The minor premiers were upset in last week's qualifying final, but it appears the Adelaide Crows were battling more than just Collingwood on Thursday night, with illness also believed to have played a part in their defeat.
The Pies were impressive in all areas of the ground in the opening game of the 2025 finals series, with strong performances by Darcy Moore, Jordan De Goey and Isaac Quaynor willing the Pies to a four-goal victory.
Meanwhile, the Crows had a number of players that failed to make an impact under the bright lights of September, and while many were experiencing their first taste of finals footy, sickness may also explain some of the no-shows, according to a report from Seven News Adelaide's Josh Money.
"Seven news can reveal that illness is sweeping through West Lakes with several players impacted during last week's qualifying final loss to Collingwood," Money told on Monday night.
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"Riley Thilthorpe was one of six or seven players battling through nasty symptoms on Thursday night with a call on the key forward's fitness left right up until the final minute.
"Star forward Josh Rachele is another Crow affected. He was kept away from training over the weekend. Not ideal as he tries to play his first game in two months after a knee injury."
Meanwhile, Rory Laird admitted to the media on Monday that he was one of the Crows that had been bedridden in the wake of the loss.
"I actually missed the review, I was crook over the weekend... I was in bed."
The Crows will have to overcome last week's defeat and the illnesses sweeping through the club, when they host a semi-final against Hawthorn on Friday night.