Adelaide Crows complete strong JLT Series campaign with win over GWS Giants

Mark down the Crouch brothers, Matt and Brad, as a key to the Crows having a tilt at this year’s AFL premiership. The two star midfielders who missed large chunks of 2018 are fit, firing and ready for battle.

Chayce Jones celebrates a goal for the Crows. Picture: Getty Images

Mark down the Crouch brothers, Matt and Brad, as a key to the Crows having a tilt at this year’s AFL premiership.

The Victorian brothers were outstanding as Adelaide made light work of Greater Western Sydney in Canberra on Friday night and will be among the cornerstones of the Crows charge towards the finals.

In the club’s final JLT Community Series match in Canberra, Matt and Brad — who missed all of last season with a groin injury — were chiefs among those who made the Crows look like they could reprise their 2017 season, when the club was the best in the league only to fall at the final hurdle.

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There were other players worth noting for the Crows.

Top draft pick Chayce Jones, who was taken at No. 9 in last year’s national draft, was lively and did some nice things suggesting he will be considered for a debut in Round 1.

He’s got a nice goal sense to go with his pace and doesn’t mind a contest.

Co-captain Rory Sloane and Bryce Gibbs were prolific around the packs.

Matt Crouch was in the thick of the action for Adelaide. Picture: Getty Images

Wayne Milera was a treat to watch with his game from half back. He kept intercepting like a veteran who just knows where the ball will land and the amount of ground he covered with the ball in his hand was worth the admission price on its own.

The goal kicking was shared around but one who looks like he will benefit from the set positions at centre bounces is Josh Jenkins, who kicked a couple of nice goals and made the most of the extra space from the rule that there will be six defenders, six midfielders and six forwards starting in their traditional positions after every goal.

One of the most encouraging signs from the Crows was their ability to move the ball from the backline into attack, reminding onlookers of the quick and fluid play that led them to be the dominant team of the 2017 season before failing in the grand final against Richmond.

Brad Crouch, who finished with an impressive 31 disposals to go with brother Matt’s game-high 38, could not be more pleased at being back in the side on the eve of Round 1.

“I’m hoping for a bit of good luck (with injuries),” Crouch said after the siren, having previously referred to himself, jokingly, as the racehorse that would be shot because of his injuries.

Originally published as Adelaide Crows complete strong JLT Series campaign with win over GWS Giants