When reigning best-and-fairest Jack Steven went down with a foot fracture many pundits wondered how big an impact his expected 8-10 week absence would have on the Saints' fortunes. While St Kilda pleasantly surprised by going 2-1, it was still a boost to see Steven back in action ahead of schedule. And the 24-year-old midfielder wasted no time in making his presence felt. With the Saints under early pressure, Steven stepped up by kicking an athletic goal over his head out of mid-air from the goal square to bring St Kilda back to within two points midway through the opening quarter. Unfortunately, it was arguably the Saints' last meaningful highlight on a dirty day. But Steven got through seemingly unscathed and gathered 20 touches – nine contested – with five clearances and five inside-50s to provide one bright spot.

The City of Churches isn't exactly known for its fast-paced lifestyle, so you can probably excuse Adelaide for getting caught short by Melbourne's traffic  - even on a Sunday. With the Run For The Kids taking place around the CBD, the Crows' team bus was held up by roadblocks on the way to Etihad Stadium and arrived 40 minutes late. It didn't affect the visitors, though, as they burst out of the blocks with the opening two goals and raced to a 44-point half-time lead. We should mention, too, that a few Saints also turned up late to the game, although it's debatable whether many of the team showed up at all. Did the trip back from Perth take its toll?

When you're battling to find the Sherrin, it can feel like the world is against you. Crows champion Patrick Dangerfield had good reason to wonder what he's done to upset the football gods on the stroke of half-time. When the 'Raging Bull' found himself scuttling away from the centre bounce towards the 50m, it seemed the moment to turn his fortunes around had come. No such luck. Just as he loaded up to launch a trademark long bomb, the siren sounded for the long break. With only three kicks and five handballs to half-time, Dangerfield bounced back to kick a goal and finish with 19 disposals, eight contested, and seven tackles despite being seemingly restricted in his movement.

Some eyebrows were raised when Adelaide came into the match as favourites, despite being winless. Most of the Crows' woes had come up forward, where Taylor Walker's continuing absence has created a massive hole. Adelaide only booted 32 goals in the opening three rounds, but coach Brenton Sanderson's lean on the panic button during the week seems to have worked. Josh Jenkins, all 198cm and 104kg of him, filled a massive part of the hole and straightened the Crows up with three first-half majors. Jenkins (four goals), Jared Petrenko (two), David Mackay (two) and Eddie Betts (one) scored at will while St Kilda's defence was under siege, thanks to the Crows' midfield running rampant. At three-quarter time, Adelaide had nearly half (15) of its goals tally in the first three rounds. 

Ex-Brisbane Lion Billy Longer finally got his chance at St Kilda, but couldn't quite grab it, with No.1 ruckman Tom Hickey sitting on the sidelines. Longer's first game in the red, white and black wasn't one to remember, gathering just eight touches and 24 hit-outs, while Adelaide's Sam Jacobs was influential in Adelaide's midfield dominance with 22 disposals and 39 hit-outs. Speaking on radio station 3AW pre-game, Hickey said he would 'definitely' be available to take on Essendon next Saturday night after suffering a corked calf at training on Friday.