The question of who would step up in the absence of injured Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker and the departure of Kurt Tippett to the Sydney Swans in the off-season may have been answered. Young Tom Lynch booted a career-best 10 goals on Sunday, the best performance by an Adelaide player since Tony Modra kicked 10 in 1993. The 22-year-old showed speed on the lead and strength in the pack to pull down 11 marks in a performance the Crows will hope is a sign they can kick enough goals while Walker recovers from a knee injury.
2. Greene's second-year blues
Toby Greene was a revelation in his debut season, averaging more than 28 possessions per game to finish second in the best and fairest. But the 19-year-old has found life more difficult early in year two. Facing greater attention from opposition defences, Greene is averaging 20 touches so far and using the ball at just 59 per cent efficiency. On Sunday, a risky kick across goal led directly to an Adelaide goal, while a lax handball was intercepted by Bernie Vince and punished. He has so much time on his side, but still has plenty of work to do. "His kicking skills need to improve to ensure he will have a long career at AFL level," former Collingwood skipper Tony Shaw said on radio.
3. Sydney weather plays havoc with Crows
Perhaps due to the thick fog around Sydney in the morning, Adelaide began the game without several support staff, including the back-up physiotherapist and back-up doctor, after their flight was delayed into Sydney. The broadcast booth for radio station 3AW was also vacant as the game got underway, with the commentary team arriving midway through the opening term. "For a comprehensive summary of the opening quarter, here's Tony Shaw," 3AW commentator Tim Lane joked during the quarter-time break.
4. Giants set an unwanted record
The Giants are still striving for their first win of 2013 and, judging by Sunday's crowd, they are also some way from winning over the western Sydney public. The club has already moved past 12,000 members, a very encouraging response, but they aren't fronting up to games. A crowd of just 5,830 attended the club's opening match of the season at Skoda Stadium. It was Mother's Day, but with perfect weather and coming off a strong effort last week against Essendon, it was the lowest crowd in GWS history.
5. Ward a leader in every way
According to the Official AFL Player Ratings, Callan Ward is the Giants' highest-ranked player at 23 overall. Despite the heavy thrashing, the 23-year-old lived up to his top billing on Sunday, finishing the match as one of the Giants' better players with a team-high 22 touches and two goals.
