AFL round 24 live updates: Carlton vs Fremantle, Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs, Geelong vs Richmond, Adelaide vs GWS - blog, scores and stats
Adelaide secured a top-six spot in the AFL after a decisive win against GWS, highlighted by a six-goal performance from retiring veteran Taylor Walker. The match also saw standout contributions from Izak Rankine and other key players in a high-scoring victory.
Why it matters
This report covers significant developments in the Australian Football League, impacting team standings and playoff positioning.
Match report: Veteran stars as Crows sink GWS, clinch top-six spot A By Andrew McGarry
Taylor Walker's emotional six-goal haul has lifted Adelaide to a 56-point win over GWS and securely into the AFL's top six.
The Crows avoided the wildcard finals after Walker and Izak Rankine (35 touches, four goals) starred in a 24.13 (157) to 15.11 (101) triumph on Saturday night.
Adelaide hold fifth spot overnight, but will slip to sixth should Hawthorn's expected win over lowly West Coast on Sunday eventuate.
Veteran forward Walker was playing his last home-and-away game for the Crows, after announcing his looming retirement.
And after a prolonged pre-game tribute, the 36-year-old kicked three goals in the initial 10 minutes to delight an adoring 52,332-strong Adelaide crowd.
Rankine dazzled, kicking two specials and creating two more goals, and Riley Thilthorpe bombed two accurate 55m set shots.
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