1. The much-vaunted Eagles defence has been at its best in the last two matches and it has been no coincidence that the club has won both encounters. And the form of three of the lesser lights in the back half has been outstanding. Led by Liam Duggan the triumvirate of Duggan, Jackson Nelson and Tom Cole has provided both important defensive structure as well as rebound, central to the improved connection all over the ground against the Crows and Sydney.

2. While the form of the younger players in the back half has been impressive, the experienced firm of stand-in skipper Jeremy McGovern, Brad Sheppard, Shannon Hurn and Tom Barrass have also maintained the standards they have established across their careers, with McGovern exceptional in this game. He had 17 possessions and 12 marks in a trademark performance that thwarted countless Adelaide forward thrusts. His aerial intercepts were back to his signature best.

3. There was much build-up, thanks largely to a gaffe from Crows ruckman Reilly O’Brien when he posted on social media some notes he had penned in preparation for battle against Nic Naitanui. It made for an intriguing contest and Naitanui, a fierce competitor was a strong influence on the game. Not only did he dominate the ruck knocks, winning 24 hit outs, but he also kicked a great goal in the first quarter. O’Brien had more possessions around the ground, but many were accumulated when Naitanui was resting on the bench.

4. The class of the West Coast midfield is starting to bubble to the surface. Even in the absence of skipper Luke Shuey, out of action with a hamstring strain, the Eagles controlled play between the 50 metre arcs. Tough on-ballers Tim Kelly, Dom Sheed, Elliot Yeo and Jack Redden led the way, particularly Kelly who was best afield. But Sheed had 24 possessions, nine of them contested, seven marks and five clearances while Yeo had 21 touches, two marks and the team gained 478 metres with the ball in his hands.

5. The pressure the Eagles have applied around the contest in the last two matches has been in line with the brand that has been associated with the team in the last few years. While Adelaide had more of the ball (+39 in possessions), the Eagles were more efficient and were fierce around the football. The result was 49 inside 50 metre entries compared to 24 and that was the major factor in the victory.