1. McGovern the hero
Mitch McGovern had just three kicks up until half-time. By the end of the game, he had kicked four majors, including the final goal after the siren to level the score up at the end of the game. McGovern's imperious pack mark with just two seconds remaining in the game, which he clunked with absolute confidence, was a glimpse of the talent he possesses. McGovern coolly slotted his set shot from 30m out to ensure the game ended in a draw and edge the Crows four points clear of second-placed Geelong. McGovern is out of contract at season's end and will be one of the most highly-sought after young key position players in the game.
Wow! #AFLPiesCrows #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/vLFFtq46IZ
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) July 30, 2017
This was the Daniel Wells Collingwood banked on getting when it recruited the veteran midfielder from North Melbourne in last year's trade period. The 32-year-old was sensational on Sunday, playing one of the best games of his career to steer nearly steer Collingwood to a thrilling win. Wells gathered 34 disposals at 82.4 per cent efficiency, five clearances, six inside 50ms and kicked three goals in a best afield display. It was the first time he had more than 30 disposals and kicked three goals in a match during his 252-game career. The smooth-moving Wells danced around opponents and sliced his way through traffic with ease, proving, that when he is up and firing he is one of the best players in the AFL to watch.
3. Crows escape, but top two-spot not sewn up
Adelaide could have gone six points clear of Geelong at the top of the ladder with a win over Collingwood on Sunday. They failed to achieve that, despite staging a miraculous comeback to draw the game against Collingwood. The Crows trailed by 50 points at the start of the third term, but never threw the towel in. However, they have now opened the door for the Cats and Greater Western Sydney to claim a spot in the top two. With matches to come against Port Adelaide, Essendon, Sydney and West Coast, the challenges do not get any easier for the ladder leaders. However, they deserve to be placed at the top of pack based on their performances to this point of the season.
4. Adelaide's midfield depth remains a worry
The main query on Adelaide in 2017 is whether it has the necessary midfield depth to compete with the competition benchmarks in finals. In many games this season, the Crows have answered their critics. But, without prime mover Brad Crouch (fractured cheekbone) and Rory Sloane tagged out of the game by Levi Greenwood, Collingwood made them look second rate. The damning stat centered on the contested possession category, with the Crows finding themselves down 23 at half-time. Matt Crouch won 36 disposals, six more than his nearest Crows teammate. Despite their comeback being sparked by run out of the back half, the Crows were smashed in contested possessions (167-116) at the end of the game highlighting a flaw within their game style.
5. The Crows needs their A-graders desperately
Eddie Betts has been a sensational pick up for Adelaide since crossing from Carlton at the end of 2013. The superstar Crow had played 100 consecutive matches until he missed Sunday's game after having his appendix taken out. His absence was noticeable, particularly in the first half as the Crows managed just three goals to half-time. After the break, Adelaide played without fear as Mitch McGovern (four goals) and Josh Jenkins (three) both stepped up. With Betts likely to come back next week's Showdown, his return and that of Jake Lever from a hamstring injury will be a welcome sight for Crows fans.
