Richard Douglas believes the fast deck at Etihad Stadium will suit Adelaide’s game style for its Round One opener against North Melbourne on Saturday night.
The Crows boast one of the best records at the venue for a non-Victorian club, winning nearly half of all matches it has contested.
Etihad Stadium is Adelaide’s third-most successful ground of all current venues that the Club has played more than 20 games at, behind only Adelaide Oval and the Gabba. Adelaide has also kicked 100 points or more in over 50 per cent of its games at Docklands.
Douglas said the slick and high-scoring nature of the venue complemented his team’s approach.
“We like to move the ball quickly,” Douglas said on Monday.
“Having a dangerous forward line, if you can get it in quick and give our forwards a one-on-one (contest) I think they’ll provide plenty of headaches for North’s defence.
“I think our outside speed has improved. That’s something we’ve targeted in the offseason, and I think we’ve looked to train that as well.
“Hopefully we can put that on show come Saturday night and you can see what we’ve improved on there.”
North Melbourne ranked third in contested possessions and tackles, and finished fourth in clearances on the way to a second straight Preliminary Final appearance last year. The Kangaroos were also No.1 in the competition for contested marks in 2015.
While Douglas said the outside battle will be important under the roof at Etihad Stadium, the 2010 Club Champion knows the duel at the stoppages will still be just as vital.
“I think it starts around the clearances and the contested ball,” Douglas said.
“They’ve got some bulls inside that can hunt the footy and they’ve got a dangerous forward line. We need to get on top around the packs, clearances, and play the game in our half.
“If we can do that, I think we’ve got the forward line that can do the damage on the scoreboard.”
Saturday night’s clash will be Don Pyke’s first official match as Senior Coach.
The former West Coast assistant has several difficult decisions to make at his first selection meeting with a small injury list and a host of players pushing for senior spots.
“It’s what you want with your footy club,” Douglas said of the selection pressure.
“I think that really is driving our training standards at the moment. For guys that are on the fringe, every session is important and it’s a chance to put yourself forward to the coaches and put your hand up for selection.
“That helps with our training standards and that certainly helps with confidence going into games.”
After three NAB Challenge matches and two SANFL trials, Douglas said the entire playing group was itching for the season to start.
“We are as ready as we can be,” he said.
“I'm excited personally, and the whole team is excited as well. We can't wait to get to Melbourne and play Saturday night and see how we go.
“Now, for us, it’s about testing ourselves against a quality side in the real stuff.
“We can’t wait to see where we’re at.”
