Geelong was up by 30 points during the third quarter but was run down by a fast-finishing Adelaide. The deficit wasn't as big as what it was in the Cats' loss to the Brisbane Lions but they did have their opportunities to win the game in the last quarter. Stars Jimmy Bartel and Harry Taylor both had shots in the last minute from 25 metres out on acute angles but couldn't convert. Both opted to take snap shots rather than kick the traditional drop punt. The Crows just kept on coming and produced some great goals to stay in it, notably from Bernie Vince and Brad Crouch. Matthew Wright delivered the winner, one of his four of the game.
2. Bartel's bump
Bartel and Rory Laird both attacked the ball hard on the members' wing in the second term but Bartel caught Laird front-on and high. Laird was subbed off under the concussion rule but the star Cat wasn't reported at the time. The rookie Crow returned to the ground in the third term and played out the rest of the match but Bartel likely faces a nervous wait before the Match Review Panel releases its findings on Monday afternoon. Any forceful contact to the head is closely examined as the League continues in its bid to protect the players from concussion.
3. Still dangerous without Dangerfield
Superstar Patrick Dangerfield was absent but the Crows proved they can still be dangerous and - perhaps - be part of the September action. During the third quarter it looked the Cats would cruise to victory but the Crows never gave up and willed their way back into the contest. Ricky Henderson was outstanding down back, grabbing everything that came his way and also picked up 32 possessions. Richard Douglas continued his excellent season and Vince, Wright and Lynch were also very good. Adelaide's chances are admittedly slim but it might just take a victory over a top side like Geelong to re-ignite the season. It was also a great way to celebrate Scott Thompson's 200th. Unfortunately, the veteran midfielder was subbed out in the third quarter with groin issues.
4. Adelaide's 19th man
The reference to the AAMI Stadium crowd being an extra player at Adelaide homes games has been an effective marketing ploy in recent years. However, in the first quarter after the Crows kicked a goal, they literally had a 19th man. Daniel Talia came onto the ground when he mistakenly thought Richard Tambling had gone off. The interchange steward was quick to notice, awarding a free kick and a 50m penalty before play was restarted and Selwood punished them with a goal. The Crows haven't been great to their 19th man - their fans - this season but repaid the faith with a stunning comeback win.
5. Plenty of the footy, not enough goals
Adelaide dominated the first quarter but couldn't convert on the scoreboard. It looked like that wasteful first quarter would prove costly as Geelong was ultra-effective when they went forward. But sheer weight of numbers won out in the end. The Crows had 98 more possessions, 16 more marks, 12 more tackles, won the clearances and had eight more inside 50s. They got finally reward for effort in the last quarter, kicking five goals to two to swamp the Cats.
