CAN CROWS BREAK CATS HOODOO?
ADELAIDE believes a stark period of soul searching that reignited its physical solidarity and pressure prowess can break Geelong’s four-year hold in Friday night’s top-spot stoush.
Adelaide coach Don Pyke noted a “resolve” that saw his men fend off Melbourne in Darwin on Saturday night despite finishing without superstars Rory Sloane (concussion) and Jake Lever (hamstring).
The Crows addressed concern they lacked thirst for a fight in losses to North Melbourne, Melbourne, Geelong and Hawthorn after enjoying a six-win start to the season.
“It is something we feel like we have room for improvement in that area, without being silly, have a bit of a presence out on the field,” said Adelaide smooth mover David Mackay.
“We have had to look at it over the past couple of months and when we weren’t playing our best footy we lacked a bit of presence.”
Adelaide expects to confront former co-captain turned nemesis Patrick Dangerfield despite the Brownlow medallist’s foot injury as it strives to break a five-game losing streak against the Cats.
Key Crows midfielder Rory Sloane must pass medical tests to play while Lever must overcome hamstring tightness.
“It is a bit early to call but having played with Pat, he is as good as anyone at getting himself up. We expect him to play and Sloaney, if he passes all the protocols,” Mackay said.
There will no excuses for topranked Adelaide, which takes a two-point ladder lead into a clash that could decide the minor premiership race.
“It is a really important game in the context of where both teams are,” Mackay said. “For us it’s about continuing from the last three weeks where we have made inroads to the way we want to play. It is a great test.
“We haven’t had a great recent record against them. Friday night will be a tough game and that’s a great opportunity to showcase what we have been working on.”
Chris Scott was the first to combat Adelaide last season by stacking Geelong’s defence while Pyke’s potent forward setup failed to deal with slowed inside 50 entry. Sloane was successfully tagged by Scott Selwood in the Cats’ 22-point Round 11 win and he should be back from injury.
Adelaide has evolved since being humbled at Kardinia Park in June, MacKay insists.
“That is one of their key strengths, the way they set up defensively. We have looked at our game and adjusted . . . Carlton set up well defensively a couple of weeks ago, we got in an arm wrestle and we were able to find a way to win,” he said.