AIHL Round Review: Brave storm into third as Adelaide ends long wait with stunning upset

James Lane

With the Mustangs sitting out the weekend, Newcastle took full advantage in the race for the minor premiership, while Canberra continued its surge to climb into outright third. But the biggest story belonged to Adelaide. After months of frustration and only one previous regulation-time victory all season, the Adrenaline produced one of the biggest upsets of the year to finish the weekend on a high.

Canberra Brave 6 – 3 Central Coast Rhinos

Saturday’s opening game looked to be heading Central Coast’s way early.

The Rhinos led 2–1 after the opening period before Canberra completely flipped the contest. A dominant 4–0 second period swung all the momentum, leaving the Brave in complete control on their way to another important victory.

Melbourne Ice 6 – 2 Sydney Ice Dogs

The Ice continued their late-season resurgence with a convincing win over the Ice Dogs.

Neither side could find the net in a tense opening period, but Melbourne steadily took over from there. The Ice won both the second and third periods 3–1, turning what began as a defensive battle into a comfortable victory.

Canberra Brave 6 – 3 Central Coast Rhinos

Sunday’s rematch followed a different script but produced the same result.

This time the Brave jumped out to a 2–0 lead before the Rhinos briefly fought back to level the scores. Canberra immediately regained control, however, and never allowed Central Coast in front, completing a valuable weekend sweep.

Sydney Bears 6 – 2 Melbourne Ice

The Bears bounced back emphatically after Saturday’s derby defeat.

Melbourne failed to score across the opening two periods as Sydney built an unassailable lead. By the time the Ice finally found the net, the result was already beyond doubt.

Newcastle Northstars 4 – 3 Perth Thunder

The headline clash of the weekend lived up to expectations.

Perth struck first and led 1–0 after the opening period before Newcastle equalised in the second. With the teams locked together entering the final frame, the Northstars found just enough offence to edge a one-goal victory over one of their biggest rivals.

It was another statement win from the league leaders, who continue to find ways to win the close ones.

Adelaide Adrenaline 5 – 1 Sydney Ice Dogs

Already long eliminated from finals contention, Adelaide produced arguably its best performance of the season to dismantle the Ice Dogs.

The Adrenaline kept Sydney scoreless through the opening two periods before cruising to a memorable 5–1 victory. It was only Adelaide’s third win of the season and just their second in regulation time, making it a result that will mean far more than the four points on offer.

For a team that has endured such a difficult campaign, this was a night worth celebrating.

Standings

Newcastle have taken another step towards the minor premiership, moving to 53 points and opening a three-point gap over the idle Mustangs on 50. Canberra’s outstanding weekend lifts the Brave to 47 points and into outright third, overtaking Perth, who remain on 44 after their narrow loss to the Northstars. Melbourne Ice continue their climb to 41 points despite splitting the weekend, while the Ice Dogs and Bears are now locked together on 39 after contrasting fortunes. Central Coast remain on 30 points following another disappointing weekend, Brisbane stay on 22, and Adelaide move into double figures with 10 after their season-defining upset.