Carlton's worst season since federation
Yes, you read that correctly. Carlton's 104-point loss to Adelaide has consigned it to just a two-win season. The last time that occurred was 30 prime ministers ago, in 1901. It was a night of unwanted records for the Blues. They haven't scored over 100 points for two full seasons now (in fact, it's stretched to 55 games), managing 61 against the Crows. It was also the first season Carlton failed to record a win at Etihad Stadium. The positives for the Blues were few and far between. Rising forward Harry McKay kicked three goals, but Charlie Curnow injured his knee in the third term.

Adelaide's disappointing year meanders to a close
Adelaide reminded the football public of how potent it can be, albeit against an undermanned and inexperienced line-up. Last year's runners-up endured an injury-decimated year, their finals hopes extinguished a few weeks ago. The Crows piled on the goals, dominating for periods of time and prolonging the agony of the 2018 season for Blues fans. The 104-point thumping was Adelaide's biggest ever win over Carlton, easily surpassing the 72-point margin from round 22, 2009. They were clean through the middle of the ground and had just too many targets up forward with 12 individual goalkickers.

READ NEXT: Elliott's big moment

This AFL gig is easy!
Elliott Himmelberg kicked a first goal to remember in his debut match for Adelaide. The younger brother of GWS' Harry, the key forward was drafted to the Crows at the end of 2016 with pick 51 and waited nearly two years for his first match. After his first shot on goal sailed wide, Himmelberg made sure his second hit the mark. Breaking a Sam Rowe tackle on the boundary line, the 20-year-old had a quick bounce before slotting a banana, much to the delight of his teammates.

Playing for their futures
There were a number of uncontracted players running around in the match, who had varying levels of success in their last opportunity to impress. Andy Otten was the sole Crow on the field whose future is up in the air and led the side in disposals (14) in the first half. He finished with 21 and 10 marks in a sound performance. There was a plethora of out-of-contract Blues playing, including veterans Kade Simpson and Dale Thomas (both likely to re-sign) and small forward Matthew Wright (who did well but was starved of opportunities). Jed Lamb was busy on Eddie Betts, Aaron Mullett kicked a stunning goal from 50 metres, while Sam Kerridge covered the ground well with 21 touches.

The Cripps contested-possession machine kicks into overdrive
Patrick Cripps has been a bright spot in a dark season for Carlton. The young gun has played all 22 games this season and has led from the front in a difficult period for the club. He also set a well-deserved record for the most contested possessions in a season on Saturday night. Needing 23 to overtake Cat Patrick Dangerfield's record of 385 from last year, Cripps willed himself to 24, finishing with 37 disposals and a stunning 18 clearances along the way. The future is bright for Carlton with Patrick Cripps at the helm.