1. Captain Tex
Taylor Walker was new coach Phil Walsh's personal choice as captain and he grabbed the leadership baton with both hands in his first game as skipper. He had seven marks in the first quarter and 12, plus three goals, by half-time. North Melbourne started with Joel Tippett but was forced to make the move to 2013 All Australian Scott Thompson. It didn't stop Walker though who presented and pulled down marks at will. Michael Firrito went to him in the second half and when North challenged with six unanswered goals, it was Walker who lifted and wrestled back control of the game. He finished with 6.5 and 15 marks and was clearly best on ground, relishing his new role as captain. Very early to make big calls about his leadership style but it was hard not to make the comparison to Wayne Carey.
2. The return of VB
Walker's predecessor Nathan Van Berlo hadn't played a game since round 23, 2013 and he returned in winning style. He was in the thick of the action early and had 12 possessions in the first half. He was a bit rusty at times but that can be forgiven after so long out of the game due to the freak Achilles injury suffered at training. He slowed after half-time to finish with 16 disposals, but he'll no doubt be better for the run and will be a huge asset for the Crows this season.
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3. A half to remember
The Crows fired out of the blocks like a cannon ball kicking six goals to two in the first quarter and it was all due to their brilliant work in the midfield. It continued in the second quarter and by half-time they led clearances 23-12, were plus-11 on contested possessions and owned the loose ball. Down by 63 points at the main break the Roos found a way to respond. They got their hands on the footy and made an impact on the scoreboard kicking the first five goals of the third quarter. It was too little too late though leaving Brad Scott to lament a horror first half.
4. Walsh's way
"What is Phil Walsh football" has been a question asked repeatedly in the pre-season and he delivered the same response; team-first football. But what does that actually look like? There were plenty of positive answers including high-intensity defence, swift ball movement and lots of run. Walker was the main and if they keep winning the contested ball like they did against North, the Crows look every bit the finals team. Out-of-contract star Patrick Dangerfield was on fire too with two goals and 25 touches. Clearly he's not affected by all the talk about his future. Consistency killed Adelaide in 2015 so it's important it keeps the momentum going next week against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium. A 77-point win against last year's preliminary finalist was no doubt beyond expectations.
5. North's new faces
The Kangaroos picked up two high profile mature-age recruits in the off-season and they couldn't have had more contrasting games. Former Bulldog Shaun Higgins was on fire making the most of limited opportunities with four goals. He looked dangerous every time the ball was near him and would have been only one of a few players Brad Scott would have been happy with. On the flip side Jarrad Waite had a game to forget. He only had 10 touches, three marks and didn't trouble the scorers. He is an enigma at times, but with every bad game, there's usually a good one not far away.
