Adelaide confident of avoiding ‘Gather Round’ letdown at UTAS

The hype of opening the inaugural Gather Round at home translated into a big win for Adelaide. But they’re confident of avoiding a mental letdown in Launceston on Sunday.

Adelaide's Jordan Dawson gets away from Carlton's Patrick Cripps during the AFL Gather Round match between the Adelaide Crows and Carlton Blues at the Adelaide Oval on April 13, 2023. Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - ©Phil Hillyard )

Adelaide assistant coach Nathan van Berlo is confident the Crows won’t suffer a mental let-down as they look to build on their powerful home win over Carlton against Hawthorn at Launceston on Sunday.

In front of a sold out home crowd, the Crows began the inaugural ‘Gather Round’ with a 56-point belting of the previously unbeaten Blues, setting up the win with an eight-goals-to-two first term.

Taking on the rebuilding Hawks at UTAS Stadium carries far less external hype as Adelaide looks to extend its winning streak to four, and win away from Adelaide Oval for the first time this year.

“It’s a completely different environment to a Thursday night game at home, to a Sunday afternoon game at UTAS, but it creates another great challenge for us to get it done in a different environment,” van Berlo said.

We’ve been really clear with the group in what’s created our wins the past few weeks, and that’s been around sticking to our roles and systems.

“Our biggest challenge is consistency of four quarters. We feel like we’ve been strong in that area and to continue that away from home and get our first road win, it would be terrific to get it in Tasmania.”

The Crows have been lethal up forward with Gold Coast recruit Izak Rankine booting 12 goals in five games in his return to his home state, while fellow small forward Josh Rachele has kicked ten.

Adelaide has scored more than 100 points in every match of its three-game win streak.

“We’re really clear out ability to score has come off other aspects of our game,” van Berlo said.

“We understand we’ve got some talent, particularly ahead of the ball, and if we generate enough supply to them they are able to kick a winning score for us.

“But also we’ve been strong defensively and our contest work has been at a good level too.

“I reckon from the very first training session he (Rankine) showed everyone he has a very special skill set. He compliments what the rest of our forward line does nicely.”

Van Berlo, Crows captain for four years, said it was a no-brainer to install Jordan Dawson as captain this year, after his move from Sydney Swans last season.

Some eyebrows were raised when the relative newcomer was appointed leader, but it’s proven to be a wise decision with the 26-year-old averaging over 25 disposals this year.

“Internally Jordan’s had a massive impact since he got here. It’s the way he’s trained, his persona around the club, the way he builds relationships with everyone and challenges the group in the right way,” van Berlo said.

“We’ve seen with his on field performance how he can lead this group forward, and the impact he has.

“It was an obvious candidate for us when Rory (Sloane, former captain) handed the baton on, and we’re really pleased with how he’s leading the club at the moment.

“He’s really lucky he’s still got Rory and Taylor (Walker) there for support and guidance, but I know they’ve given the reins to Jordan to do it his way.

“There’s some differences (in approach) but he’s able to lead by example on game day, that’s what you want from your leaders.”