On Thursday night, newly-signed defender Rory Laird became the first player to record consecutive 40-disposal games to start an AFL season. Laird’s feat was matched by Hawthorn ball magnet Tom Mitchell, who notched up 40 against Geelong, on Easter Monday.
Laird is the 13th player to amass 40 or more disposals in consecutive VFL/AFL games, and just the second Crow after Chris McDermott in 1992.
Laird had a Round-high 42 disposals and 20 effective kicks, as well as a round-high 23 handball receives and combined inside and rebound 50ms (15). He ranked second in the League for metres gained on the weekend with 814 metres.
Several players recorded personal bests on Thursday night. Defender Jake Kelly equalled his career-high of 28 disposals, while also contributing six marks and five rebound 50ms.
Hugh Greenwood posted a personal-best 26 disposals and 19 contested possessions.
Fellow midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen chalked up a career-high 28 disposals to go with eight marks and seven tackles.
Wingman Paul Seedsman collected 28 disposals – his best return as a Crow. He also operated at 82 per cent efficiency, and had four inside 50ms and a goal assist.
Wayne Milera Junior recorded an impressive equal-round high three goal assists.
Ruckman Sam Jacobs won 20 possessions and had 12 unique score involvements – ranked behind only Gold Coast co-captain Tom Lynch (13) for the round.
Adelaide won the contested possession count by 48 – one better than the Club’s biggest differential last season (47).
In his second game as a Crow, Bryce Gibbs equalled his career-high contested possessions with 20, with Greenwood’s 19 the next best.
The Crows were the best contested side in the League for Round Two, winning 192 contested possessions – 17 better than next best, Sydney.
Adelaide has also recorded the most possessions of any team for the season so far (833).
Tall forwards Josh Jenkins (five) and Taylor Walker (four) combined for nine goals. Darcy Fogarty, Lachlan Murphy and Sloane also kicked multiple (two) goals.
Round Two was one for the big spearheads. Gold Coast co-captain Tom Lynch led the way with eight goals. North Melbourne full-forward Ben Brown finished with six, and Jenkins and Demon Jesse Hogan five. West Coast’s Jack Darling, Sydney Swans superstar Lance Franklin and Fremantle goalkicker Matt Taberner joined Walker in slotting four.
Jenkins was the most targeted player inside 50 across Round Two (13 times). North Melbourne big man Ben Brown was second with 12.
The Crows scored 57 points from stoppages against Richmond behind only Hawthorn (68) for the round.
Adelaide had the most groundball gets in the League for Round Two with 137.
With 16 contested marks in Round Two, Adelaide was second only to West Coast (18).
Adelaide had the highest percentage (52.2) of offensive one-on-one contest wins across the League for Round Two. Fremantle was second (46.7 per cent).
