Adelaide Crows assistant coach David Teague expects Taylor Walker, Mitch McGovern to fire on MCG

ADELAIDE assistant coach David Teague has backed key forwards Mitch McGovern and Taylor Walker to shake off rust and criticism respectively by putting Carlton “to the sword” on Saturday at the MCG.

Mitch McGovern and Andy Otten at Crows training at Football Park. Picture: SARAH REED

ADELAIDE assistant coach David Teague has backed key forwards Mitch McGovern and Taylor Walker to shake off rust and heavyweight criticism respectively by putting Carlton “to the sword” on Saturday at the MCG.

McGovern, 22, has endured a three-month AFL absence since a serious hamstring tear in the Showdown against Port Adelaide but returns with Tom Lynch floored by viral meningitis.

Andy Otten was dropped meaning off-contract McGovern must bolster AFL’s most formidable attack alongside Walker, Josh Jenkins and Eddie Betts.

Crows forward Mitch McGovern at training at Football Park. Picture: SARAH REED

“We would love to see Mitch play the way he pays his best footy, launching at marks, speed, tackling, chasing down guys,” said Teague.

McGovern shone with four goals against Norwood three weeks ago but struggled for touch against Central District last Saturday. Teague said key utility McGovern who boosted 32 goals last season, has the condition mix it at AFL level.

“His first game back against Norwood was really crisp, his second game back wasn’t as crisp which is often the way. It was more getting enough training and game time into him that he doesn’t go into this game at risk of injury and is ready go,” said Teague.

“Talent wise he was ready to go first game back. It’s a big ground, the MCG, I think he will enjoy it.”

Legends Wayne Carey and Dermott Brereton have recently called for skipper Walker to impose himself on games as the Crows search for a physical edge.

Walker, on penning a three-year contract extension this week, said the only voices he listens too forward mentor Teague and head coach Don Pyke.

“He will look forward to this weekend and likes to play well on the big stage and this is a ground you have to play well on to win the grand final. It is another food opportunity and we are looking forward to it,” said Teague.

Hawthorn followed a successful blueprint of getting numbers behind the ball and holding up Adelaide’s attacking movement. Blues half-backs Sam Docherty and Kade Simpson are adept in the art of precision counter-attack allowing Carlton to score from few inside 50s.

“Some of the games they have won they have had low inside 50s but it has been their ability to defend and score when they go forward,” noted Teague with both Adelaide and Carlton winning three of their past seven games

Adelaide is betting on a Walker-led forward set up to keep Docherty and Simpson accountable and inflict maximum damage.

“We have a forward line they will have to spend time defending and if we can get the ball moving well those guys will be accountable to the forwards and will put them to the sword hopefully,” said Teague.

“We will back ourselves in, very comfortable in the way we play will hold us in good stead.”

Scott Thompson was overlooked for a first AFL game this season despite a best on ground display against the SANFL Bulldogs with David MacKay’s run preferred. The red line hasn’t been ruled through veteran Thompson insists Teague.

“He is really close and I have no doubt if he keeps that form up in the next few weeks he probably get an opportunity,” said Teague of Thompson.

Teague said Lynch was recovering well from viral meningitis but wouldn’t put a timeline in the forward’s return.

“We are more concerned about Tom’s health. The signs are really good but we will have to wait and see. The club got on to it early and treated him early,” said Teague.