1. From shootout to slogfest
In round nine this season, Adelaide and North Melbourne produced one of the great games of the year. It was a pure shootout, with both teams taking risks at all costs. The end result was 37 goals for the match, with the Crows kicking the last four in the final five minutes to steal a one-point win. On Sunday, it was the opposite. An old-fashioned slog where the skills weren't the best, but the result was another thriller. North has lost five games by four points or less this season and most of those it has lead all game. This time the Roos mounted a late charge but fell short once again. Brad Scott must be resigned to the fact that 2013 isn't his year.
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2. Longest goal of the year
In the third quarter, Kangaroo midfielder Daniel Wells no doubt kicked the longest goal of the year. Streaming through the centre square, Wells unloaded from behind the centre circle with a whopping drop punt into an sparse forward 50, out in front of goalsneak Lindsay Thomas. The ball bounced about 15m from goal but just kept on running. It was too quick for Thomas and his opponent Luke Brown, and crossed the goal line. Considering the ground is 165m long, and Wells kicked it from well behind the centre line, the ball must have travelled a good 87m.
3. Henderson's new home
Basketballer-turned-footballer Henderson has not only made the switch to Australia's game with ease, but he's also dominating down back as a loose man. He's super athletic, extremely poised and has a booming kick and was again one of Adelaide's best. He had 24 possessions and pulled down eight marks and is certainly making a name for himself as Adelaide's new defensive general.
4. Kangaroos caught on the hop
While the Roos fought back gallantly in the second half, they only have themselves to blame for letting Adelaide get away from them in the first. North just couldn't get into the game with the Crows dominating possessions, tackles and inside 50's. When the Roos can put four quarters together, they are one of the most devastating teams in the competition. But they've had five heartbreaking losses by less than a goal this season and if they want to be a finals team, these are the games that must be won. Adelaide caught them on the hop in the first half and in the end that deficit was too much to chase down.
5. Laird a rising star nominee?
Gutsy and tough small Adelaide defender Rory Laird has slipped under the NAB AFL Rising Star radar. Week after week he's gone about his business, not only shutting down his opponent but winning his fair share of the ball too. This week was no exception. He gathered 24 possessions, had eight handball receives, seven marks and four inside 50's. Again he was one of the Crows' best and there are many people at Adelaide who are wondering why he hasn't been nominated already. This week surely has to be the week.
