'He's already too strong': Rising Crows star emerging as shock Coleman candidate
Adelaide has continued their unbeaten start to the 2025 season, proving far too strong for North Melbourne on Sunday afternoon in a 17.12 (114) - 12.6 (78) victory.
The Roos fought hard to keep up with the Crows all evening, but were never able to get within arm's reach, allowing Adelaide to push away in the fourth term and break the 100-point barrier for the third straight game.
The Kangaroos haven't beaten the Crows since 2020, and have never won at Adelaide Oval, though they get a second shot at the latter against the Power later in the season.
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The continued emergence of key forward Riley Thilthorpe continues to be the story for Adelaide, with the rising star kicking three goals for the third game this season.
Riley Thilthorpe. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Sitting on nine goals, he sits equal second in the Coleman Medal as things stand, one behind Gold Coast's Ben King.
And with early games missed by Coleman favourites Jesse Hogan and Charlie Curnow, the race is wide open.
Thilthorpe has been an immense presence since returning from injury in 2024, with Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy impressed with his size and strength.
"He's already too strong. He's got another couple of years of building strength, he'll hit his peak around 26-27. Defenders will just bounce off him," Healy told Fox Footy.
Adelaide's key forward trio continues to fire, with Thilthorpe, Taylor Walker and Darcy Fogarty combining for nine goals against the Roos.
The only concern for the Crows was the injury suffered by small forward Josh Rachele, who was subbed out after hurting his ribs during the contest.
Josh Rachele of the Crows is helped by a trainer after a heavy knock during the round three AFL match between Adelaide Crows and North Melbourne Kangaroos Getty
Adelaide now prepares for a fascinating clash with Gold Coast in round four, a battle of two of the competition's in-form sides.
North Melbourne meanwhile will host Sydney next Saturday night at Marvel Stadium.
