1. Suns bring the heat
Crows coach Don Pyke was eager for a tough and physical test from Gold Coast in preparation for Round One, and that’s exactly what he got. Both teams threw themselves at the contest in greasy conditions under lights at Metricon Stadium on Friday. The Suns dominated proceedings at the coalface in the opening half, with the home side’s inaccuracy in front of goal allowing Adelaide to hold a two-point lead despite having six less scoring shots. While the visitors improved in the second half, the Crows were still shaded in the overall contested possession tally 154-142 and also lost the clearances 40-33. Pyke will demand more consistency in this area ahead of Adelaide’s Round One clash with North Melbourne in a fortnight’s time.
2. String of super goals
The Crows sent home three super goals during a scoring blitzkrieg beginning late in the second term. Josh Jenkins showed his athleticism by slotting the game’s first super goal after sprinting through the centre of Metricon Stadium in style. Not to be out-done, midfielder Jarryd Lyons took two bounces dashing off half-back to send home another nine-pointer midway through the third quarter. The captain stepped up to the plate minutes later, as Taylor Walker bombed the third and final super goal of the game during Adelaide’s seven-goal third stanza. Walker’s goal means he is now Adelaide’s leader in the statistic with six super goals to his name. He previously shared the record with former captain Simon Goodwin.
3. Tough tackling
Despite the sweaty humidity, both teams were ferocious with their tackling all evening. Young defender Jake Lever set the tone early and saved a certain goal in the opening term by running down Gold Coast forward Tom Lynch. Mitch McGovern then earned a set shot after the siren at the other end after sticking a stellar tackle inside the Crows’ forward 50m. The 21-year-old also won another holding the ball decision to kick off the second quarter. Gold Coast matched Adelaide’s intensity however, with Adam Saad somehow clinging onto the elusive Eddie Betts to prevent a goal early in the second term. Fittingly, the overall tackle count was evenly spread with the Suns edging ahead 69-67 by the final siren.
4. Does the cap fit?
The AFL’s new rotation cap will remain a big talking point throughout the final round of the NAB Challenge as teams get their first taste of what’s to come in the premiership season. Crows and Suns players looked almost out on their feet in the final term as both clubs crept closer to the limit of 90 interchanges. More mistakes were made, players struggled with cramp, and some were almost willing the ball to go out of bounds to regain their breath at certain stages. Don Pyke said it’ll take time to analyse how best to manage the cap in the future, but a sticky 30-degree night made for a tough first initiation to the new rule for both sides.
5. Next stop, Round One
Adelaide completes the NAB Challenge with a 2-1 record heading into the premiership season. The Club’s only pre-season loss was a two-point thriller against Fremantle where the Crows fielded a largely inexperienced side. More importantly, the Crows have shown great cohesion as a team with several new faces pressing their claims for a Round One berth throughout the pre-season. Paul Seedsman, Wayne Milera, Dean Gore and Mitch McGovern are just some of the new names that could feature in Adelaide’s season-opener against North Melbourne on March 26. It’s a welcome early headache for Don Pyke as he prepares for his maiden season as Senior Coach.
