Crouch boys the key for Crows, says Jars

ADELAIDE’S 1997 and 1998 premiership hero, Darren Jarman, believes it is the improvement in midfield skills that has the Crows on the brink of another flag.

The leading goalkicker with six and five goals in the two grand finals, Jarman pointed to the improvement in the Crouch brothers — Matt and Brad — as the key to success for the Crows.

He has also noted — and has watched closely with son Ben on the club’s list — how the Crows have improved when it comes to winning the contested ball.

“I really like the improvement of Matt Crouch,” he said. “I think he was a very good player but at times he burnt the ball.

“This year he’s hitting targets with his leg and handball, and has gone to elite. I think he’s an elite midfielder now.

“And obviously Brad has come in, too, and he’s strung a few games together. He’s covering the ground really well.”

Jarman said he believed Don Pyke’s mantra — getting better at winning the contested ball, both in the air and on the ground — had been a cornerstone in the Crows’ improvement.

It had been an obvious weakness as the club was bundled out of September last year and has remained a strong focus this season.

“I think what Sydney showed us last year in that first final was our contested stuff — that really showed us up badly,” Jarman said.

He predicted it would be crucial to start well against Geelong on tomorrow night.

“The last couple of weeks they [Geelong] have started well and that puts the opposition under the pump,” Jarman said.