AFL Star’s Shocking Blunder Sparks Unprecedented Game Start, Stunning Fans and Experts
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AFL Star’s Shocking Blunder Sparks Unprecedented Game Start, Stunning Fans and Experts

Crows Crush Port Adelaide in Record Showdown Victory
By Shayne Bugden and Steve Larkin
Published: 04:25 BST, 27 July 2025 | Updated: 04:42 BST, 27 July 2025

Adelaide Oval witnessed one of the most bizarre starts to an AFL game on Saturday night as the Adelaide Crows demolished Port Adelaide by a record 98 points in a jaw-dropping Showdown. The match began with a moment that left 46,000 fans and commentators stunned.

Port Adelaide’s Miles Bergman won the opening clearance just seconds after the first bounce, only to kick the ball 50 meters in the wrong direction, straight to Crows forward Darcy Fogarty. Fogarty converted the gift into a goal, setting the tone for the Crows’ dominant 20.13 (133) to 5.5 (35) victory.

Bergman's blunder
Miles Bergman’s misguided kick gifted the Crows an early goal, leaving fans in disbelief.

Fox Sports commentator Dwayne Russell summed up the shock: “How could a professional do that?” Social media erupted, with fans calling the error “unforgivable” and joking about Bergman’s costly mistake. Despite the criticism, Crows midfielder Jake Soligo offered sympathy: “I’ve had to think about not doing that a couple of times… it is hard.”

The Crows capitalized on Bergman’s slip, with Riley Thilthorpe stealing the spotlight. The towering forward booted three goals and dominated with 19 disposals and six clearances, even in heavy rain. Supported by Taylor Walker and Ben Keays (three goals each), Adelaide recorded their largest-ever Showdown margin, leapfrogging Collingwood to temporarily top the ladder.

Thilthorpe shines
Riley Thilthorpe’s stellar performance included three goals and relentless pressure.

Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks hailed the win as a “dream” performance, though a hamstring injury to defender Max Michalanney tempered celebrations. Meanwhile, Port Adelaide’s woes deepened, slipping to an 8-11 record amid injuries to Lachie Jones (corked thigh) and Jack Lukosius (calf).

Port’s Zak Butters (34 disposals) and Connor Rozee (22 touches) fought valiantly, but the team’s inaccuracy and defensive lapses proved insurmountable.

Port's struggles
Bergman and Port Adelaide endured a night of relentless pressure from the Crows.

The Crows’ fifth straight win signals their premiership credentials, while Port faces uphill battles to salvage their season. As Adelaide revels in history, Bergman’s blunder will linger as a surreal footnote in Showdown lore.

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