Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Find your Sport Nation frequencyThe surprise best team the Demons have faced in 2025
SEN • July 17th, 2025 11:02 am
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has named Adelaide as the toughest team the Demons have faced in 2025.
The Dees played off against the Crows two weeks ago, going down by 13 points at the Adelaide Oval despite leading at half-time.
While Goodwin thought Melbourne played a really strong game in the City of Churches, it simply wasn’t enough to get over the top of an Adelaide side that is getting stronger defensively and around the ball, as well as already being a top-two offensive side.
“It’s a tough one because they play in different ways,” Goodwin said on SEN Breakfast.
“But the Adelaide Football Club was a team that was really challenging a few weeks ago.
“We thought we played a pretty strong game of footy, but they were just so good in and around the footy, and also so strong defensively.
“They've really grown their game, and clearly, they’re naturally a very good offensive team and score quite easily.
“But the way they’ve tightened up their defence and their ability to win the ball around contest areas was really impressive.
“So, there's certainly a team that's on the rise, as is Gold Coast.”
Even though the Crows sit third with a 12-5 record and could easily push for a top-two finish given their remaining fixtures, some, including Kane Cornes, can’t see them going deep in September due to a reliance on their three tall forwards, Riley Thilthorpe, Taylor Walker and Darcy Fogarty.
Goodwin himself doesn’t align with those views, and he says any team would love to have that trio at their disposal.
“I wouldn't mind having them. They’re a handful,” the two-time premiership Crow said.
“The thing that I like about those three tools is they're all mobile. They all work around the ground quite easily, and they've got a high level of skill.
“When you put those attributes together, I think you can play in multiple different ways and get an advantage in any game you play.
“So, I think they're going to be a threat come finals time, there's no question about that.
“I think any team would love to have those three talls on their team.”
The Crows next play the Suns on Sunday at the Adelaide Oval in what could loom as a top-four shaping clash.
