1. Judd's last stand?
There was an eerie silence at the MCG after Chris Judd collapsed to the turf on the wing in front of the Southern Stand after his left leg buckled underneath him. The dual Brownlow medallist was quick to indicate this was a serious injury. Judd bravely sat atop the motorised injury cart and appeared to take a lingering look around the MCG as he acknowledged the crowd – and admirably the standing Adelaide cheersquad – as he left the field. Is it the last time we'll see Judd? Time will tell but it looked like the 31-year-old spent his last minutes on the hallowed turf trying to soak it all in.
2. Betts off, but Jenkins stands tall
Adelaide forward Eddie Betts couldn't replicate the four-goal performance he put in against his former team last year, and was well held by Zac Tuohy for much of the afternoon. But tall forward Josh Jenkins stepped up admirably in one of the best performances of his young career. Jenkins kicked a goal in every quarter and added two final-term majors to seal the game after a tense struggle between the two sides. Jenkins’ five-goal haul equalled his career-best bag from Round 17 of last season against the Hawks. The mobile big man also took a team-high eight marks and collected 18 possessions to be the most damaging forward on the ground.
3. Kreuzer's comeback
It's been a long time between drinks for Matthew Kreuzer with the Carlton ruckman last appearing at senior level in round one last season. Kreuzer returned after three games in the VFL and started on the bench, before coming on and moving to full-forward. He was heavily rotated but worked his way into the game and spent time in the ruck against Sam Jacobs, but his real "welcome back" moment came in the third quarter when he took a strong contested mark and kicked a goal, which was celebrated by nearly all of his teammates.
4. Crows find a way to win
The Crows were good to withstand a brave Blues effort but didn't help themselves with poor ball use. For the second week running, Adelaide’s accuracy in front of goal was poor, finishing with 14.15. Unlike last round against the top-of-the-table Dockers however, the Crows found a way to win despite their struggles in front of the big sticks. Phil Walsh said Adelaide’s ball use was “embarrassing” at times when he spoke post-match and goalkicking practice will be at the top of his agenda during the Crows’ bye next round.
5. The heir apparent?
Before the game, Carlton president Mark LoGiudice said interim coach John Barker would "nurture our young talent and give them a chance to shine" after Mick Malthouse was sacked two weeks ago. He didn't know then how prophetic his words were, with Judd's injury opening the door for a range of players to take more responsibility. Enter Patrick Cripps. The young midfielder's talent is undeniable but he stood up when the players could have lost the plot after Judd wrecked his knee, and ended with a commanding 25 possessions - 16 contested.
