Crows; Hugh Greenwood inspired by Joe Ingles for ‘hostile’ Showdown 44
INSPIRED by former Boomers training mate Joe Ingles’ giant-slaying NBA exploits, Hugh Greenwood is relishing a “hostile” Showdown 44 against struggling Port Adelaide.
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INSPIRED by former Boomers training mate Joe Ingles’ giant-slaying NBA exploits, Hugh Greenwood is relishing a “hostile” Showdown 44 against struggling Port Adelaide.
It’s unlikely Saturday’s Showdown can match the game-day trash talk and social media hate served up by US college basketball fans that Greenwood experienced fronting for University of New Mexico.
“I remember my time in college basketball — we used to get absolutely sprayed by opposition fans. I played our home Showdown last year, which was awesome, but I’m looking forward to getting out in front of a hostile crowd in a Port home game,” Greenwood said.
“They gave us a bit of a touch-up in the pre-season. After last weekend’s loss they will be very hungry to come back in front of their home fans. Showdown presents a bit of extra buzz.”
Greenwood noted Ingles had progressed in amazing fashion from Boomers’ training camps to an $80 million Jazz deal and NBA play-offs. Ingles starred in Utah’s game two win with 27 points and followed with 15 in Monday’s loss to Houston Rockets. Ingles took a 17-year-old Greenwood under his wing at Boomers training camps, serving as a key role model
“I love Joey — he is someone who really took care of me at the Boomers. He used to give me all his old shoes, actually, when he was at the AIS, I wasn’t making any money and he was in Europe,” recalled Greenwood.
“They had a loss the other day but he is doing so well. Joe is an SA boy, not a Crows fan, but we will let that pass. He did a lot for me.
“His first Olympics were when he was only 20 or 21 and played really well. He took the long route, a different pathway but as he has shown, has persisted with it and it has paid off for him.”
Greenwood took the road less travelled to AFL before featuring in last year’s grand final with Adelaide.
Greenwood and Ellis-Yolmen are rapidly forming the big-bodied midfield union Adelaide has lacked since the pair were given opportunity to excel in the absence of Brad Crouch and Rory Sloane.
The duo came up against Carlton superstar Patrick Cripps and broke even last Saturday night, with Greenwood booting two goals and winning 14 contested possessions.
“It was always going to be challenge for me. Crippa is a big, busy unit so Curly and me put an emphasis on going with him,” said Greenwood. “I feel we work pretty well together. Cam is coming off a year where he hasn’t played so much and I am coming off a shorter pre-season. We are still finding our legs, but doing all right.”
Adelaide has won the past five Showdowns but Greenwood said the Crows didn’t enjoy a specific hold over Ken Hinkley’s side. “We like to think we match up well against anyone,” he said.
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