Adelaide's super start
There has been a lot of talk about the Crows' slow starts this season and on Sunday they solved the problem and exploded out of the blocks. Adelaide completely destroyed a shell-shocked West Coast, kicking eight goals to none. Josh Jenkins had three of them and Adelaide's forward line was in full flight thanks to a dominant midfield that resulted in an onslaught of inside-50s (20-6). The quarter-time total of 8.3 (51) is the Crows' best against West Coast, while the Eagles had their lowest first quarter since 2011. The one point they kicked saved them from a repeat of their scoreless first quarter way back in 1992.
Defensive dilemma
All Australian candidate Jeremy McGovern injured his shoulder in the second quarter after copping a bump for Taylor Walker. It took him some to get to his feet but he played on until three-quarter time. Once the game was out of reach he was subbed and the Eagles will be sweating on how he pulls up this week. West Coast is already crippled by major injuries in defence to Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown, while Will Schofield is expected to return from a hamstring injury during the finals. The Eagles have stood up amazingly well considering the injuries this season but to lose McGovern as well would be extremely difficult to cover.
Finals fates
Adelaide has again made a big statement to the rest of the competition. The last time the two teams played in round 15, the Crows were playing under unprecedented circumstances. It was the first match following the tragic death of Phil Walsh. Today they turned the tables. Adelaide are now 6-2 under Scott Camporeale and with a win over Geelong next week and a loss for Richmond against North Melbourne, the Crows can secure a home final in week one of the finals. For West Coast, they must beat St Kilda at home to guarantee a home qualifying final.
Adelaide's forward line
On paper Adelaide's forward line coming into the season looked extremely potent. Skipper Taylor Walker was fully fit and Eddie Betts is Eddie Betts. Add breakout seasons for Josh Jenkins, Tom Lynch and Charlie Cameron and the Crows are a devastating forward unit, which was evident against the Eagles. Jenkins booted a career-best six goals, Walker had three and the others had two each. We knew it would take time for them to jel and they're doing it at the right time. The Crows are emerging as the sleeper of September and if their form continues like this they can make a deep run.
Riverbank riches
There was barely a breath of wind on what was a perfect day for footy at Adelaide Oval but for some reason the Riverbank end was a haven for goals. In the first half 13 of the 14 goals were kicked at that end. The trend continued in the third quarter with the Crows kicking five goals to one. They managed to give the supporters on the hill at the North end something to cheer about in the last quarter kicking five majors to four. The 53,445 fans who came to Adelaide Oval set a record at the ground for a non-Showdown and the vast majority would have been stoked with what they saw.
