Secrecy behind stance

THE reason behind Adelaide’s imposing “power stance’’ during the national anthem will remain a secret until after Saturday’s grand final against Richmond.

Veteran utility David Mackay said that while many theories had been put forward for why the Adelaide players had lined up for the pre- game anthem in stare- down mode during the finals, the truth would be kept in- house until after the club’s first grand final in 19 years.

“It’s something that we will keep internal as much as possible,’’ Mackay said as the Crows zero in on their first premiership since 1998. “It’s got a lot of airtime — more than we thought it would — but it’s not really a big deal to us.

“It’s just something that we started to do internally to help us start well, to stand that way.

“People are making a big deal of it but we’ll keep it ( the real reason) internal.’’

Adelaide started their nowfamous “stare- down’’ during their qualifying final win against Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval.

The players created headlines when they lined up opposite the Giants with their shoulders back and arms stretched by their sides in a powerful manner while staring down the opposition.

Five- time Hawks premiership winner Dermott Brereton labelled the move as “genius’’ as the Crows beat GWS by six goals.

Adelaide used the same pregame tactic in last Friday’s 61point preliminary final demolition job on Geelong.

Questioned about the staredown, coach Don Pyke and several players have tried to brush it aside, most saying it’s been a spur of the moment decision.

Others have indicated it has been the brainchild of captain Taylor Walker.

Ruckman Sam Jacobs said the stance had been about “focus’’ to ensure the team started well.

Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd described Adelaide’s stance, which they intend to again use against Richmond at the MCG, as “intimidation tactics’’.