I almost recycled this post from last year’s match against the Roos when I went to write this entry. In a lot of ways the games were similar, although this year the conditions were the biggest problem.
Light rain started to fall just before the first bounce and continued on and off for much of the first 3 quarters, making Footy Park like a skating rink. Unfortunately the skills on display were also a bit slippery for much of the match, although the attack on the ball by both sides was still there.
Some will say the Crows “fell over the line” in this game, but I would have to argue with that. The Shinboners came into the game unbeaten, with 5 on the trot and no team in that position is going to let the whole game go by without gaining the momentum for some time.
It just so happens that in this game the Roos finally started to get things going their way in the last quarter, due partly to an increased work rate but largely due to some pretty dodgy umpiring decisions in my view, having watched the replay again this morning.
But Adelaide withstood this and wrestled back control of the game for maybe the last 5 minutes when it mattered. There has not been an Adelaide team in the club’s history as good around the stoppages as this group is, they are just absolutely terrific!
Best for Adelaide was Goody, with around 28 quality possesions, Skippy with his 4 goals, Thompson, Stiffy and Bassett, although Rutten’s effort to keep the Sav to 2 goals should also rate a mention.
A quick look at the ladder shows us in fourth place. When it all comes down to it the third quarters against the Coasters and the Doggies are all that stands between us an top possie, undefeated, at this stage of the season.
And as for the Ferals … an absolute flogging by some 56 points at the hands of the Tigers completed a perfect weekend for me!
Port, I have just 2 words for you … “premiership” and “hangover”. In fact, here are a few more that come to mind:
They will have to turn it around eventually I guess, but today we saw just exactly how bad the Feral’s can be.
And as for Richo … sensational! Watching him today and Brown on Saturday night took me back to the days when the Duck made the Gee his own most Friday nights.
Next week … the Demons at the MCG on Friday night … will be a huge test for the Crows.