Crows may regret letting basketball convert leave for Suns after another horror AFL outing

Hugh Greenwood put on an inside midfield masterclass against his former teammates, Aaron Hall played one of his best games as a Roo while Grant Birchall celebrated his milestone match in style.

Grant Birchall (right) of the Lions is seen being cheered on by teammates after playing his 250th AFL match during the Round 3 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the West Coast Eagles at The Gabba in Brisbane, Saturday, June 20, 2020. (AAP Image/Darren England)

IN his first showdown against his former teammates Hugh Greenwood proved why the Crows may regret their decision to let the midfield warrior leave for the Gold Coast.

The basketball convert, who walked away from a deal with the Perth Wildcats in the NBL to join Adelaide in 2015, signed with the Suns last off season after the Crows were unwilling to entertain a longer deal.

On Sunday he thrived at the coalface as Gold Coast backed up their round two upset of West Coast by dismantling a woeful Crows for the first time in their history.

Hugh Greenwood of the Suns celebrates a goal during the round 3 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Adelaide Crows at Metricon Stadium on June 21, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

The Suns had blown the visitors away by halftime when they led 6.7 to 1.2, and Greenwood was a major factor courtesy of a half high six clearances — four shy of what his former club had in total.

He finished with a game high 13 tackles and equal match high eight clearances, with Tasmanian teammate Lachie Weller also joining in the fun to continue his strong start to the disrupted 2020 season.

Weller amassed 21 disposals, five marks and five tackles and capped his day with a late goal in the 53-point drubbing.

Milestone man Grant Birchall was his usual reliable best as Brisbane ran away from the Eagles on Saturday night.

Grant Birchall of the Lions takes a mark during the Round 3 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the West Coast Eagles at The Gabba in Brisbane, Saturday, June 20, 2020. (AAP Image/Darren England)

Playing in his 250th match the four time premiership Hawk — who coach Chris Fagan said on Friday is one of the “underrated greats” of Hawthorn’s golden era — had 15 possessions and eight marks across half back, celebrating in style in his second outing as a Lion.

Hard nut Mitch Robinson was slightly down on his usual output with 12 touches but still contributed five tackles.

Aaron Hall had one of his best games in North Melbourne colours despite the Roos having their unbeaten start to the campaign snapped by Sydney.

Aaron Hall of the Kangaroos runs with the ball from Harry Cunningham of the Swans during the Round 3 AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Saturday, June 20, 2020. (AAP Image/Michael Dodge)

Hall, who during the week had opened up on his experience growing up and dealing with racism, gathered 21 disposals — second for the Roos behind Jy Simpkin — while also chalking up 438 metres gained, with only Jasper Pittard and Swan Jordan Dawson having more.

Only some inaccuracy in front of goals, where he finished with 1.3, blighted what was an otherwise impressive outing.

Key forward Ben Brown booted the first major of the match and finished with 3.2.