1. It is a rare occurrence when an event overtakes the spotlight from the game, but with luminaries like Shannon Hurn, Luke Shuey and Nic Naitanui calling time on their careers in recent weeks the celebration of their contributions was going to be front and centre. The match day activations were outstanding, from the pre-game, to the half-time light show and the post-match no-one at the game will ever forget it.

2. In the game itself there were some special moments, none better than a left foot goal from Shuey in the middle of the opening term. The skipper, who set the early tone for aggression and intent, swopped on the ball about 45 metres from goal and kicked a beauty on his ‘non preferred foot.’ Shuey had seven of 25 possessions in the first quarter and did all he could to inspire the Eagles to a momentous victory.

13:04

Simpson Hurn Shuey post-match v Crows

Adam Simpson and two retiring club greats talk to the media after our final game of the 2023 season

3. Hurn also had some good moments and like Shuey was cheered every time he touched the ball. Hurn had 22 possessions and gained 507 metres with his possessions which was behind just Tim Kelly (831) and Shuey (546). In conjunction with other ‘small’ defenders Tom Cole and Brady Hough they did a solid job on Adelaide’s small and medium-sized forwards.    

4. Key forward Oscar Allen continued his remarkable season with another four-goal haul against the Crows, giving him a season tally of 53. That is a remarkable effort on several fronts, not the least of which being that he missed the entire 2022 season with a bone stress injury to his foot. At times Allen played sore with shoulder, knee and elbow injuries but he fought his way through to complete a memorable season.

08:42

Rd 24 highlights v Crows

Take a look at the best moments from our last game of the 2023 season

5. Ultimately, though, elite football is about winning and the Eagles were over run by Adelaide. Despite a brave performance, initially stirred by the emotion of the occasion the Crows finished with a 45-point victory. They dominated possession through the midfield, won clearances 38-30 and led the inside 50 count 67-41. Had the Crows been a little more efficient in front of goal the margin would have been greater as they finished with a wasteful 17.21.