1. Buddy brilliant
Lance Franklin has come under incredible scrutiny since joining the Swans and has been taken to task for failing to deliver his best in his opening two outings this season. But on Saturday against the Crows, Buddy was sensational, working high up the ground to create opportunities as well as finishing beautifully when in range. In what was clearly his best game in red and white, Franklin booted four goals, collected 20 possessions, had six inside-50s and three goal assists.
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2. An untimely miss
With a couple of huge contested marks from Patrick Dangerfield resulting in two inspiring goals (one to Dangerfield himself and the other to Matt Jaensch), Adelaide threatened to steal the momentum in the third term. The crowd roared with Jaensch's running goal from 50m and when Jared Petrenko marked well deep inside forward 50 the Crows looked certain to getl within two points. As Petrenko played on and ran into an open goal, the ball slid off the side of his boot and missed. From firing to flat in seconds.
3. Bookend dominance
Crows coach Brenton Sanderson talked up the importance of starting strong against the Swans - unfortunately though it seemed his players missed the memo. Through midfield domination the Swans set up a handy four-goal lead at quarter time. They won the centre clearances 7-2 in the first term, despite losing hit-outs 5-12 and their quick movement out of the centre made it easy for their forwards. But the opening term was nothing compared with the onslaught that Adelaide suffered in the final quarter. The Swans proved many classes above their opponent, holding them goalless after the final break and subjecting Brenton Sanderson's team to their heaviest defeat of the season so far.
4. Sloppy Crows pay the price
It's obvious, but you can't win a game of football when you squander opportunities. Adelaide secured enough of the footy around the ground on Saturday, they won contested possession, clearances and inside-50s, but in front of goal it was a no-contest. While the likes of Luke Parker, Franklin, Harry Cunningham and Kieren Jack all booted multiple goals for the Swans, the Crows wasted chance after chance – led by Josh Jenkins with four behinds.
5. Where to now for Sando's side?
With the worst possible start to the season confirmed after three winless rounds, Adelaide fans will now be asking where their team is headed in 2014. Although the Crows have played three quality sides in Geelong, Port Adelaide and the Sydney Swans, at no point have they managed to stick with them when the going got tough. On each occasion, the game's breaking point has been met not by resilience, but by capitulation. Last week it was the Power who stormed home with 12 of the last 15 goals of the match, and on Saturday the Swans kicked 12 of the last 13 goals to run all over a tired-looking Adelaide.
