What's worked: Coach Phil Walsh wanted his side to move the ball predominantly by foot this season, and it has. The Crows are ranked second behind Hawthorn for kicks (221 a game). They've also had success at stoppages this year, which is hardly surprising given the likes of Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Thompson and Rory Sloane are fed by Sam Jacobs. Adelaide tops the competition for clearances, leading to an average of 55 inside 50s a game (ranked third).
What hasn't: While the Crows have kicked the ball more than most, they simply haven't been able to hit targets regularly. Their disposal efficiency of just under 70 per cent is above only Gold Coast (68 per cent). It must improve, obviously, if Walsh's kick-heavy style is to work. Inaccuracy around the ground has resulted in poor goal kicking too; Adelaide has a conversion rate of just over 50 per cent, ranked 12th in the League.
Story of the season: While Dangerfield remains out of contract, Crows fans were overjoyed by the recent news that Rory Sloane had committed himself to West Lakes for a further three seasons. Sloane's a superstar on and off the field. His output on game day makes him one of the most valuable players in the competition, and his interaction with the Club's supporter base and general demeanour makes him great for the Crows' brand.
Best win: The Club's 27-point victory over Collingwood in round two showcased Walsh's desired style. The Crows kick-to-handball ratio was solid, they won the tackle count and they generated plenty of scoring opportunities in a fine win in Melbourne.
Best individual performance: Adelaide lost to Fremantle, but Patrick Dangerfield's 38 possessions (29 contested) were simply awesome. He booted a goal and laid eight tackles in tricky conditions. It was an incredible battle with Dockers star Nat Fyfe.
Brownlow leader: Given his midfield statistics, it should be no surprise when Dangerfield again polls well on Brownlow night.
The revelation: Rory Laird has seriously stepped his game up this year to average almost 23 possessions a game out of defence.
The missing: Matthew Jaensch's knee injury was a blow to the Club's defence, as were Brodie Smith's two concussions. Sloane's fractured cheekbone sidelined him for three games, while Brad Crouch is yet to play a game after breaking his foot on the eve of the season. Josh Jenkins, Scott Thompson, Richard Douglas and Ricky Henderson have also missed games through injury and Brent Reilly (fractured skull) was forced into retirement.
Worst performance: The Crows were embarrassed by the Western Bulldogs in Round Four – effectively kicking just one goal in a half of footy to the Bulldogs' 12. The 57-point loss has been their heaviest of the season so far.
Mark of the year: Taylor Walker, R6 v Gold Coast
Goal of the year: Eddie Betts, R9 v Fremantle
Three games that shape the season
R14, Geelong, Adelaide Oval
R16, Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval
R19, Richmond, Adelaide Oval
Fantasy Pig: Patrick Dangerfield, average 108 points
STATS LEADERS
Disposals: Patrick Dangerfield (288)
Marks: Taylor Walker (82)
Contested marks: Patrick Dangerfield (14)
Goals: Eddie Betts (33)
Inside 50s: Patrick Dangerfield (53)
Clearances: Patrick Dangerfield (76)
Contested possessions: Patrick Dangerfield (165)
