Tenacious tackling
Adelaide was livid with its own tackling effort in its disappointing loss to Sydney last week when the Crows laid just 38 tackles. On Friday night they responded in a big way. In the first quarter alone the Crows amassed 23 tackles and showed their intent to make things uncomfortable for Richmond. By half-time, they had laid three more than last week. This aggressive mindset in the midfield set the standard all night. Adelaide won the tackle count 73-55 in the end and also dominated contested possession 151-118. Scott Camporeale would have loved the response.
The Deledio difference
We knew the late out of Brett Deledio was massive and Friday night again proved how much of an influence he has on the Tigers' fortunes. Richmond simply is not the same without him. The Tigers have now lost seven of their last nine games when he's been absent from the line-up. He was missing during their slump earlier in the season and since round seven, he's been number one at Richmond for ground ball gets, clearances and tackles inside forward 50 and number two for scoreboard impact and disposals inside forward 50. If the Tigers want to make a serious tilt at September they need Deledio fully fit.
Finals futures
Friday night's result may seal the finals fate for both teams. For the Crows the win moved them up to seventh on the ladder and gave them a little percentage buffer on Geelong in run home to the finals. They play Essendon, Brisbane and West Coast in the next three weeks before a potential top-eight decider against Geelong in the final round. For Richmond a top-four berth could have slipped away. The Tigers may drop as far as two wins behind fourth spot with games against Gold Coast, Collingwood, Essendon and North Melbourne to come. They have shown what they're capable of this season, so there is no doubt they can still do damage in the finals.
One-way traffic
To say the Crows dominated inside 50s on Friday night is a massive understatement. In the first quarter they had 12 more entries and by half-time they led the tally 36-17. The rout continued in the second half with the Crows finishing with 74 to 38. Although it didn't matter in the end, the Crows' inaccuracy is a slight concern. They had 33 shots to just 12 but only kicked 11 goals. Skipper Taylor Walker was a great target up forward but returned just two goals from nine shots. Outside of the Crows kicking for goal it was an almost complete performance against the Tigers.
Crows defence stands tall
Richmond did all it could to stretch Adelaide's inexperienced defence, but the unheralded Crows backline stood strong all night. Daniel Talia held Jack Riewoldt to seven disposals without a mark and just a solitary goal - a freakish snap that no defender could possibly prevent. Rory Laird continued his career-best season chopping down several Tiger forays across half-back and finishing with 23 disposals and seven marks of his own. First-year Crow Jake Lever burst packs strongly all night, while Kyle Hartigan was solid but must improve his decision-making coming out of defensive 50. Richmond's Dustin Martin proved to be the Tigers' most dangerous avenue to goal, particularly when isolated one-out in the goalsquare. He booted three goals for the visitors.
