Jake Lever believes pressure at the ball carrier could be the deciding factor in what looms as a Saturday night shootout between the Crows and Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval.
Adelaide heads the competition for points scored following its 75-point win over Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium last round. The Crows had 13 individual goalkickers in their convincing win over the undermanned Suns.
The in-form Giants have the AFL’s next best attack and are currently riding a six-game winning streak. GWS has kicked more than 20 goals in three of its victories, including two scores beyond 150 points.
Both the Crows and Giants notched the exact same scoreline – 22.17 (149) – against the Suns in successive weeks as testament to their forward potency.
Coleman Medal runner-up Jeremy Cameron (21 goals), crafty veteran Steve Joohnson (21), 206cm ruckman/forward Rory Lobb (15) and speedy smalls Toby Greene and Rhys Palmer (13 each) pose a threatening forward mix.
While both teams are proven scorers, Lever said Saturday night’s duel may be won or lost further up the ground.
“Their forward line’s quite talented. But, on the other hand, our forward line’s not too bad either,” Lever said on Monday.
“As a back group and as a whole team, we’ll just be looking to stop them from scoring and put as much pressure up the ground as possible and not allow the ball to get in quickly inside the 50.
“If you do put sides under pressure, it allows the backs to get the ball and counter-attack off that.
“If we do let them off the leash, they’re a talented forward line, but hopefully this week we’ll rein it in.
“To be the best, you have to beat the best. We’re really looking forward to the challenge.”
Former Crow in the mix for Saturday night clash
Crows captain Taylor Walker led the way with five goals against the Suns to signal his return to goalkicking form. The haul was Walker’s best of the year and his biggest return since Round 21 of last season.
Lever said it was reward for effort for ‘Tex’.
“The work that he’s been doing behind the scenes that no one sees, I think it was just a credit on the weekend for him to kick five,” Lever said.
“He was so close against Geelong and even that Bulldogs game he was really good, he was getting his hands to it but just couldn’t finish the job.
“Now I think he’s back and - just the way he’s playing footy at the moment – he’s confident, he’s confident around the Club.
“Hopefully the best is ahead of him.”
The Crows host Greater Western Sydney at 7.10pm at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
