1. Grand Final redemption for JJ and Tex
Josh Jenkins and Taylor Walker were two of the Crows stars that went missing during last year's Grand Final, Jenkins failing to kick a goal and only collecteing seven disposals and Walker managing just two majors. But after six months sweating on that performance, 'JJ' provided the Tigers with more headaches at the Adelaide Oval, kicking four goals and accumulating 10 possessions in a dominant first half. The Crows managed to isolate the key forward against Alex Rance, with the All Australian defender having his colours lowered on a number of occasions. Walker was just as impressive, given a foot injury meant he didn’t play a match during the preseason. Jenkins finished the game with five majors, while Walker had four.
WATCH: This feels good in a tough week for Tex
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2. Revolving door in Crows’ medical rooms
The injuries continue to mount for Adelaide with Matt Crouch throwing his mouthguard to the ground in disgust as a hamstring problem ended his night early in the second quarter. David Mackay was also left concussed after being hit by Josh Caddy. They join Alex Keath (ankle), Sam Gibson (hamstring), Curtly Hampton (adductor), Riley Knight (ankle) and Brad Crouch (groin) on the sidelines. Rory Sloane (foot) and Daniel Talia (knee) also sent a scare through the Crows camp on Thursday night, but the star duo returned to play out the game. In better news Walker got through his first game following a foot injury while fellow forward Tom Lynch is a chance of returning in round three, with a side strain then a virus providing him with frustrating setbacks.
Matt Crouch's hamstring injury will push the Crows for depth. Picture: AFL Photos
3. Caddy's whack could be costly
Josh Caddy is likely to come under scrutiny by match review officer Michael Christian for a clumsy high shot that left Crow David Mackay concussed. Late in the third term, Mackay collected the ball at half-back and dished off a handball, but as Caddy tried to apply pressure his swinging forearm collected the veteran Crow in the side of the face. Mackay was eventually helped from the field, but played no further part in the game. Fellow Tiger Toby Nankervis could also come under scrutiny for dropping his knees into the back of Matt Crouch early in the first quarter. The Richmond duo won't need to wait long to hear of their fate, with Christian delivering his decision on Friday.
WATCH: 'Caddywhack!' Is Tiger in trouble?
4. Crows learn from Bombers loss
Adelaide surrendered a 20-point, three-quarter time lead against Essendon last week, raising questions whether the Crows were underdone after a short pre-season. But they answered their critics after absorbing a couple of surges from Richmond despite several injury concerns. The Tigers kicked three in a row in the second quarter to edge within a point of the home side. After the home side kicked away again, consecutive goals from Dustin Martin in the fourth saw the visitors close to within nine points. But unlike round one, Adelaide responded with its best players standing up under pressure as Walker, Sloane and Jenkins converted to seal the win.
WATCH: Rory Sloane gets breathing space for the Crows
5. Dusty in early Brownlow form
Reigning Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin was again in scintillating form and is sure to poll votes despite his side's loss at Adelaide Oval. His five goals were classy, but it was his seven clearances, 75 per cent disposal efficiency and 14 contested possessions that would've caught the attention of the umpires. Martin was considered by most to be the Tigers' best in their opening-round win against Carlton, seeing him in start strongly on the quest for back-to-back medals.
