Adelaide's Max Michalanney has added an important string to his bow that could be pivotal in the latter stages of the 2025 season.
Michalanney was put on Richmond star defender Nick Vlastuin during Sunday's clash at the MCG, limiting him to 15 disposals and five rebound 50s as the Tigers failed to generate movement from their back half, leading to a 68-point loss.
Crows coach Matthew Nicks paid tribute to the father-son gun who thought of the idea throughout the week, and was moved from his traditional defensive role at the opposite end of the ground.
Michalanney ended with three goals and 10 touches, whilst also directly handing a teammate a major.
"It was Max's idea," Nicks said.
"I always give credit when it works to someone else. He was great. He played an important role (on Nick Vlastuin).
"We have a lot of respect for Vlastuin and the way he plays his footy, and he's hurt us a lot over the years. So it was one part of the game we wanted to get right.
"Max was able to hit the scoreboard. In the end, it was a good move, and one that we will continue to look at for Max. He's got a lot of flexibility to where he can play."
3๏ธโฃ for Max Michalanney #AFLTigersCrows pic.twitter.com/77ghVqOvfZ
— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 29, 2025
Another significant role during the afternoon that led to Adelaide's 10th victory of the year was key defender Jordon Butts on Tom Lynch.
Butts had limited Lynch to zero touches and five free kicks against in the first half, which prompted a swinging roundhouse strike just before the main change.
The Crows tall kept the Tigers forward to one goal and two disposals.
"I was really impressed with 'Buttsy,'" Nicks said.
"It was a ruthless performance. Playing on one of the best forwards in the competition, and to limit his impact to the level that he did, we can't ask for anything more from our full-back.
"Obviously, there's some frustration there from our opposition, which is what we want to do as a team. That's the stuff, as a coach, you want to see more of... when our opposition is angry and frustrated, it means we're doing something right."
Tensions rise following this incident involving Tom Lynch and Jordon Butts.#AFLTigersCrows pic.twitter.com/FyTMlT65ZO
— AFL (@AFL) June 29, 2025
Crafty forward Josh Rachele was taken from the game due to general soreness, but Nicks confirmed it was more precautionary given the context of the game.
Adelaide will return home next week and host Melbourne as they search for a top-two spot.
