1. In the game for long periods, but a lapse for a period in the first and third quarters opened the door for Adelaide. The Crows made the most of it, kicking away to a three-goal lead in the first six minutes and then establishing four-goal advantage. The Eagles fought back to be in with a winning chance deep into the final term, but those phases in the game were decisive. The Eagles led the tackle count 89-62, the pressure factor was through the roof and both contested possessions and clearances were relatively even but Adelaide were more efficient in scoring.

2. Key defender Tom Barrass continued his rare form. Opposed largely to Crows key forward Taylor Walker the tough Eagles backman was a clear winner. He had 15 possessions and 10 marks – seven of the marks intercepts and nine of his possessions were contested. His numbers were not as strong as previous weeks, but he had a more defensive mindset and consistently denied Walker access to the ball, holding him to just five touches.

3. The difference in the Eagles’ midfield presence with Nic Naitanui in the line-up is pronounced and he again was highly influential. He had 35 hit outs on top of 15 possessions, 12 of which were contested (a team high). He also had nine clearances. But one factor that cannot be measured is his physicality around the contest. When he’s around the ball there is an expectation something positive will result and generally it unfolds.

4. Lively utility player Jamaine Jones continues to evolve as a rebounding defender after spending most of his career as a midfielder/forward. He is developing the defensive aspect of his game but has become an important factor in the team’s counter attacks. With veteran Shannon Hurn he continually set up attacking assaults from the back half – Jones collecting 24 possessions and gaining 402 metres for the Eagles while Hurn had 25 touches and gained a whopping 527 metres.

5. The AFL has come a long way in paying tribute to its retiring stars and Adelaide played a significant role in post-game celebrations. It was game on while the contest was rolling, but the respect they showed Josh Kennedy in forming a guard of honour after the final siren was first class. And Kennedy also played his part, acknowledging the members and fans for whom he holds enormous respect.