1. Season over for Gaz?
A year to forget for Gold Coast megastar Gary Ablett may have ended in the opening term against the Crows, when teammate Matt Shaw fell into his left leg. Shaw was tackling his Adelaide opponent when he rolled onto Ablett's foot and then into his leg, forcing the knee to bend inwards. The dual Brownlow medallist appeared in immediate and significant pain, with coach Rodney Eade telling Channel 7 the club believed he would miss up to a month with a meniscus tear. With just six rounds remaining in the season, a month off might just spell the end of 2015 for the Suns' skipper.
2. A firm grasp on fate
Adelaide's destiny now rests in its own hands, with Saturday's win over the Suns cementing its place in the top eight. The logjam from fifth to 11th on the ladder meant victory at Adelaide Oval was a non negotiable. Adelaide's tough run home only enhanced the importance of Saturday's game; in its final six games the club must travel to take on the Sydney Swans and Geelong, while it hosts Richmond and West Coast. They will prove difficult games but the Crows will need to find a way to continue building momentum if they're to play finals.
3. Talls dominant without Talia
After he was subbed out of last weekend's Showdown before half-time with concussion, Daniel Talia was up against it to prove his fitness for Saturday's game. Prove it he did though, only to be withdrawn from the side late. The Crows insisted Talia's concussion had nothing to do with his omission on Saturday, instead claiming he fell ill on Friday night. Gold Coast's big forwards Tom Lynch and Charlie Dixon had a field day in his absence; Lynch had three goals in the first half, Dixon finished with three and they took 17 marks between them. However it wasn't enough – the Suns couldn’t generate the attacking drive to give the key pair the chances they needed to win.
4. Bennell back at it
Suns coach Rodney Eade has been happy with Harley Bennell's attitude after photos were published of him allegedly using drugs, but the football world was awaiting his return to senior footy this weekend with bated breath. The troubled star hasn't developed at the rate most predicted in recent seasons but his 11-disposal first term on Saturday was terrific. He finished with a game-high 39 possessions, which included a goal assist and nine inside 50s.
5. Sloane strong in return
The expectations on Rory Sloane in his return from back-to-back fractured cheekbones were always going to be "realistic", as ruck coach Matthew Clarke predicted on Friday. With his blonde hair hidden under a helmet, Sloane wasn't at his best – as you'd expect – but it was a solid return for the 2013 club champion. Sloane booted two goals, set up another and finished with 19 disposals. Despite nursing his freshly healed cheekbone Sloane won 12 contested possessions, which will give him confidence.
