For the fifth time this season, midfielder Scott Thompson topped Adelaide’s possession count.

Thompson amassed 30 disposals (also for the fifth time this season) against North Melbourne and also worked hard defensively, laying a game-high nine tackles. The reliable Crow won seven clearances, took five marks and sent his team inside 50m on four occasions. He was involved in more scores (12) than any Adelaide player on Saturday night.

Brodie Smith showed, once again, why he’s one of the most improved players in the competition. Smith set up Adelaide’s attack from the back half. He gained more metres than any other player on the ground (525) and racked up 29 touches, nine marks, six rebound 50ms and four inside 50ms. The damaging defender also kicked a trademark long, running goal and assisted in another Adelaide goal.

Recruits Eddie Betts and James Podsiadly created headaches for the Kangaroos defence.

Betts slotted three goals, including a goal of the year contender from the boundary, and assisted in another two goals. He also laid four tackles and won two forward half clearances.

Betts and Podsiadly were each involved in 10 Adelaide scores – ranked second behind Thompson. Podsiadly, who slotted two goals of his own, hauled in eight marks and collected 19 possessions. He worked hard at both ends of the ground, generating five inside 50ms and three rebound 50ms and ranking second for metres gained behind Smith.

Released from his regular tagging duties, Sam Kerridge only had nine disposals but slotted four goals from four kicks to be Adelaide’s leading goalkicker on the night.

Reigning Club Champion Rory Sloane was another important contributor. Sloane collected 25 possessions (at 88 per cent efficiency), eight marks, three rebound 50ms, three inside 50ms and one goal assist. He also laid three tackles. Patrick Dangerfield was the leading clearance player on the ground. Of Dangerfield’s 23 possessions, 10 were clearances. He also generated five forward 50m entries for the Crows.

Richard Douglas helped Adelaide control the midfield battle, finishing with 20 possessions, six clearances, four tackles, three inside 50ms and two goal assists. David Mackay played one of his best games for the season, gathering 18 disposals, seven inside 50ms and six marks. Mackay broke the lines with three running bounces and kicked a classy long-range goal in the final term. He also laid three crunching tackles.

Young full-back Daniel Talia was back to his best, keeping Kangaroos forward Drew Petrie, who kicked four goals the previous week, to a solitary goal. Talia also collected 12 possessions, four marks and generated three inside 50ms.

Sam Jacobs enjoyed a good battle with Roos ruckman Todd Goldstein, winning 33 hit-outs, 18 possessions, four clearances and taking six marks around the ground.

Matthew Wright, Taylor Walker and Josh Jenkins all played their roles in Adelaide’s fully-functioning forward line. Wright finished with 21 possessions, eight marks, two inside 50ms and a goal. Walker kicked 2.1 from 13 possessions and seven marks, which included five contested marks – an equal-round high. Jenkins also slotted two goals and had four score assists – ranked (equal) No.2 in the AFL for Round 13.

Match statistics
Disposals
Adelaide – 363
North Melbourne – 371

Kicks
Adelaide – 217
North Melbourne – 193

Handballs
Adelaide – 146
North Melbourne – 178

Free Kicks
Adelaide – 17
North Melbourne – 20

Clearances
Adelaide – 38
North Melbourne – 37

Inside 50ms
Adelaide – 59
North Melbourne – 50

Contested Possessions
Adelaide – 145
North Melbourne – 130

Tackles
Adelaide – 50
North Melbourne – 56

Hit-outs
Adelaide – 36
North Melbourne– 46

Interchanges
Adelaide – 115
North Melbourne – 111