1. The upside of a long injury list that includes so many senior players is that the club is learning a bit about the capacity of those ‘underneath.’ And so far it has been more than a little encouraging. Aside from Jake Waterman who has played forward and in support of No.1 big man Bailey Williams, it was pleasing to see Jai Culley show he has another element to his game. Culley has been labelled a big-bodied mid but was sent forward against Port and kicked four goals. Of course, Williams has also blossomed in the ruck.

02:03

Culley post-match v Power

We spoke to Jai Culley after the young gun kicked 4 goals against Port Adelaide today

2. While those three emerging players with varying degrees of experience have been positives in the last month, another youngster to shine against Port was Luke Edwards. The South Australian native has been denied a decent run in his three seasons at the club with a couple of debilitating injuries but undoubtedly has the capacity to play a role in the club’s planned renaissance. A true footballer he had 17 possessions and continues to build into senior football having played only 14 games at the top level.

3. The Eagles showed the grit and unity that has been the hallmark of their football this season, especially post the RAC Derby injury carnage. Unfortunately, the errors that can sometimes bring young teams undone are also a part of the education and some turnovers and decision-making calls at critical times and in dangerous places can be frustrating. Again most of those clangers occurred in a second quarter when Port wrested control of the game and created a game-breaking six goal advantage.

08:39

Simpson post-match v Power

Watch Adam Simpson's press conference after round six's match against Port Adelaide

4. Liam Duggan has twice figured in the top five Club Champion Award in his 141-game career and has carried on that form in 2023. The smooth moving left-footer was again in good touch across half-back, gathering 20 possessions and six marks. In tandem with key defender Tom Barrass, who was supreme in the air (taking 10 marks, seven of them contested) they helped to keep the Eagles in the hunt.

5. Star midfielder Tim Kelly continues to create an impressive body of work. He has been the most consistent Eagle throughout the season and was again among the best contributors. He had 34 possessions and set the tone around the contest with eight clearances. In conjunction with other senior midfielders Andrew Gaff and Luke Shuey (before being subbed off with ankle injury) he set a solid example for their young teammates.