1. Crows a top-four side
Coming into round 16, fifth place on the ladder was the highest Adelaide had climbed in 2016, but the 60-point win over Carlton, its 11th for the season, propelled it into the top four for the first time this year. The Crows have been gaining momentum over the past couple of months with the win on Sunday their seventh consecutive victory. And it doesn't look like they will be forced out of the top four either. With seven games left in the home and away season, the Crows face just two top-eight sides, Geelong and West Coast. Don Pyke's men are certainly a force to be reckoned with and should be considered serious premiership contenders.
2. Dennis puts Adelaide to the test
In his first senior game in a month after suffering a split testicle, Dennis Armfield made a stunning return against the Crows. The veteran Blue stepped up to the plate early, kicking all three of Carlton's opening term goals. Remarkably all three set shots were taken right on the paint of 50m with Armfield making the distance easily each time. The first quarter hat-trick even earned praise from former Blues skipper Chris Judd on twitter. Armfield's hot streak continued in the second, with the 29-year-old booting his fourth goal at the 12-minute mark, equaling his career-best haul.
3. There's something about Rory
It's not the most common name, but the Crows have found themselves with three Rory's on their list and all three are absolute gems. Despite missing a month with a toe injury, defender Rory Laird has continued his impressive form from last year and taken his game to another level. The 22-year-old was the best player on the MCG on Sunday, finishing with 35 disposals and nine rebound 50s. Laird is a crucial component of the Crows' back six, which has shaped as one of the best defences in the competition this season. His namesake, Rory Sloane is another key Crow. The midfield star was once again the dominant man in the middle against the Blues with 34 possessions and 10 clearances. Rory Atkins assisted in three goals from his 19 possessions and four inside 50ms on Sunday. If the Rory's are fit and firing come September, the Crows will no doubt be at their dangerous best.
4. Son of a gun kicks first goal
There was only one thing missing from Jack Silvagni's debut against Collingwood last weekend, and that was a maiden goal. The son of AFL Full-back of the Century, Stephen, and grandson of Carlton champion Serge, had an opportunity to kick his first League goal against the Pies but missed a set shot. So it was no surprise that he didn't let the chance slip by him in his second game in the navy blue. Early in the second term Silvagni was awarded a free kick for holding, and on a 45-degree angle, 30m out, he kicked truly to register his first goal for Carlton. The Blues faithful erupted into rapturous applause, while his teammates flocked from everywhere to celebrate with the 18-year-old.
5. Casboult in hot water
Levi Casboult faces a nervous wait ahead of Monday's Match Review Panel discussions after being reported in the second term for striking. Just before the half-time siren the Carlton forward dealt out a "tummy tap" to Crow Kyle Hartigan. The swinging right first to Hartigan's breadbasket was similar to the gut punch that saw Essendon's David Zaharakis suspended for a week. The impact was significant enough to force the Crow to the ground, and he was left in the hands of trainers for several minutes.
