Former Adelaide Crows captain analyses the Adelaide players’ strengths for the AFL Grand Final clash with Richmond
CROWS premiership captain Mark Bickley breaks down Adelaide’s line-up for the 2017 AFL grand final.
FORMER Crows captain Mark Bickley runs his eye over Adelaide’s players for Saturday’s grand final against Richmond.
EDDIE BETTS
His last two finals matches have not only been productive on the scoreboard (five goals), but his pressure has gone to another level. Has scored early goals both weeks and electrified his team-mates and the crowd. Ultra-dangerous at forward 50 stoppages.
Josh Jenkins
His most important role in not letting the opposition tall defenders take intercept marks, by providing an aggressive contest in the air. Effective in this role last week opposed to Harry Taylor and Lachie Henderson, also hit the scoreboard with four goals. Straight kicking is a feature of his game.
Andy Otten
With Mitch McGovern an almost certain non starter, Otten holds his spot in the team playing the important role of providing another aerial target, particularly the long down-the-line kick from defence. Also stretches the Tigers’ defence with his extra height and marking.
Charlie Cameron
With McGovern out his speed and pressure is critically important. Proved last week he can be a true offensive weapon, overcoming his goalkicking yips and showing he is not only a threat on the ground but also in the air. Now has the confidence to take the game on with his offensive running.
Taylor Walker
Leadership has been outstanding again this year. Structurally important to the team, so often he is the avenue used to connect a rebound from defence into a devastating entry inside 50. Hasn’t quite found his long-range goalkicking form, but two last-quarter goals will give him great confidence going into the biggest game of his life.
Tom Lynch
Fast becoming the Crows most important offensive player. Reads the play better than most, always providing a leading option for his defenders. His willingness to play on instantly, and devastating short kicking, opens up the corridor and creates high scoring percentage entries. Also a constant goalkicking threat, kicking goals in 17 of his 22 games this year.
Paul Seedsman
Don Pyke resisted the temptation to use him as a replacement for Brodie Smith across half-back instead playing him on the wing. Gets dangerous in the forward half as evidenced by his three shots on goal last week. One of a number of Crows players with an elite leg and the confidence to use it through the middle of the ground.
Matt Crouch
The surprise packet of the season for Adelaide. Proving almost unstoppable around the ball, amassing high possessions with a very high efficiency rating for a midfielder. Has more confidence in his kicking and his ability to run and carry the ball. Hurts the opposition now because of this greater penetration.
Rory Atkins
Coming off a slight lull late in the year, was back to his creative best last week. When he sidesteps opponents and carries the ball it unlocks the space over the back of the Crows forwards. When Atkins is running and bouncing the Crows are most often winning.
Sam Jacobs
Emotion charged and remarkably resilient, Sam looks like a man with a sense of destiny. Has improved his contested marking enormously this year. Don’t underestimate the strength the team has drawn through the big man’s courage under adversity.
Brad Crouch
In the last month has become Adelaide’s most aggressive midfielder, both in body and mindset. With the power back in his legs, his speed to get at the opposition has made him a tackling machine and has also allowed him to once again be the player who can burst out of stoppage and provide deep entries from midfield clearances.
Rory Sloane
The game is won and lost in the midfield and he is the “General” in there. Influences games and changes momentum with the way he wills himself to win the contest. Has overcome his issues with being tagged and looms as the most important player for Adelaide. His collision with Dangerfield last week typified the way he plays, sets the standard in so many ways.
Richard Douglas
Offers great flexibility as he can play in all three parts of the ground. Has returned to his best form this year and been most effective through the midfield where his toughness and experience has been super important. Has played 13 seasons to get to this point.
David Mackay
While he doesn’t have the same penetration with his kick as Brodie Smith, his run and linking play last week proved almost as effective. His short kick is trustworthy and sets up many attacking plays. His running ability has served him well at the MCG where he has used the extra space to his advantage.
Kyle Hartigan
Since returning from injury in round 22 has been rock solid. His speed and strength gives Adelaide greater flexibility with the ability to stand the key forwards like Kennedy and Franklin as well as the smaller more agile Dangerfield and most likely Martin.
Rory Laird
The ultimate defender, keeps his man quiet, finds the ball regularly and uses it with ridiculously high efficiency. Will be under greater pressure this week with the Tigers high pressuring mosquito fleet. Almost certain to be targeted with a defensive forward.
Jake Lever
Has maintained his focus remarkably well for a young man with so much attention on him. Reads the ball well in the air, comes off his man early to intercept mark or spoil. Has played mainly on tall forwards throughout the year, but will be tested this week on some smaller opponents.
Daniel Talia
Unassuming in his manner but highly effective. Has blanketed both Patton and Hawkins in the last two matches. Critical to the Crows defensive positioning, communicates and directs more than any other in the back half.
Luke Brown
Precision and reliability, like a Swiss watch. Gets the most dangerous small forward every week and rarely loses. The perfect role player. Assumes greater responsibility by doing the kick-ins in the absence of Smith.
Jake Kelly
Kelly is super competitive and through hard work, dedication and playing his role each week, has become a very important and reliable player. Minimum of fuss, knows his capabilities and executes them well. His development and confidence has mirrored the teams.
Riley Knight
Grown in stature since returning to the team in Round 15. Has found a harder edge to go with his enormous running power. Has gone toe-to-toe with Joel Selwood with success, proving he can do a shutdown role if required.
Hugh Greenwood
Plays a contested game that suits finals but looked off last week and only played 59 per cent game time, his lowest this year. Has been carefully managed over the last month but still appears to be struggling physically. At full fitness he plays, but potentially the only change to the side. Milera or Hampton the most likely replacement.