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Small forward aims to help fill void left by Eddie Betts’ departure from Crows

Lachlan Murphy established himself in the Crows front half in 2019 thanks mainly to his defensive pressure. But he knows he must bring more scoring power to his game in 2020.

One-on-one with Crows coach Matthew Nicks

Small forward Lachlan Murphy wants to help fill the void left by the departure of Eddie Betts from the Crows forward line by adding more attacking flair to his game.

Murphy, who was elevated to Adelaide’s senior list last month after two year’s on the rookie list, cemented his place in the side in 2019 thanks to his forward-line pressure game.

He played 21 of 22 games in the AFL side, kicking 19 goals for the season and averaging 3.2 tackles per game, but is intent on hitting the scoreboard more often in 2020.

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“Now that Eddie (Betts) is gone, I have to try and kick more goals,” Murphy said.

“I’ve done a lot of work on my goalkicking during the break … that will ramp up now that we’re back at training.

Adelaide’s Lachlan Murphy celebrates a goal with Matt Crouch. Picture: Sarah Reed
Adelaide’s Lachlan Murphy celebrates a goal with Matt Crouch. Picture: Sarah Reed

“My pressure and tackling is my one wood, but that's still got plenty of improvement left as well.

“I aspire to be one of the best pressure small forwards in the comp … I’ve got a long way to go to reach that.”

Murphy also said he hoped to form a strong small forward duo with teammate Tyson Stengle who was handed Betts’ No. 18 guernsey earlier this month.

“We’re good friends, now it’s just getting to know our games a bit better,” Murphy told afc.com.au.

“Hopefully we can build a good duo there.”

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/teams/adelaide/small-forward-aims-to-help-fill-void-left-by-eddie-betts-departure-from-crows/news-story/78713f6c30ce6e9b195b5461f65df0c3