Adelaide’s rebounding defence described as “best combination in a long time’’

Adelaide’s posse of defensive playmakers has been described by Champion Data as “the best combination we have seen for a long time’’ and an ace up its sleeve in its premiership chase.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: Crow Wayne Milera bursts clear of Port Adelaide’s Robbie Gray in Showdown 45. Picture: SARAH REED.

Adelaide’s posse of defensive playmakers has been described by Champion Data as “the best combination we have seen for a long time’’ and an ace up its sleeve in its chase for premiership glory.

Champion Data’s Jacob Wilson said the backline quartet of All-Australians Rory Laird and Brodie Smith, emerging excitement machine Wayne Milera and last year’s Rising Star runner-up Tom Doedee is as good an attacking defensive unit as he can remember.

He forecast Laird, Smith and Milera could average a remarkable 80 disposals and 1500m gained a game between them this season, which would go a long way towards propelling the 2017 grand finalist back up the ladder after a disastrous, 12th-placed 2018 campaign.

“Where Adelaide really excels is the half-back line,” Wilson said.

“It has four really, really good defenders across the half-back area — as good a combo as we have seen for a long time.

“Laird is not only able to win a lot of outside ball but he is one of the best interceptors and one-on-one defenders in the league for his position, he does everything.

“Smith is back this year (from a knee reconstruction) and a lot of people forget the impact he can have. He’s looked a million dollars in the pre-season.

“Milera had a breakout season last year and really benefited from not having Smith in the side because it enabled him to flourish down back.

“If Smith had played, Milera probably wouldn’t have been given that opportunity so it's worked out okay for the Crows.

“It’s the same with Doedee, who took over the role that Jake Lever (now at Melbourne) had previously played.

“Those four players really form what we have as the best backline in the league, along with (key defensive shutdown man) Daniel Talia.’’

Adelaide’s defensive half scoring slumped from an average of 40.9 points in 2017 (ranked No. 1) to 30.3 last year (ranked 13th).

Crows Rory Laird is tackled by GWS Giants Brett Deledio at UNSW Canberra Oval in Canberra. Picture: Tracey Nearmy/Getty

Wilson believes the Crows can regain their number one mantle this year, with the extra two goals scored from defensive chains being critical to their success.

While the taller Doedee doesn’t win as much ball as his smaller, quicker backline teammates, Wilson said he plays a vital role in rebounding because of his outstanding intercept marking which “really sets up a lot of playmaking’’.

He said Smith — who played just two AFL games last year after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the 2017 finals — would also benefit from the new kick-in rule, which allows defenders to play on from kick-ins without kicking the ball to themselves.

“The backline really is a strength for Adelaide and on a good day this year I wouldn’t be surprised if Laird, Smith and Milera were able to crack 2000m gained between them,’’ Wilson said.

Smith led the way in the Crows’ 18-point win JLT Community Series win against GWS in Canberra last Friday, with 656m gained from 25 disposals.

Milera had 29 possessions, gaining 362m, while Laird gained 219m from 23 disposals and Doedee made the most of his 17 possessions, with 399m gained.

“We want to get back to our offensive game of 2017 when we moved the ball with speed and having Smith back and Laird and Milera off half-back allows us to rebound pretty well,’’ Talia said.

SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT

Adelaide’s rebounders

Disposals Metres Gained Intercept Possessions

Rory Laird (2018) 32.2 426 8.9

Brodie Smith (2017) 20.4 494 5.0

Wayne Milera (2018) 19.4 322 4.8

Tom Doedee (2018) 18.1 266 7.5

Combined 90.1 1508 26.2