After booting his first goal since returning from a knee reconstruction last week against Carlton, Taylor Walker took another significant step towards his best footy on Sunday. The 24-year-old was on fire in difficult conditions, slotting five goals, taking 10 marks and collecting 22 possessions. But as important as Walker's contribution was on the scoreboard, his ability to work up the ground and manufacture opportunities for his teammates would have pleased coach Brenton Sanderson as much. Walker finished the day with two goal assists to go with the five he nailed himself.

The Suns' contested footy has played a massive role in their development this season and the second youngest side in the competition entered round 11 averaging more contested possessions than any other team. On a damp day in Adelaide winning first possession was always going to be a deciding factor in the game, and the Crows who came out on top 173-154. As the momentum of the game ebbed and flowed Adelaide's ascendancy inside the contest followed, but there was consistency through Rory Sloane, Patrick Dangerfield and Scott Thompson.

Gary Ablett averaged fewer possessions (22.61 a game) against the Crows than any other side ahead of Sunday's contest, but his previous five encounters had seen him average 36 a game. Early on it looked like he would struggle to reach that height as young Crow Sam Kerridge smothered him around the ground. But, like all true champions, Ablett didn't stay down for long, quickly asserting his influence on the match with crucial goals and assists. With rain falling heavily in the second term Ablett highlighted his brilliance, nailing a huge 55m goal on the run while those around him struggled to dispose of the ball cleanly.

Sunday was yet further proof that Adelaide's best will trouble good sides this year. The Crows didn't tackle with as much authority as they did against Collingwood in round nine, but they were strong inside the contest and created plenty of run on the outside. The trouble, as they've shown all season, is maintaining that form from week to week. Their next month is tough, with games against Fremantle, North Melbourne, Essendon and Port Adelaide, so consistency of performance will prove the difference between sneaking into the top eight or approaching the home stretch with little to play for.

Another goal would have delivered the Crows a lead that, with just minutes remaining in the third term, would have nearly proved unassailable. Rory Sloane took three bounces and steadied to kick what would have been a stunning running goal having spectacularly won possession at half-back. But Sloane didn't count on Suns star Michael Rischitelli staying in the hunt. Just as Sloane was about to begin his kicking action, Rischitelli pounced, catching the Crows' acting co-captain holding the ball. It was a remarkable piece of football and inspired his side to boot two late goals in the third term.