Niamh Kelly has kicked a clutch late goal to lift Adelaide to a thrilling three-point AFLW win over North Melbourne, locking in a top-two finish for the Crows.
The Crows rebounded from a loss last round as their never-quit work ethic and elite midfielders set up the 6.5 (41) to 5.8 (38) victory at Norwood Oval on Sunday.
With one round of the home and away season remaining, top-placed Melbourne and Adelaide are guaranteed to finish in the top two as they sit two games clear with 8-1 win-loss records.
It was a thrilling contest right from the opening bounce as momentum swung drastically between two teams destined for the finals series.
It took a running goal from Kelly with only 90 seconds left on the game clock for the Crows to hit the front for the first time.
North Melbourne had their chances with four misses early in the frantic final quarter when they controlled the play inside the forward-50.
Crows onballer Ebony Marinoff celebrated her AFLW record-equalling 75 games with another polished display and 30 possessions, backed by Anne Hatchard (32) and Kelly (22).
The third-placed Kangaroos (6-3) lost no admirers and they proved to everyone that they deserve to be in flag contention to nearly snatch an upset victory at such a hostile venue.
This battle showcased the elite midfielders with Jasmine Garner, leader in the AFLW Coaches award, contributing 27 possessions in her team's heartbreaking loss.
With so much at stake, it wasn't surprising to see the intense pressure, particularly on the ball-carrier.
North Melbourne dominated the early possessions and the forward pressure posed danger for the visitors in their front half.
Adelaide were fortunate to trail by only 12 points at quarter-time, given the Roos' control of the ball. And when Kate Shierlaw goalled, North stretched the lead to 18 points early in the second term.
North's tackling, particularly inside its forward 50, limited Adelaide's traditional run out of defence to set up a scoring opportunity.
But the Crows hit back hard by matching the Roos' ferocity in the air and on the ground after the quarter-time adjustment to work their way back into the contest.
Goals to Caitlin Gould and Zoe Prowse for the home side cut the scoreboard deficit to leave the contest evenly poised at the main break and set up an intriguing second half.
The Crows round out the home and away season away to strugglers West Coast on Saturday night while North Melbourne take on the Westyern Bulldogs earlier in the day.
