Eddie Betts reminded us what this AFL game is really about with a stunning bag of goals to help the Adelaide Crows floor Essendon by 65 points at Adelaide Oval tonight.
Starting with a moving touch when he called the coin toss with the Bombers' Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti in a show of unity against racism, Betts kicked them on the run, dribbled them through from packs, and best of all after taking a stunning one-handed mark under fierce pressure from Mark Baguley. And we saw another gem from "his" pocket late in the game.
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But this steam-rolling win fuelled by almost Adelaide's best-ever first quarter with 9.2, wasn't just about the pocket dynamo. There was Tex Walker, who also kicked five of his goals in the first half, and especially a committed team effort.
The win came at a price with Adelaide's Jake Kelly, in only his 14th game, being taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital during the third quarter because of an accidental eye injury early in the second  term.
Adelaide were as brilliant as they were ruthless, and have never had a better start to a season.
Essendon looked good early when they were patient, chipping the ball around, and then changing the pace with forward dashes to make it harder for the Crows to set up their zone. But the turnovers hurt them badly, especially when Adelaide repeatedly tackled them to the ground.
No one could question Essendon's consistency or work ethic; just their skills under pressure which was a result of Adelaide's tremendous pressure. Most of all, the Bombers conceded 11.5 from turnovers as Adelaide went past the century barrier minutes into the second half.
Down 52-points at half-time, Essendon showed tremendous character during a torrid third term when they increased their intensity and stemmed the flow of goals. But again, the rewards did not follow because of poor finishing and general untidiness.
Essendon coach John Worsfold persisted in using Cale Hooker in the forward line, but had very little impact as he was well beaten by a far more crafty and dogged Rory Laird, who continued his outstanding form.Â
The Bombers also had their share of quality players, especially experienced campaigners Brendon Goddard and James Kelly, plus Zac Merrett, and their overall team commitment to fight this out gallantly earned respect.
As the scoreboard suggests, the Crows' talent ran deeper. Rory Sloane was very good again, and took another sensational mark in the goalsquare that belied his build. Charlie Cameron was exciting even with the worst kick off the boot, and Matt Crouch had his usual feast of touches.
Walker's goal run may have slowed down after quarter-time, but his exceptional goal assists and general field play was superb.
The clash in ruck with Sam Jacobs and Matthew Leuenberger was a feature, and both lifted their respective teams at crucial stages.
It is difficult to criticise a team that won so well, particularly with such a punishing opening, but Adelaide didn't seem to capitalise enough on the scoreboard. Credit to the Bombers for avoiding the steamroller.
Adelaide now plays the Gold Coast at Metricon on Saturday for the chance to achieve their best- start to a season.