1. Contested call
Phil Walsh punished his players with a 5am ice-cold swim at the beach after they lost the contested ball against the Western Bulldogs, this time he threatened players with their spot in the team. The Crows started off slowly and were down by five contested possessions at quarter-time but wrestled back the ascendency in the second quarter to lead the count at half-time (69-67). It was all square at three-quarter time (100 each) and the Crows managed to close out the category 141-138. Patrick Dangerfield was gallant all game, he had 21 contested possessions and was well supported by Scott Thompson with 18. Ultimately it couldn't win them the game though and it will be interesting to see how Phil Walsh reacts at the selection table for round six.
2. Port's efficiency
Port Adelaide again was trounced in the inside-50 count (71-42) but its conversion and disposal efficiency were excellent. The Power scored on almost 60 per cent of their entries and used the ball at 72 per cent efficiency inside the arc. It helps when you have targets like Jay Schulz (five goals), Paddy Ryder (three goals) and Justin Westhoff (two goals) floating forward too. On the flipside, the Crows cost themselves dearly with poor execution. They used the ball at just 62 per cent by foot, 47 per cent in their forward half and just 43 per cent inside 50. If they want to be pushing for a berth in September, this must be improved. After three great performances to start the season, Adelaide has lost its last two. This effort was much better than its loss to Western Bulldogs but Walsh needs to rectify these issues and quickly.
3. Eddie's pocket
We all remember that magical goal from Eddie Betts last year against North Melbourne from Adelaide Oval's scoreboard pocket, which has rightfully been re-named Eddie's pocket. Well, Eddie did it again. In the second quarter Betts had the ball deep in the pocket after he'd already kicked two goals and the whole crowd were hoping he'd have a shot. To be fair, Betts only had one thing on his mind as he ran towards goal from the tightest angle and slotted it. It never looked like missing as he reminded everyone why he's such a star. He ended the night with five goals and as Adelaide's best.
4. Ebert's electric half
Brad Ebert was on fire in the first half of the Showdown. It seems like he's brought his own footy to every game this year and after a solid seven disposals in the first quarter he was everywhere in the second. He racked up 16 possessions (13 uncontested) as he ran hard to space. In fantasy terms he almost cracked the ton by half-time. He cooled down in the second half but finished with 31 possessions. His spark played a huge role in the Power's win
5. Port returns to Power
After a couple of tough tests to start the season, Port Adelaide is back in a big way. This Showdown victory follows wins over North Melbourne and Hawthorn and when they play like they did on Sunday night, the Power are extremely difficult to beat. Port just has so many options around the ground. Showdown medallist Robbie Gray (32 touches, 20 contested) returned from a calf injury in top form, skipper Travis Boak (33 touches, 15 contested) could've easily won the medal too and up forward the Power have so many dangerous assets. Jasper Pittard is having a career-best year down back and players like Kane Mitchell and Aaron Young are stepping up too. Coming out of the toughest first five rounds to start the season, Port sits 3-2 and can now look to continue its momentum as the draw opens up.
