Adelaide's two AFL clubs can thank controversial recruits for thrilling victories that saw them topping the ladder.

Port Adelaide went two games clear in first place after Byron Pickett booted his fourth goal with just one minute remaining in the 12.12 (84) to 11.14 (80) victory over Hawthorn.

The wisdom of recruiting Pickett from the Kangaroos was widely questioned when he struggled to make an impact early in the season.

But with a second minor premiership now all but wrapped up, Pickett is set to be a key in the Power's push for a first AFL flag.

"I think he had 20 possessions, five tackles, a few bumps and kicked four goals, so what a great day," said Power coach Mark Williams.

"If anyone here reckons he wasn't best on ground you should have a good look at yourself."

The Crows also took a calculated gamble when they chased hard for Wayne Carey after his infamous departure from Arden St.

He went a long way to repaying the club's faith with five goals in the 14.13 (97) to 14.9 (93) win over fast-finishing Sydney.

Ruck-forward Adam Goodes had a chance to win the game for the Swans in the dying seconds but his long shot for goal flew out on the full.

"We've lost a couple of close ones this year so it's good to win one like that - it would have been shattering to lose," said Carey after his best game in a Crows jumper.

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