Adelaide Crows Retrospective Premiers Balls – 1997 and 1998
Sherrin are once again turning back the clock to celebrate famous premierships of the past.
Kicking off the range is the back-to-back premierships of the Adelaide Football Club, and their famous back-to-back premiership wins in 1997 and 1998. Since joining the league in 1991, the Crows managed early success, making the finals in just their third season, however, were knocked out in the preliminary final.
Fast forward to 1997, and the Crows finished fourth to make just their second finals series in their short history. Winning their way through to another preliminary final, this time against the Western Bulldogs, the Crows were down by 31 points at half-time, however kicking four unanswered goals in the final quarter helped them to a 2-point victory and they were through to their first Grand Final.
Adelaide faced St Kilda in the final game of the season, with the Saints chasing their second premiership. Once again down at half time, the Crows kicked an unbelievable 14 second-half goals, to claim the cup, and their inaugural premiership. Jarman, Ellen, Bond, McLeod, are just some of the names that were influential in this historical premiership win.
Written off by many in the following season, Adelaide lost seven of their nine matches by 13 points or less, and finished 5th on the ladder at the end of the home and away season. After losing the first week of the finals, the Crows were able to have a second chance; as were the rules at the time, and once again defeated the Western Bulldogs in the preliminary final. Miraculously making it through to their second grand final in as many years, the Crows came up against North Melbourne on the last Saturday in September, and like the year before were the underdogs. Trailing by 24 points at half-time, Adelaide dominated the second half, winning by 35 points and capped off a hugely successful couple of years for the club, with back-to-back premierships. Andrew McLeod was once again a key player in the Grand Final, winning his second consecutive Norm Smith Medal for best on ground.
Featuring all the key stats, including the Premiership team, date and final score, crowd attendance, Norm Smith Medallist, best on ground players and goal scorers, as well as the logos from the era, celebrate Adelaide’s most successful era, with our Retrospective 1997 and 1998 Premiership Footballs – a must have for any Crows fan!
These limited release balls are now available on Sherrin.com.au