1. Adelaide is a top-four contender
After a 58-point win last week in the Showdown, Adelaide showed it could seriously play. This performance in Melbourne, against a team that won 15 games in 2015, was proof the Crows can contend for a double chance. The pressure Don Pyke's men applied was too much at times for Richmond. It meant the Crows won inside-50s (57-53), despite losing disposals (369-410) and contested possessions (131-132). Midfielder Brad Crouch and forward Tom Lynch were both missing on Saturday and their returns will make the Crows even stronger.
Click here for full match details and stats
2. Richmond close ranks as they fall to 1-2
The media ban was on at the Tigers, with Fox Footy the only outlet allowed access to Richmond players post-game. It is one of the signs that the pressure is getting to the Tigers, with a 1-2 start not what they wanted after being so close to making the top four in 2015. Coach Damien Hardwick continued his impressive form in press conferences after the game but the Tigers were somewhat understandably interested in not exposing their players to journalists after their last-gasp loss to Collingwood in round two. Nevertheless, Richmond will be the focus of the footy world’s attention this week.
3. Costly misses in front of goal killed Richmond's momentum
After being dominated for much of the second quarter, the Tigers had chances to really close the margin heading into the main break. Not long after midfielder Kane Lambert dribbled a brilliant goal through from the boundary, Jack Riewoldt hit the post with Richmond on fire heading into half-time. Moments later, Josh Jenkins would goal down the other end. Daniel Rioli is only playing his second game and should eventually become a very good player, but he will rue a miss from 35m out under relatively little pressure.
4. Trent Cotchin gets an inordinate amount of attention
All eyes were on Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin, after he racked up 38 disposals in a one-point loss to Collingwood in round two. He played against Adelaide as he usually does – very well, finishing with 32 disposals. His leadership, which was criticised in the past week, also looked good, with the captain often a strong vocal presence. His tackling was fierce at times. At 1-2, Richmond certainly has its problems, but Cotchin is not one of them.
Richard Douglas finishes off a terrific team goal for the Crows. Now this is attractive footy. #AFLTigersCrows https://t.co/ugLTOjD3HE
— AFL (@AFL) April 9, 2016
5. The Crows are a joy to watch
Adelaide's attacking weapons and fast style of play have been noted, but some of the players on this team are exceptionally talented and are great to watch. In one play in the third quarter, Wayne Milera side-stepped around two Tigers before showing a calmness that belied his youth and hitting Taylor Walker on the lead. Not one to be overshadowed, the captain's set shot from the centre square went through the big sticks, from about 60m out.