Carlton went to Adelaide Oval looking to stamp their ticket to the 2022 finals series, but the stunned visitors were outdone by the hard-working Crows, Brodie Smith and Ben Keays starring in a 29-point win that could cost the Blues a place in the top four.
The Crows led by 15 points at three-quarter-time and held off a late rally before accelerating and scoring an inspired 12.12 (84) to 8.7 (55) on Saturday night.
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Two goals from Matthew Cottrell cut the margin in a gripping finish but Darcy Fogarty fended off two tackles and held off Adam Cerra to score a superb goal that helped keep Carlton winless at the site after six tries.
The upset loss could prove costly for the Blues, who slipped to a 12-7 record, while Adelaide snapped a four-game losing streak with its sixth win of the season.
Smith was everywhere with 37 touches, 13 in 50s and a whopping 1,019m gained.
In a masterful coaching move by Matthew Nicks, ball player Ben Keays played as negative forward over Carlton player Adam Saad.
Not only did he curb Saad’s influence, Keays also hit a career-high three goals and was involved in several others.
Walker was the focal point for the home side with three goals, with Rory Laird, Jordan Dawson and Wayne Milera all influential.
For the Blues, Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh finished with 41 and 40 possessions respectively, but many of their midfield mates failed to make an impact.
The omission of Jack Silvagni was a big talking point heading into the clash, with his departure paving the way for Tom De Koning to join Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow in a three-pronged attack some have dubbed the “three headed monster”.
The big three were involved in the passage of play that led to Carlton’s first goal, but it was Matt Owies who put the finishing touch.
With Tom Doedee out through injury, the Crows were deficient in the backs but substitute Josh Worrell impressed, in just his second AFL game, along with fellow defenders Jordon Butts and Nick Murray.
And for large parts of the game, the Blues didn’t give their highs a great look in one-on-ones either, as they struggled to move the ball efficiently against the Crows’ superior pressure.
The visitors led by three points at quarter-time after Fogarty rose on the shoulders of former Crow Mitch McGovern and converted a spectacular mark.
It was the first of four unanswered majors to set Adelaide up by four points at the main break.
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