, so we have to change some things up," Thilthorpe said.

"Knowing what to expect this year, we're going to try and lean into it, and really use that to our advantage, and just embrace it.

"I'm definitely more excited than I was last year. I was probably more nervous last year but knowing what I'm going into now, I'm just keen to get into it."

Thilthorpe said this year's Crows, who host the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night an elimination final, were a better-placed edition than last season's minor premiers.

Adelaide ace Izak Rankine was suspended for last year's finals and precocious forward Josh Rachele, on the comeback from a knee injury, played only the last half of the semi-final in the failed campaign.

Rankine enters the cut-throat clash against the Dogs in career-best midfield form and Rachele is the club's leading goalkicker, with 38.

"We're in a much better spot," Thilthorpe said.

"We're a lot fresher than we were this time last year - it's a long year and we were probably a bit flat by the end of it.

"We're refreshed, ready to go.

"Obviously having those two boys can be huge and I think we're in a much better, more mature, spot than last year."

Thilthorpe, an All Australian who kicked five goals in last year's finals, has been plagued by back troubles this season but said he was now raring to go.

"It has been a bit of an up and down year ... but I'm feeling good now, just super keen," he said.

"I'm kind of sick of talking. I just want to play, so that's where my head's at ... I'm full of energy and just want to put this week on fast-forward and play."

The Crows are set to recall dual Brisbane premiership utility Callum Ah Chee to replace Zac Taylor, whose season has been cut short by a hamstring injury.