1. Crows feast on the GIANTS once more
Adelaide has a commanding record over GWS, winning all four games prior to Saturday by a whopping average of 91 points. In their two previous trips to Spotless Stadium, the Crows have registered some big scores, kicking 27.16 (178) in 2012 and 29.13 (187) last year, just one point behind their highest ever score. It was a similar script on Saturday, putting the result beyond doubt early in the second quarter and kicking 20.20 (140) for the day. The victory also elevated the resurgent visitors into the top eight, a place they could stay depending on Gold Coast's result against Collingwood later on Saturday.
2. Young midfielder gets the Greene light
Having served his five-match club-imposed suspension for breaking team protocols, and making a strong return in the reserves last week, Toby Greene was welcomed back into the senior side. A prolific ball-winner and tough inside midfielder at his best, Greene has been an important member of the side over his first three seasons at AFL level. Busy early, he understandably faded as the game progressed, but it was another important step for the 20-year-old.
3. Lynch returns to his happy place
Adelaide forward Tom Lynch's face must have lit up as soon as the team bus pulled up to Spotless Stadium. The last time he was here – in round seven last season – he kicked a lazy 10 goals in the Crows' 135-point victory. Interestingly, it wasn't enough to earn him the three Brownlow votes, which went to Patrick Dangerfield for his 28 possessions and four goals. Aiding Lynch last year was Taylor Walker's absence, but big Tex was back in the Adelaide line-up on Saturday. Neither forward had a big influence, however, with Walker held to just one behind by Tim Mohr, while Lynch was used a little further up the ground and finished with 1.1. Eddie Betts was the dominant forward on the ground, kicking five goals.
4. Speaking of key forwards
The GIANTS insist Jeremy Cameron is fit and declared him ready to get back to his best after a good week on the training track. It didn't eventuate, however, and last year's All Australian full forward looks a shadow of his former self. Clearly lacking his usual acceleration, the 21-year-old spilled a number of contested marking opportunities and was well beaten by Daniel Talia. Plagued by ankle troubles this year, a solution needs to be found to drag Cameron out of his slump. "It doesn't look like he's got any life in him anymore," Kevin Bartlett said on SEN radio during the match. "He was so exciting last year." Cameron kicked his only goal for the day just before fulltime.
5. Truck stopped
Earlier in the week, Ben Rutten announced 2014 would be his 12th and final season in Adelaide colours. But he certainly would have hoped for a better start to his farewell tour than he experienced in Homebush Bay. The veteran defender copped a stray elbow to the face just minutes into the game, drawing plenty of blood and forcing him to the bench. That would be his final action of the day, replaced by substitute Rory Laird.
