Tackle-shy Suns offer nothing to halt Crows

TOO many sun-loving Gold Coast footballers think the word tackle refers to what’s in their fishing kit.

The Adelaide Crows cashed in on a poor defensive effort by the Suns to keep their unbeaten streak alive with a 67point victory last night.

The Crows are outright premiership favourites and it would have been a brave punter who backed the Suns – especially without their two key defenders Rory Thompson and Steven May.

However, Suns fans were entitled to expect better than they delivered in the 23.15 (153) to 13.8 (86) loss in front of 12,672 at Metricon Stadium.

Callum Ah Chee returned to the side and booted a careerhigh five goals and Adam Saad can hold his head high after a brilliant tussle with Coleman Medal leader Eddie Betts but they were two rare highlights for the home team.

The skill difference in the two sides probably fairly reflected their different ladder positions.

Midfielders Gary Ablett, Michael Barlow and Jarryd Lyons got their hands on the footy and the contested footy, especially around stoppages, was pretty even.

The Crows were far more damaging with their disposals.

Rory Sloane, Matt Crouch and Rory Atkins were all influential for the Crows.

And defensively they denied the Suns the centre of the ground which created havoc with their ball movement.

The Suns made poor choices with ball in hand that led to a diabolical turnover count feeding the Crows’ scoring.

But it is their attitude when they aren’t in possession that has put the entire club back under pressure.

Seven years into their existence it still looks like men against boys when they try to tackle.

Half the team had one tackle or less.

Just as damning is their defensive accountability, where players were guilty of allowing their opponents to roam free. GOLD COAST V ADELAIDE 2.2 4.3 8.5 13.8 7.6 11.9 17.12 23.15 GOALS