Defender Matthew Jaensch recorded a perfect statistical game against Geelong.

Playing across half-back, Jaensch collected 25 possessions at 100 per cent efficiency. Jaensch generated plenty of offensive drive, rebounding from defensive 50m five times and sending the Crows inside 50m on four occasions. He also kicked a trademark long running goal from outside 50m to bring Adelaide within a goal of Geelong late in the third quarter.

Unassuming onballer Matthew Wright continued his brilliant start to 2014.

Wright amassed 31 possessions (10 contested), second only to Geelong star Steve Johnson (34), for the game. The inside midfielder also took five marks, laid five tackles and won three clearances.

Sam Kerridge was recalled to the Crows team after a dominant display in the Club’s first SANFL trial, and he didn’t let the coaches down. Kerridge racked up 15 first-half disposals to be Adelaide’s leading possession-getter on the ground at half time. He finished the match with 24 touches, five marks and four tackles in a polished performance.

Fellow young midfielder Mitch Grigg also got his hands on the footy. Grigg collected 21 possessions, six marks, five inside 50ms, three clearances and also kicked Adelaide’s first goal of the game.

Sam Jacobs set the tone for his 2014 season. The fit and lean ruckman worked hard around the ground, collecting 26 hit-outs, 19 possessions, four clearances and taking an equal-game high eight marks, including one to save a certain Geelong goal in the first term. Jacobs was also productive in attack, kicking a goal and having a hand in two others.

Defender Daniel Talia was at his reliable best. The 2012 Rising Star only conceded only one goal to Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins and also effected four spoils and four tackles. He finished the match with 14 possessions to Hawkins’ six. Sam Shaw had a game-high seven spoils.

Brodie Smith was also influential in defence. The skilful backman generated a game-high eight rebound 50ms and also picked up 18 possessions. He kicked one of the goals of the night with a long bomb in the first quarter.

Despite being relatively well held by Geelong tagger Cam Guthrie, Patrick Dangerfield still found a way to impact the game. Of his 21 possessions, 17 were contested (a team-high). The bullocking midfielder also won four clearances and slotted two important goals. Rory Sloane was also below his brilliant best, but still battled his heart out. Sloane laid a game-high 12 tackles and sent the ball inside 50m more than any other Crow (seven times). He finished with 20 disposals and 0.2.

Recruit Eddie Betts was lively in his Crows debut. Betts kicked his first goal for the Club with a brilliant piece of play in the first quarter and followed up with a left-foot soccer goal. He finished with 16 possessions, three inside 50ms and 2.1. He also had a hand in another Crows goal. Forward Lewis Johnston had fewer disposals (12), but had a purple patch either side of half time, kicking 3.0 from three marks inside 50m to be Adelaide’s leading goalkicker.

Match statistics
Disposals
Adelaide – 370
Geelong – 364

Kicks
Adelaide – 178
Geelong – 214

Handballs
Adelaide – 192
Geelong – 150

Free Kicks
Adelaide – 12
Geelong – 16

Clearances
Adelaide – 34
Geelong – 38

Inside 50ms
Adelaide – 47
Geelong – 62

Contested Possessions
Adelaide – 133
Geelong – 149

Tackles
Adelaide – 60
Geelong – 82

Hit-outs
Adelaide – 31
Geelong – 42

Interchanges
Adelaide – 115
Geelong – 104