Geelong were on the wrong end of a modern classic on Friday night, going down to a Fremantle outfit with an instantly perceptible chip on its proverbial shoulder.
Adelaide were left at the starting blocks as the reigning, defending, back-to-back premiers put five goals on their nose before they could blink on Saturday night. The margin shrunk and swelled at varying stages of the contest, but Matthew Nicks would be ruing that start as the primary catalyst for Adelaide's September exit.
Both sides must now turn their attention forward to the trade and draft space, with their on-field seasons over.
Geelong, as is their custom, loom as a major player in October, despite missing out on Zak Butters. Adelaide, having missed out on a Zac of their own (only for him to again scorn them on Saturday night), appear to have a quieter off-season ahead of them.
Take a look at what comes next for the two sides!
Adelaide
The Adelaide Crows failed to pry Zac Bailey out from his River City habitat, even after throwing their proverbial chequebook at the exceptional talent.
He showed the tri-colours exactly what they missed out on, with his most scintillating of performances going a long way to ending the Crows' season, and Taylor Walker's career, on Saturday night.
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The Crows will now turn their attention to attempts to lure home proud South Australians Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Will Day next year, but before that, there is the small matter of how to best utilise Pick 13 - a pick that will slide given the bids on club-tied prospects sure to come early in the draft.
Does it become part of a trade package for a Charlie Ballard? The Suns defender, contracted until 2029's conclusion, is reportedly looking for a way out of the Glitter Strip, with the Crows and Bulldogs looming as potential destinations.
The Crows are bracing for the loss of Jordon Butts and Nick Murray, with key defensive stocks an obvious need. Outside run and polish fit in that basket too. As such, potential draftees like Harry Chapman, Heath Mellody and George Gale are also in the mix for the Crows' first pick.
Matthew Nicks saved his job in defeating the Western Bulldogs in an elimination final, but unless this list and Adelaide's September fortunes materially improve next season, the questions will again come.
