Crouch says loss to Cats a ‘reality check’ for Crows
ADELAIDE midfielder Matt Crouch says Friday night’s loss to Geelong was a “reality check” for the Crows, who got a gauge on the gap between them and the 12-2 ladderleading Cats.
The Crows are considered a top-four contender but only just got within five goals of Geelong — albeit at their home fortress — and who are considered flag favourites. “They’re obviously going really well, they’re a strong outfit with good players all over the field so especially at home they’re a good team,” Crouch said after Adelaide lost its 11th straight game at Kardinia Park. “It’s probably a bit of a reality check in terms of where we’re at but I’m still confident we can go forward and play some good footy.
“Next week’s Showdown is a big one for us again. Port obviously beat Geelong last week so they’re travelling really well.
“It’s going to be a huge Showdown and hopefully we can regroup and play some good footy next week.”
Crouch was part of the midfield that coach Don Pyke said had its colours lowered by Geelong on Friday night.
They made a promising start and led by nine points at quarter-time, as well as in contested ball and clearances, but they couldn’t sustain it.
There were also several patches during the game when the Cats pinned Adelaide into its back half and piled on the pressure until they cracked on the scoreboard.
“I thought the first quarter we competed pretty well in the contest but probably dropped away for the next three,” Crouch said.
“We got done around the ball, and on this ground because it’s so skinny and Geelong play it so well, if you’re trying to move the ball away from your defensive 50 you just can’t.
“We lost field position and couldn’t move the ball through them, they defended really well. You want to try to kick, mark and go slow on them but they’re pretty good at shutting that down.
“That’s a big part of playing at Geelong, you’ve got to win stoppage to give yourselves the best chance to score and we didn’t do that.”