Adelaide’s 13-point loss on Saturday night means it is the first time the Crows have lost twice to Melbourne in one season.

Consecutive defeats have happened twice in the past in 1992/93 and 1998/99 but never in the same season.

Between the 16th minute of the second quarter to the end of the third, Melbourne kicked 9.7 to 1.4, with seven goals in the third quarter.

From 32 disposals, Matt Crouch recorded a career-best 21 contested possessions.

Eddie Betts kicked two goals and had 10 disposals in the forward 50. Only Geelong’s Tom Hawkins and Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt had more in Round 19.

In defence, Kyle Cheney and Wayne Milera had five intercept marks each, only bested on the weekend by Sydney’s Aliir Aliir. Overall, Cheney had 10 intercept possessions.

Daniel Talia led all on ground with 17 spoils and it was the third time he has recorded a personal-best of 17 one percenters.

For the ninth time in his career, Rory Sloane recorded at least 12 tackles in a game. His best is 15.

Rory Laird’s total of 25 disposals was his lowest tally since the 2017 Qualifying Final against GWS, where he collected 15. Over the past three seasons that is the lone time he has dipped below 20 disposals.

As expected contested possessions were high with Adelaide edging Melbourne 179-178. They ranked first and second for Round 19.

Adelaide led disposals (371-345), marks (70-56), effective kicks (127-110) and tackles (103-90). No other side passed 100 tackles for the round.

Melbourne had 74 hitouts to Adelaide’s 44 and Max Gawn was at his best with 66. He had a round-high 23 hitouts to advantage, compared to seven for Sam Jacobs.

Melbourne ranked first for clearances with 59, led by Clayton Oliver with a round-high 14.