Young midfielder Brad Crouch has earned his first appearance in the AFL’s Team of the Week for Season 2016.
Crouch collected a season-best 34 possessions, including a game-high 16 contested, along with nine clearances, six tackles and a goal in Adelaide’s big win over Brisbane on Saturday night.
The performance capped off a consistent string of recent outings for the 22-year-old onballer. Crouch has averaged 28 disposals and six clearances per game through his last six matches.
He was named on the interchange in the Round 20 Team of the Week alongside fellow midfielders Jack Viney (Melbourne), Dustin Martin (Richmond) and Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs).
Team of the Week regular Rory Laird was once again recognised after yet another dominant display across half-back on the weekend.
Laird amassed a game-high 36 disposals at 89 per cent efficiency and claimed nine marks against Brisbane to be included in the side for the second round in succession.
The former rookie was named in a back pocket for his ninth Team of the Week start of the year.
Mobile forward Tom Lynch was the third and final Crow to be included following Saturday night’s convincing win.
Lynch recorded 20 possessions, 15 marks, six inside 50ms, four tackles and also kicked four goals in a complete performance by the 25-year-old utility. The former Saint also had 14 score involvements and four direct score assists.
Lynch was added to a half-forward flank in the Round 20 Team of the Week alongside his Gold Coast namesake and young Swan Isaac Heeney.
Adelaide had the equal-most representatives in this week’s team along with three players each from Melbourne and Sydney. A host of Crows, including Daniel Talia, Taylor Walker and Rory Sloane could consider themselves unlucky to be overlooked, such was Adelaide’s spread of contributors on Saturday night.
Richmond, Gold Coast, the Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney were the only other clubs with multiple players included.
Sloane, Eddie Betts (four times), Talia, Josh Jenkins (three), Rory Atkins (twice), Scott Thompson, Brodie Smith, Jake Lever and Walker are the other Crows who have featured in the side throughout the course of the season so far.
Visit AFL.com.au to see the full Team of the Week for Round 20
