1. At its best, Port can match it with the top tier
Port Adelaide had not produced its best footy this year until the win against South. Its two wins against North Adelaide and West Adelaide did not come from a four-quarter performance. But, against the Panthers, the Magpies proved they are capable of producing a fast and skilful brand of football that can stand up against the top teams in the competition.
2. Reynolds flies high
Not only can North Haven product Luke Reynolds do some damage to the opposition in front of the big sticks, but he can also take high-flying grabs. He proved this on Sunday when he took a mark-of-the-year contender. His spectacular grab came about nine minutes into the second quarter where he leaped on the shoulders of teammate Dan Houston, beat two defenders and held onto the ball as he took it to ground. He was rewarded with his second goal. The 21-year-old ended the game with four goals and seven marks.
3. Kane Mitchell wins midfield battle with Joel Cross
The battle in the midfield with Port Adelaide's Kane Mitchell and South Adelaide's Joel Cross was always going to be one to watch. A two-time Magaery Medal winner, Cross is an elite on-baller who excels both with his inside toughness and his speed on the outside. But it was Mitchell who won the contest on Sunday and curbed Cross's influence. Mitchell racked up 30 disposals, nine clearances, nine tackles and a goal. Despite ending the match with seven clearances, Cross was held to 18 disposals, one mark and one tackle.
4. Barnes flies flag for South
South Adelaide recruited Rigby Barnes from the Great Southern Football League before the start of this season and the 26-year-old has added another dimension to the Panthers forward line. In eight games, the medium-sized forward has scored 12 goals. On Sunday against Port Adelaide, Barnes was the side's leading goal scorer with three and he finished the game with six marks and four inside 50s.