AN ALL-OUT SMASHING

It wasn’t difficult for Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch and his coaching staff to identify where the Brisbane Lions were soundly beaten against the Crows on Sunday, with the visitors dominating just about every statistical category.

Despite being two men down for the entire second half, the Crows simply worked harder than the Lions, as evident in their domination in clearances (47-30), contested possessions (153-122), and tackles (61-46).

But what was probably most concerning was the fact that Adelaide was able to manufacture 43 scoring shots from 63 inside 50s – a scoring efficiency of more than 68%.

It follows on from the Lions’ Round 19 match against Melbourne, when they allowed the Demons to score 21 times from just 34 entries (62%).

The Lions have prided themselves on being difficult to score against in recent weeks, so will be bitterly disappointed with Sunday’s result.

CRISP TAKES HIS CHANCE

Jack Crisp seems to be following in the footsteps of Stefan Martin in terms of taking hold of his opportunity.

Crisp had been consigned to the NEAFL for most of 2014, before getting his first chance at senior level back in Round 18 against Gold Coast.

Since then, he’s averaged 19 disposals and booted four goals – including a career-best three against the Crows on Sunday – to firmly entrench himself as part of the Lions’ starting 18.

Crisp probably isn’t regarded as being the cleanest player in terms of his disposal, however 87% of his 17 disposals against Adelaide were effective – which is a brilliant return.

It’s a wonderful vote of confidence for the 20-year-old, who has been working hard all season on refining his game.

ROCKY RACKS THEM UP

Only six times in the Club’s history has a player collected 40 or more disposals in a single game.

Vice-Captain Tom Rockliff has not only claimed four of those, but three have come from his past six matches.

Rockliff continued his ball-winning ways against the Crows with an even 40 disposals, to go along with 10 tackles, seven inside 50s, six clearances, and a goal.

The performance boosted his average disposal rate to 31.3 per game for the season – which is second only to injured Suns Captain Gary Ablett (32.1).

MORE RECORDS FOR STEF

Adelaide ruckman Sam Jacobs might have been a key contributor to the Crows’ big win, but in-form Lions big man Stefan Martin was just as busy.

In fact, Martin had a career-best 26 disposals and 10 marks last Sunday – to keep building on his sensational form in the second half of the season.

CLARKE’S CLEAN SHEET

A groin injury might have forced Justin Clarke out of the game at half-time, but the defender failed to impact the stats sheet in the opening half.

Clarke finished with zero possessions, one free kick for and one free kick against to finish with a stats sheet reminiscent of champion Jonathan Brown’s infamous debut match.

His absence proved critical, with the Crows feasting up forward with 13 goals to two in the second half.

Clarke is one of only four Lions to have played in every senior match so far this season, so he will be eager to recover from the groin complaint and keep his 2014 streak alive against Collingwood this weekend.

TOUGH DAY FOR LIONS FORWARDS

Adelaide’s Taylor Walker might have had a day out, but the Lions key forwards didn’t enjoy the same spoils on Sunday.

In fact, the trio of Daniel Merrett, Michael Close and first-gamer Jono Freeman combined for just 14 disposals, seven marks and zero goals.

Walker, meanwhile, had 21 touches, six marks, and booted six goals two in a dominant display.

AFL FANTASY TOP FIVE
1. Tom Rockliff – 180 points
2. Stefan Martin – 123 points
3. Jack Crisp – 91 points
4. Pearce Hanley – 90 points
5. Rohan Bewick – 84 points

WHO WAS BEST?
Afl.com.au listed Rockliff, Hanley (27 disposals), Martin, Zorko (29 disposals), and Crisp as the Lions’ best, but who do YOU think were the team’s three best players?

Vote now online for the Club Player of the Year