A near-record start, Dawson's dominance, a midfielder's impact, plus other stat standouts headline the key numbers from Round 14.

Blistering first-term surge

Adelaide’s opening term score of 9.2 fell only two points short of the Club’s all-time best AFL start. The record of 9.4 was set against Gold Coast in Round 22 of 2011. Thursday night was the best start since the 9.2 opening against Essendon in Round Four of 2017, at Adelaide Oval. A third score of 9.2 was kicked by the Crows against North Melbourne in Round Seven of 2006, also at Docklands.

Skipper sets the standard

Captain Jordan Dawson’s impact on the contest was massive. Three goals and five score involvements in his elite first-quarter set the tone for his team, as he finished with 32 disposals, 12 score involvements, seven clearances, seven marks and eight tackles.

Berry’s midfield impact

Sam Berry starred in the inside midfield role, finishing with an equal career-high 29 disposals, 11 clearances (including seven centre clearances), and 10 score involvements. Adelaide’s clearance record is 16, held by Mark Ricciuto. Berry also had 17 contested possessions, 10 handball receives, 11 loose ball gets, 10 first possessions, 10 score involvements and 435 metres gained for the Crows.

Keays leads the way forward

Ben Keays equalled the most goal assists on record for the Crows with five, joining Eddie Betts (2017 v Bulldogs) and Andrew McLeod (2003 v St Kilda). The Keays to Josh Rachele combination generated the first three of Rachele’s four goals. Ruck Lachlan McAndrew held a game-high four contested marks and key defender James Borlase made nine interceptions, including two contested marks.

Winning edge at Docklands

Adelaide now has an overall winning record at Docklands Stadium, the only Victorian venue where it has won more games than it has lost. The Crows have played 75 games at the ground since it was opened in 2000, winning 38 and losing 37. The last five visits have all been wins but it is only five years since Adelaide kicked the lowest score at the venue, when it was held to 2.9 (21) in a 63-point loss to Essendon.

Thursday night lights

It was Adelaide’s fifth game this season on a Thursday night. The Crows have now played 21 games in the timeslot since the first one in the opening round of the 2014 season.