1. Jacobs goes down
With very shallow ruck depth at West Lakes, Sam Jacobs is Adelaide’s most important player. Daniel Talia is the only man who might challenge him for that title. One could then imagine the horror of Crows coach Don Pyke when Jacobs appeared in terrible pain after falling awkwardly in the second term. His ankle rolled badly in a marking contest and he had to be helped from the field before leaving the field on crutches at half-time. He’ll have scans next week but early signs suggest it’s not too serious.
2. Milestones up for Betts
Eddie Betts' rise since leaving Carlton has been well documented - the star small forward has enjoyed an incredible resurgence at Adelaide. His three seasons with the Crows have been the best of his career and he put in another stellar showing on Sunday. While booting another five goals against the Bombers, he took his career tally past 450 and also kicked his 50th of the season.
WATCH: Eddie everywhere in Crows' big win
3. McGovern stands in for Texan
No Taylor Walker in the side offered Mitch McGovern a chance to spearhead Adelaide’s attack and although Betts booted more goals, the 21-year-old’s clean hands and footy smarts were on show. He was sensational up forward to finish with four goals and his vertical leap was also on display. McGovern flew high in the third term, rising above a pack deep in the forward line. He wasn’t anywhere near the ball and gave away the free kick … but his leaping ability was impressive.
Mitch McGovern has dished up a goal of the year nomination with this tidy effort! #AFLCrowsDons #ohwhatafeeling https://t.co/JwJLxByG9e
— AFL (@AFL) July 31, 2016
4. Defender's deal for free meal
Season 2016 has been one of immense improvement for Adelaide defender Kyle Hartigan. He has provided important security for the club’s backline since Ben Rutten retired in 2014, but has risen to new heights this year. The 24-year-old will no doubt be hoping the year has plenty more in store for him and his teammates, but Sunday night saw him kick his first AFL goal after being awarded a 50m penalty that took him inside the arc. His shot at goal sailed over the goal umpire’s head and word has it a ‘defender's deal’ for any back-six goalkicker might entitle him to a free meal at Rutten's pub in Glenelg.
The Adelaide boys got right around Kyle Hartigan after he kicked his first goal at AFL level. #AFLCrowsDons https://t.co/7brBcJ59F2
— AFL (@AFL) July 31, 2016
5. Get kicking, Joe
In what was another dark night for the Bombers, Joe Daniher again stood as tall as his 201cm frame would demand. The 22-year-old was a great target up forward and pushed high out of attack at times when needed. His marking is an incredible asset and for a player as tall as he his and his cleanliness below his knees is outstanding. In the third term he crisply gathered a bouncing ball and calmly snapped the goal from 40m. But to really tear the competition apart he’ll have to improve his set-shot kicking. He’s an offender from set shots and his radar was mixed on Sunday with four goals, a behind and two out on the full.