Andrew McGrath

A 28-possession performance - at 85 per cent efficiency – is likely to have Andrew McGrath firmly in the conversation when officials meet to discuss this week’s Rising Star nominee.

In the best game of his four-match AFL career, McGrath was a calm presence in a defence under the pump for large portions of the match.

After Eddie Betts kicked five goals in the first half, McGrath spent part of the third term on him and held the Adelaide forward goalless in that time.

Travis Colyer

The speedster produced his best game of the season, to be one of the Dons best in the loss to the Crows.

Colyer picked up 25 possessions, had five running bounces, kicked the ball inside 50 five times and booted three goals.

Patrick Ambrose

Like Betts, Taylor Walker kicked five goals in the first half. John Worsfold responded by sending the smaller, but no less determined, Ambrose to the Crows skipper in the second half.

Walker failed to add to his goal tally as Ambrose contested strongly. He finished the game with a team leading eight one percenters.

Slow start

The importance of starting well is often spoken about in the lead-up to interstate games, but the Bombers were unable to control the opening exchanges against the Crows.

The Bombers laid just five tackles in the opening term as Adelaide booted nine goals to three.

Third quarter

In stark contrast to the first half, the Bombers were the side in control in the third term.

The Dons had a run of nine straight scores and had the side made more of the forward entries they could have been back in the match.

The Bombers won the term 3.7.25 to 2.1.13.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti

Walla ended the match with four goals, 16 possessions and three marks inside 50. 

He was also used in bursts in the midfield where his defensive pressure and speed created a spark for the Bombers in the second half.