1. The young Eagles, with eight club debutants, provided a solid base for the season. While winning is the ultimate measure and Adelaide, the competition benchmark over the last four seasons, carried too much clout there was still much to like about the first performance under Daniel Pratt. They took the game on, often kicked to space, backing their ground speed and even looked capable of an upset leading into half time.

2. Adelaide had two superstars of the competition resuming after missing the 2020 campaign and both Chelsea Randall and Erin Phillips showed their class with outstanding efforts. Phillips was probably best afield with a couple of goals and 23 possessions. Along with Randall who accumulated 19 touches, they were particularly prominent during the game-breaking third term. With Ebony Marinoff, they ensured the Eagles defence was under constant pressure.

3. The class players of the Eagles captain Emma Swanson and her deputy Dana Hooker continue to set a wonderful example for their teammates. They were clearly the Eagles best two players, ubiquitous around the contest, but also demonstrating the football “smarts” that can only be acquired through years of experience at the highest level. The rookies in this squad don’t need to look far to find role models to follow.

4. The Eagles were excited when they were able to land Bella Lewis as the No.1 draft selection out of the WA talent pool. We saw only a small sample against the Crows, but the debutant impressed with 11 possessions, two marks and three tackles. It is reasonable to assume she will build on that positive start, the young winger showing poise under pressure and more than validating her ranking as the best youngster in WA. She appeals as a player who will be a big part of the club’s future.     

5. Former Fremantle defender Tayla Bresland slotted seamlessly into the Eagles outfit and was involved in some important moments, particularly in the first half. She reads the game well, thwarted a number of Crows attacking thrusts and impressed in her club debut, collecting 11 possessions, two marks and rebounding the ball out of the back half on five occasions.