1. Showdown like no other
A record crowd of 54,468 came out in force for one of the most memorable Showdowns in its 19-year history. It has been a difficult fortnight for South Australian footy and the two teams ran through the banner together in a show of respect to the late Phil Walsh. The Crows looked like they had the game in the bag until a sudden surge from the Power in the last quarter had everyone on the edge of their seats. It was an epic finish but the Crows held on in a dramatic final quarter. Walsh spent 11 seasons in two separate stints as an assistant coach at the Power before taking his first senior coaching role with Adelaide in October last year. He preached attacking and tough football and that's what we saw on Sunday afternoon. A total of 35 goals were kicked between the two teams and Walsh would've been proud of what he described as the best rivalry in the game, even prouder that his Crows boys got the job done.
2. Ruck rules
Debate rages among experts about the importance of hit-outs in the modern game but on Sunday afternoon the 51 that Sam Jacobs produced were worth their weight in gold. He continually gave his star midfielders first use, which saw Adelaide dominate the clearances 51-39. The Crows' ball use going forward was extremely efficient and they mirrored that on the scoreboard with 18 goals from 26 scoring shots. Jacobs along with Scott Thompson were the two key players in the emotional victory.
3. My captain, my captain
Port Adelaide skipper Travis Boak was inspirational in the Power's dramatic comeback and almost lifted his side over the line. His final quarter was incredible with 11 possessions, two score assists and a goal as he willed his side back into the match. He finished with 32 possessions, eight clearances, seven tackles and two goals. The Power definitely had their chances to win the match in the last term with 18 inside 50s to nine and nine scoring shots to two. They'll be ruing those missed opportunities in what could've been the greatest Showdown comeback of all time.
4. Sensational Scott
Veteran Adelaide midfielder Scott Thompson continues to produce the goods for Adelaide and was a deserving winner of the newly named Phil Walsh medal. He racked up 36 possessions and an outstanding 13 clearances, eight tackles and a goal in a dominant performance. He was a huge part in the Crows' control of contested possessions (145-118) that would have made Walsh extremely proud. In a nice touch, Phil's daughter Quinn presented the medal named in her father's honour.
5. Back in finals calculations
The Crows' famous win has them back in the top eight with seven rounds to go. Port threw everything at them in the final quarter and they managed to hold out. If they can continue to move the ball as efficiently as they did on Sunday they will play finals football. The midfield was in good order and skipper Taylor Walker was given the space he requires to assert his ascendency on the game. For the Power, this loss makes it very tough to feature in September. At 6-9, they will need to win almost all of their remaining games to play finals. No doubt they believe they had enough chances to win this one, but it could be one of those seasons for the Power where the little things just haven't gone their way.
