1. Need excitement Better call Paul … or Eddie
North Melbourne was storming home with four goals in five minutes, drawing to within three points of the home side late in the fourth quarter. But in the final play of the contest Eddie Betts flew from behind the pack to take a spectacular mark only metres out from goal. The siren blew and the small forward kicked a morale-boosting 12th goal for Adelaide. It wasn’t a big game for Betts with just 10 possessions, but he again showed he’s only one magic moment away from impacting the contest. After the game, Betts said teammate Paul Seedsman was unlucky not to have the mark of the night and indeed the year. Closing in on half-time, the wingman showed plenty of spring to get on the shoulders of Majak Daw on Adelaide’s half-forward line. He timed his jump perfectly and but couldn’t hold onto the ball at the peak of the ride.

 

2. Roos deflated by Dees boilover
North Melbourne entered the match believing a drought-breaking victory at the Adelaide Oval would keep its season alive. But the Demons’ upset win in the west was completed as the Roos were in their half-time break. A place in the finals is now just a mathematical equation that involves Geelong losing to Gold Coast and North beating St Kilda and a massive change in percentage by both sides. At the start of the year not many footy experts gave the Roos a chance of making the top eight, so they wouldn't have lost any fans with their efforts this year and in the fourth quarter against Adelaide. But it’s clear to see why the speed and finish of Port’s Jared Polec and departing Suns forward Tom Lynch are on the top of their shopping list for 2019.

 

3. Brown controls Coleman destiny
Ben Brown’s lean record against the Crows has continued but he’ll still have the final say in the race for the Coleman Medal. He entered the match against the Crows with 58 goals, two behind the Tigers’ Jack Riewoldt and one ahead of Lance Franklin, who kicked a bag of five against the Giants. Unfortunately, the Roos forward couldn’t add to his tally at the Adelaide Oval with limited opportunities and Andy Otten breathing down his neck. In the final round of the season Riewoldt will be licking his lips in anticipation when the Tigers take on the Dogs, while a big haul for Buddy will be a tougher assignment against his old side. Regardless of what the pair produce, Brown will know exactly what he needs to claim the coveted medal when the Roos take on the Saints in the Sunday twilight encounter. For the record he has kicked 15 goals from his previous seven outings against St Kilda.

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4. Legal bumps adds to AFL spectacle
There were two bruising bumps in this contest that appeared legitimate acts of aggression, but will no doubt be looked at by the Match Review Officer. Late in the third quarter Jed Anderson and Tom Doedee were coming from opposite directions when they collided on the wing. Doedee left the ground with a sore shoulder while a composed Anderson walked away from the impact. Both players went low and the ball was their objective in an effort that would’ve pleased both camps. And in the second quarter Crows midfielder David Mackay was down for a while after he was collected in a front-on bump by Jack Ziebell. Let’s hope players keep the bump in their repertoire because when it’s executed well it’s breathtaking.

 

5. Otten auditions for 2019
There was speculation Andy Otten may have been picked for a farewell game after being named as a replacement for Alex Keath on Saturday. But the Crows’ list manager could be having second thoughts about the utility after a strong performance against Ben Brown. The Roos' key forward is probably his ideal match-up these days – a player that runs in straight lines and is not lightning quick. Otten has been praised for his perseverance over the journey, taking nearly a decade to reach his 100th game earlier this year. But with no contract for 2019 he must be wondering if the curtain is about to close on his AFL career. This was only his seventh match this year and his last appearance was back in round 13.

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