Adelaide has decided to make only one change ahead of its clash with Carlton on Saturday at AAMI Stadium. Ivan Maric replaces the omitted Jared Petrenko.
Robert Shirley also looked a likely starter. He was reportedly set to replace Brent Reilly. Reilly has been reinstated after Shirley was unsuccessful at appealing an SANFL suspension. The upholding of the suspension means Shirley will be unavailable for the next two weeks. It is however interesting that the club has made mention of the fact that Reilly would have been replaced. Expect a big game from him this weekend.
Ivan Maric will be mighty happy to be back in the side this week. A lot of Crows supporters have been keen to see the use of a 3rd tall along with Tippett and Moran. I expect Maric will be looking to cement his spot in the side this week as well. After looking good early, Maric has been replaced by both Griffin and then Moran, as well as being out-rucked by Tippett.
According to the team list, Brad Moran has been listed as the starting centre half forward. It will be interesting to see how he goes if he does play that role. A lot of supporters have been questioning Moran's intensity. It's a great opportunity for Moran to make a statement that he wants to be in this Adelaide side.
The major talking point has to be Andrew McLeod's record 313th match for the Adelaide Football Club. This will make McLeod top of the list of players who have played the most games for Adelaide. Congratulations to Bunji on a fine effort across many seasons. Let's hope we can celebrate this game with a win for him.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Crows downed by resilient Lions
It's a shame that after witnessing the last two losses, I'm back here again to report another loss against the Lions. It was a real shame.
The Crows started strongly. They were dominant throughout much of the first half. The zone defense left the Lions trapped inside the Crows forward 50. Adelaide was well on top and looked a chance to run away with the game.
That's when things became problematic. Adelaide's lack of finishing in front of goal and poor choices when kicking into the forward 50 proved costly. The Lions fought back with a couple of consecutive goals late in the second quarter. While Adelaide had dominated, Brisbane had won the quarter but more importantly had seized momentum heading into half time.
Brisbane kicked 7 goals to Adelaide's 2 goals in the third quarter and that was game over from there. Adelaide never seemed to get back on top. After quarter time Brisbane kicked 15 goals and Adelaide could only manage 7.
It was definitely a frustrating game to watch. It's nice to know that the Crows are able to put themselves in a winning position. They've done this in every game this season except from against Geelong. The problem seems to be the lack of polish to finish games off. This is always going to be a problem when playing a lot of younger players. So as far as the club goes, we're heading down the right track and just need the mental and physical toughness to keep competing when things aren't going our way.
The players do seem to be buying into the game plan when things are going well. Players support each other well and provide good options. There needs to be that same belief when the opposition kicks a couple of quick goals. The players leadership group needs to play a massive role in this year. When the Crows play games on their terms they can be unstoppable. They just need to stop crawling back into their shells when the chips don't fall their way.
The Crows started strongly. They were dominant throughout much of the first half. The zone defense left the Lions trapped inside the Crows forward 50. Adelaide was well on top and looked a chance to run away with the game.
That's when things became problematic. Adelaide's lack of finishing in front of goal and poor choices when kicking into the forward 50 proved costly. The Lions fought back with a couple of consecutive goals late in the second quarter. While Adelaide had dominated, Brisbane had won the quarter but more importantly had seized momentum heading into half time.
Brisbane kicked 7 goals to Adelaide's 2 goals in the third quarter and that was game over from there. Adelaide never seemed to get back on top. After quarter time Brisbane kicked 15 goals and Adelaide could only manage 7.
It was definitely a frustrating game to watch. It's nice to know that the Crows are able to put themselves in a winning position. They've done this in every game this season except from against Geelong. The problem seems to be the lack of polish to finish games off. This is always going to be a problem when playing a lot of younger players. So as far as the club goes, we're heading down the right track and just need the mental and physical toughness to keep competing when things aren't going our way.
The players do seem to be buying into the game plan when things are going well. Players support each other well and provide good options. There needs to be that same belief when the opposition kicks a couple of quick goals. The players leadership group needs to play a massive role in this year. When the Crows play games on their terms they can be unstoppable. They just need to stop crawling back into their shells when the chips don't fall their way.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Crows punished by Bulldogs in 3rd Quarter
The Adelaide Crows suffered their fourth defeat of 2009 against the Western Bulldogs last Sunday. This is also their fourth defeat from four games played at AAMI Stadium this year.
The Bulldogs piled on 8 goals in the third quarter. They lifted their intensity and the Crows were unable to match it. Aside from that it was a very even game.
Scott Thompson had a strong impact in midfield with 31 disposals. Nathan van Berlo was also a strong performer with 29 disposals. Taylor Walker showed his best form yet with 18 disposals and 4 goals.
If the Crows are to get back to winning ways they will need to put in a four quarter performance against the Lions in Brisbane this weekend. Neil Craig has decided to go in to this match with an unchanged line up. He will be hoping that his faith is repaid with a win, or expect a couple of changes.
Congratulations to Michael Doughty who plays his 150th game for the Adelaide Football Club this weekend. This will make him the 13th player to reach this milestone for the club.
The Bulldogs piled on 8 goals in the third quarter. They lifted their intensity and the Crows were unable to match it. Aside from that it was a very even game.
Scott Thompson had a strong impact in midfield with 31 disposals. Nathan van Berlo was also a strong performer with 29 disposals. Taylor Walker showed his best form yet with 18 disposals and 4 goals.
If the Crows are to get back to winning ways they will need to put in a four quarter performance against the Lions in Brisbane this weekend. Neil Craig has decided to go in to this match with an unchanged line up. He will be hoping that his faith is repaid with a win, or expect a couple of changes.
Congratulations to Michael Doughty who plays his 150th game for the Adelaide Football Club this weekend. This will make him the 13th player to reach this milestone for the club.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Selection news
Brad Moran has been included in the squad to face the Western Bulldogs as the No.1 ruckman for the Crows. Also back after a fractured eye socket is Chris Knights.
Other players included in the 25 man squad for this week are Robert Shirley, Ivan Maric and Brad Symes. Maric is expected to be a possibility to play if defender Nathan Bock is deemed unfit after suffering a minor hamstring strain.
Out of the team are Jonathan Griffin who struggled last week against Port Adelaide. Myke Cook has been omitted as well. It's a shame for Cook as I think he has shown a great degree of promise. His second efforts have been particularly impressive. So hopefully it's not too long till we see him back in the 22.
It's the first time we will have seen Brad Moran lead the ruck for Adelaide and you have to sense that this is a big opportunity for him. Maric and Griffin have clearly been regarded as the top 2 ruckman within the club, yet both have struggled with form in the AFL (whilst exceling in the SANFL). Moran has also displayed strong SANFL form and deserves his chance. Good luck to him!
It's interesting to see this season that Neil Craig is giving players a lot more opportunities this season. There clearly isn't an established best 22. When established players aren't in good form (Maric, Griffin, or Shirley) then other players will be given their chance to shine. It's great incentive for any Crows players lining up in the SANFL each week.
This weekend Brent Reilly will also play in his 100th game for the Crows. He's worked very hard to be back in the team on a regular basis. It's good to see some of the younger players starting to hit milestones. It's a good indication of the progress the club is making.
I also forgot to make mention of Porplyzia's 50th game last week. Hopefully there are a lot more to come from Porps!
Other players included in the 25 man squad for this week are Robert Shirley, Ivan Maric and Brad Symes. Maric is expected to be a possibility to play if defender Nathan Bock is deemed unfit after suffering a minor hamstring strain.
Out of the team are Jonathan Griffin who struggled last week against Port Adelaide. Myke Cook has been omitted as well. It's a shame for Cook as I think he has shown a great degree of promise. His second efforts have been particularly impressive. So hopefully it's not too long till we see him back in the 22.
It's the first time we will have seen Brad Moran lead the ruck for Adelaide and you have to sense that this is a big opportunity for him. Maric and Griffin have clearly been regarded as the top 2 ruckman within the club, yet both have struggled with form in the AFL (whilst exceling in the SANFL). Moran has also displayed strong SANFL form and deserves his chance. Good luck to him!
It's interesting to see this season that Neil Craig is giving players a lot more opportunities this season. There clearly isn't an established best 22. When established players aren't in good form (Maric, Griffin, or Shirley) then other players will be given their chance to shine. It's great incentive for any Crows players lining up in the SANFL each week.
This weekend Brent Reilly will also play in his 100th game for the Crows. He's worked very hard to be back in the team on a regular basis. It's good to see some of the younger players starting to hit milestones. It's a good indication of the progress the club is making.
I also forgot to make mention of Porplyzia's 50th game last week. Hopefully there are a lot more to come from Porps!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A game to forget...
I think like most Crows supporters I'm pretty keen to forget what happened against Port Power last weekend. I thought it might be beneficial to let the loss simmer in the back of my mind for a few days before attempting this post.
The Crows played poorly and were punished by Port Adelaide. I'm certainly glad I don't live in Port Adelaide anymore when you have games like this! The most disappointing aspect of the game was the lack of hunger for the ball from Adelaide. They really struggled to match the Power's intensity throughout the game, resulting in a pasting in both the clearances and hit outs.
I'm not sure I have ever seen such a lopsided result in the ruck. Port Power won a total of 44 hit outs compared to Adelaide's 17. Meat Loaf once stated 'two out of three ain't bad' and that proved to be the case for Port Power in the hit outs department. Jonathan Griffin struggled to make any impact in the game and would be lucky to retain his spot in the side given Ivan Maric's impressive form in the SANFL.
One thing that currently bothers me about the Crows is the lack of ability to shut down key opposition players. It seems like now would be a good time to develop a youngster as a tagger. A player who is suited to this role doesn't immediately spring to mind though. Hopefully something will develop over the next couple of games. If there is no clear young tagger, Neil Craig may need to consider tweaking his game plan.
The Crows played poorly and were punished by Port Adelaide. I'm certainly glad I don't live in Port Adelaide anymore when you have games like this! The most disappointing aspect of the game was the lack of hunger for the ball from Adelaide. They really struggled to match the Power's intensity throughout the game, resulting in a pasting in both the clearances and hit outs.
I'm not sure I have ever seen such a lopsided result in the ruck. Port Power won a total of 44 hit outs compared to Adelaide's 17. Meat Loaf once stated 'two out of three ain't bad' and that proved to be the case for Port Power in the hit outs department. Jonathan Griffin struggled to make any impact in the game and would be lucky to retain his spot in the side given Ivan Maric's impressive form in the SANFL.
One thing that currently bothers me about the Crows is the lack of ability to shut down key opposition players. It seems like now would be a good time to develop a youngster as a tagger. A player who is suited to this role doesn't immediately spring to mind though. Hopefully something will develop over the next couple of games. If there is no clear young tagger, Neil Craig may need to consider tweaking his game plan.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Unchanged team to face Power in Showdown
The Adelaide selectors have decided not to tinker with the line up this week. This is a positive move and gives some players who didn't perform last week the opportunity to redeem themselves.
As always, the Showdown will be hotly contested. The key to defeating the Power will be limiting their disposals. The Crows will need to be first to the contested ball and not allow the Power to create a lot of run from midfield. The Power are similar to Melbourne in that their preferred method of disposal is by foot. This should help the Crows to quickly adjust to the game.
As always, the Showdown will be hotly contested. The key to defeating the Power will be limiting their disposals. The Crows will need to be first to the contested ball and not allow the Power to create a lot of run from midfield. The Power are similar to Melbourne in that their preferred method of disposal is by foot. This should help the Crows to quickly adjust to the game.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Crows down the Dees
Adelaide managed to pick up a hard fought win against Melbourne on Sunday. The game wasn't pretty and Melbourne really struggled to put some goals on the scoreboard. When the Demons did provide some scoreboard pressure, the Crows were resilient enough to regain control of the game.
As far as watching this game goes, it was one of the worst games I've ever seen. There wasn't much scoring and the skills weren't great from either side. When you see those sorts of games, the only thing that makes you happy is the 4 points at the end. So 4 points from an away game in terrible conditions is something you can't complain about too much.
Simon Goodwin didn't seem like he had a massive impact so I was amazed to see he had amassed 35 disposals and 10 marks. It's great to see that despite the fact he is an aging player that he can still be a strong contributor.
It's worth noting that most of Adelaide's top disposal winners in this match were playing in the back line. A lot of the forward options were kept quiet due to poor delivery from midfield and a solid defence from Melbourne. There was however one exception...
Kurt Tippett played what I would consider to be his best game for the Adelaide Footy Club. He picked up 19 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 19 hit outs and managed to boot 2 crucial goals. Despite Griffin coming into the side this week as the No.1 ruck choice, I think Tippett really outclassed him. Tips showed he has a great 'never say die' attitude. When the ball was on the ground, Tippett was one of the first diving on the ball and this helped him create numerous opportunities for the Crows midfield. It's always pleasing to see young players with this sort of work ethic.
Bernie Vince has been another Crow who has stepped up his game this year. After having played only 36 AFL games, Vince has averaged 25 disposals during the first 5 rounds of 2009. This includes his 33 disposals (16 kicks and 17 handballs) against Melbourne. Bernie has been one of the unheralded stars for the Crows this season. With a lot of young players at the club, it's good to see a player like Vince who has taken his opportunity and ran with it. It also takes a bit of pressure off the more senior players. Hopefully the form of Vince will continue.
Unfortunately a couple of the clubs young guns could face scrutiny at this weeks selection table. Jared Petrenko and Taylor Walker combined for a total of 10 disposals against Melbourne. I expect Walker should be fine but Petrenko could be asked to spend a week in the SANFL.
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