1. Adelaide could be a contender
After a 58-point win last week in the Showdown, Adelaide showed it could seriously play. This performance in Melbourne, against a team that won 15 games in 2015, was proof the Crows could be a contender at the pointy end of the season. The pressure Don Pyke's men applied was too much at times for Richmond. It meant the Crows won inside-50s (57-53), despite losing disposals (369-410) and contested possessions (131-132). Midfielder Brad Crouch and forward Tom Lynch were both missing on Saturday and their returns will make the Crows even stronger.

Full match report

2. The Crows are a joy to watch
Adelaide's attacking weapons and fast style of play have been noted, but some of the players on this team are exceptionally talented and are great to watch. In one play in the third quarter, Wayne Milera side-stepped around two Tigers before showing a calmness that belied his youth and hitting Taylor Walker on the lead. Not one to be overshadowed, the captain's set shot from the centre square went through the big sticks, from about 60m out.

3. Costly misses in front of goal killed Richmond's momentum
After being dominated for much of the second quarter, the Tigers had chances to really close the margin heading into the main break. Not long after midfielder Kane Lambert dribbled a brilliant goal through from the boundary, Jack Riewoldt hit the post with Richmond on fire heading into half-time. Moments later, Josh Jenkins would goal down the other end. Daniel Rioli is only playing his second game and should eventually become a very good player, but he will rue a miss from 35m out under relatively little pressure.

4. Trent Cotchin gets an inordinate amount of attention
All eyes were on Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin, after he racked up 38 disposals in a one-point loss to Collingwood in Round Two. He played against Adelaide as he usually does – very well, finishing with 32 disposals. His leadership, which was criticised in the past week, also looked good, with the captain often a strong vocal presence. His tackling was fierce at times. At 1-2, Richmond certainly has its problems, but Cotchin is not one of them.

5. Milestone man’s match to remember
All Australian backman Brodie Smith celebrated his 100th AFL game in style on Saturday. The damaging playmaker was the catalyst behind several Crows forward thrusts with his raking right boot, finishing with 26 possessions, 10 score involvements, five inside 50ms and a match-high 668 metres gained. Smith also sent home two trademark long-range goals for good measure. Smith heads a creative half-back line for the Crows which was on song against the Tigers on Saturday, with the likes of Paul Seedsman, Rory Laird and David Mackay all showing dare and dash darting down the middle of Etihad Stadium.