Scott Thompson amassed a season-high 41 possessions in Adelaide’s loss to Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

It was the fifth time in his 258 games Thompson has reached the 40-possession mark. The prolific midfielder’s highest-disposal return was 51 against Gold Coast in Round 22, 2011. He has collected 30 or more touches 61 times.

Of Thompson’s 41 touches against the Bombers, 15 were contested – a team high. He also won a game-high 10 clearances, laid seven tackles and took six marks in a spirited performance.

Matthew Wright was Adelaide’s next-best possession-getter at Etihad Stadium. Spending more time in the midfield, Wright collected 26 touches (at 92.3 per cent efficiency), 10 marks, six rebound 50ms, five inside 50ms and also assisted in a goal. He was involved in more Crows scores (10) than any other player.

Clever forward Eddie Betts had his highest-possession game in four years, gathering 21 disposals. Betts also took five marks, including four inside 50m, and kicked three goals. He also assisted in three other goals to be ranked No.3 on Champion Data’s scoreboard impact meter in Round 14. Betts is equal-third in the AFL for goal assists (16) this season.

Rory Sloane also finished with 21 possessions to go with five clearances and four inside 50ms. Sloane also laid a game-high nine tackles.

Ruckman Sam Jacobs battled manfully against talented talls Paddy Ryder and Tom Bellchambers. Jacobs won 35-hit-outs and worked hard around the ground to collect 20 touches.

Key forward Josh Jenkins made the most of his possessions against his old team, kicking 4.1 from nine disposals. Taylor Walker and James Podsiadly each chimed in with two goals.

Match statistics
Disposals
Adelaide – 377
Essendon – 376

Kicks
Adelaide – 210
Essendon – 225

Handballs
Adelaide – 167
Essendon – 151

Free Kicks
Adelaide – 14
Essendon – 11

Clearances
Adelaide – 39
Essendon – 35

Inside 50ms
Adelaide – 57
Essendon – 51

Contested Possessions
Adelaide – 147
Essendon – 139

Tackles
Adelaide – 54
Essendon – 58

Hit-outs
Adelaide – 41
Essendon – 33

Interchanges
Adelaide – 113
Essendon – 113