1. Dogs find the balance early
Brendan McCartney "stung" his players with a few home truths after their surprise loss to Carlton and challenged them to come out snarling against the Crows. He got what he wanted. The Bulldogs were ferocious early and led the contested ball count 39-31 at quarter-time. Pleasingly – for neutral supporters at least – the Dogs weren't only intent on locking the game down, instead spreading hard and fast to boot the first four goals of the match in quick succession. It fell apart from there, however. The Crows dominated the contest from quarter-time until the start of the see-sawing final term, hitting the front in contested possession 108-100 and kicking seven goals to two.
2. Dog of a day for Stringer
Jake Stringer is a rising star, but the No.5 pick in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft had a dirty day against the Crows. Used almost exclusively as a forward in his previous 15 games, Stringer was thrown back and was given a football lesson by veteran James Podsiadly. Stringer held 'Pods' to one handball in the first term, but the ex-Cat booted Adelaide's first two goals of the second quarter. Tom Lynch then slotted the Crows' next major after beating Stringer in a goal-square marking contest. The 20-year-old was soon dragged to the bench and his day didn't get much better after being moved forward in the second half, although he snapped a goal late in the final term. However, he was by no means the only Dog to struggle and is sure to be better for the experience playing on the 32-year-old premiership player, who finished with three goals.
3. Dangerfield under fire
He's nicknamed the 'Raging Bull' and Patrick Dangerfield proved just how tough he is yet again. Dangerfield copped a bump to the head from a teammate in the first term which, had it been from an opponent, would surely have attracted a heavy sanction from the Match Review Panel. The Crows' star shrugged off the hit in typical fashion, before copping an old-fashioned shirt-front – this time from Bulldog veteran Daniel Giansiracusa – right on the three-quarter time siren. The hit was fair, within five metres of the ball, but a scuffle ensued between the teams as the champ was attended by trainers. He was dumped once more in the fourth term by Dogs ruckman Will Minson but 'Danger' backed up yet again, finishing with a team-high 29 disposals – including a massive 22 contested – and seven clearances.
4. Talls fight for spots with Tex's return imminent
With star forward Taylor Walker booting three goals in the SANFL in an encouraging first game back from a knee reconstruction, Adelaide's three tall forwards would be well aware one of their spots could come soon come under threat. Unfortunately for the Dogs – who were sorely missing Dale Morris and Jordan Roughead in defence – James Podsiadly, Tom Lynch and Josh Jenkins played like desperate men. 'Pods' got hold of Jake Stringer to kick three majors and Tom Lynch was superb all match to finish with 25 disposals and 2.1. Meanwhile, Jenkins – coming off two bags of four goals – took seven marks and added 3.3 to the scoreboard. Crows coach Brenton Sanderson is unlikely to want to rush Walker before he's ready. He won't have to, judging by Sunday's display.
5. Crows flying back towards the eight
Adelaide looked in strife after not only losing its first three games but conceding 18, 19 and 21 goals in those matches against Geelong, Port and the Swans. However, the Crows have made the most of a softer run to get back in the finals hunt. Adelaide picked up a confidence-boosting first win over a fatigued St Kilda – their first at Etihad in 13 games before facing the Bulldogs – and have now won three in a row after accounting for GWS last weekend. With struggling Melbourne to come back at home before the bye – and with Brad Crouch, Taylor Walker, Richard Douglas and Ben Rutten set to come back into the team soon - the Crows should be 4-3.
