Adelaide and Gold Coast have played each another 16 times and there have been many exciting games.
Here are some of our favourites.
Thommo’s half century – Round 22, 2011
In Round 22, 2011, Adelaide on-baller Scott Thompson set a modern-day AFL record, amassing 51 disposals against the Suns in a 61-point Crows victory.
The midfielder looked destined for a big game, after collecting 18 possessions in the first term, and helping Adelaide build a seven-goal buffer at the first break.
Thompson brought up his 51st disposal in the final minute of the game via a handball out of a pack – finishing with 21 kicks and 30 handballs.
The former on-baller also became the first person to crack 51 touches in the AFL era and to this day, ranks as the third-most possession getter by a single player in AFL history.
Ex-Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs gave Thompson silver service all game, winning 47 hit-outs along with 24 disposals and seven marks.
In-form Walker eclipses Suns – Round Three, 2021
In Round Three, 2021, Adelaide faced Gold Coast in at Adelaide Oval in a Friday night thriller, which featured multiple swings in momentum.
It was a nervous start for the hosts, who found themselves 20 points down after just eight minutes.
The Crows turned to in-form forward Taylor Walker, who had booted 11 goals in the opening two rounds, to get them back into the game.
The then 31-year-old didn’t disappoint and went on to kick three goals in the first term.
The Suns then trailed for most of the game, before kicking three goals to start the fourth term and stole back the lead.
Adelaide faced a three-point deficit, before Walker stepped up again and booted his sixth goal of the game, to put Adelaide back in front.
Midfielder Ned McHenry went on to seal the Crows’ 10-point victory when he kicked the final major of the contest shortly after.
Rory Sloane left his mark on the match, amassing 34 disposals, seven marks, seven clearances and 10 score involvements.
The first meeting – Round Eight, 2011
Adelaide and Gold Coast played their first game against one another in Round Eight, 2011, and the Crows prevailed by 57 points.
Fresh off winning the inaugural Q Clash against Brisbane, Gold Coast carried that momentum into the opening quarter and held a 4-point lead at the first break, following a three-goal opening term by former Captain Gary Ablett.
The Crows flicked the switch in the second quarter, outscoring the Suns 47-2, to take a five goal lead into half-time.
Although the Suns had more shots on goal in the second half, their inability to capitalise on their opportunities proved the difference, kicking 5.13, while Adelaide booted 11.3.
Ex-Crow Patrick Dangerfield kicked a career-high six goals to go along with 23 disposals, while then Skipper Nathan van Berlo amassed 36 disposals, 11 marks and six inside 50s.
Crows fly over the Suns – Round 17, 2019
Adelaide recorded its largest win against Gold Coast in Round 17, 2019, thrashing the Suns by 95 points.
The Crows’ team defence was on full display in the second term, limiting the Suns to just two behinds, while piling on 44 points themselves.
While the Suns were able to save face in the final term, booting four goals, the damage was done, as Crows forwards Eddie Betts (20 disposals and six goals) and Josh Jenkins (eight marks and four goals).
Adelaide won the disposal count 476-302 and uncontested possessions 325-168, as Matt Crouch led the way, collecting 36 disposals and seven clearances.
Rory Atkins had 35 disposals and 687 metres-gained, while Wayne Milera was superb to finish with 27 disposals and 12 score involvements.
Sanderson’s first game at the helm – Round One, 2012
The Crows opened their 2012 season with a clash against the Suns away, in what was Brenton Sanderson’s first AFL game as Adelaide Senior Coach.
Sanderson’s first quarter as a Senior Coach could not have got off to a better start, as Adelaide recorded 15 scoring shots to lead 50-19 after the first break.
Although the Crows kicked 8.13 after half-time, their new aggressive game style under Sanderson was strong, as the side kicked the final four goals of the game to triumph by 69 points.
Scott Thompson led the Crows in possessions with 39, to go along with six clearances and six marks.
Ian Callinan finished with seven scoring shots and 18 disposals, while Rory Sloane had 24 touches, nine tackles and 11 inside 50s.
Adelaide will face Gold Coast at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Saturday night, with the first bounce at 7pm SA time.