ADELAIDE could unleash Taylor Walker in a four-pronged tall forward line against Melbourne after the Crows' big men led a gripping nine-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
James Podsiadly (three goals), Josh Jenkins (three) and Tom Lynch (two) proved the difference against an inexperienced Dogs defence in the 13.14 (92) to 12.11 (83) triumph on Sunday.
Brenton Sanderson now has the type of selection dilemma that every coach wants, after Taylor Walker showed he was ready to return to the big time by booting 3.3 in the SANFL on Friday night.
"The great discussion on talk-back radio will be who drops out. Jenkins, Podsiadly, Lynch – can you play all of them? Can you add Walker to that mix?" Sanderson said post-match.
"That will be something for talk-back radio this week and I guess behind closed doors at our footy club."
Sanderson admitted his "gut feel" was to give Walker one more game in the SANFL, but his form will force the Crows coaches to debate bringing him back.
"The plan was to give him two runs in the SANFL, but he looked really sharp on Friday night," Sanderson said.
"He pulled up well from the game, his rehab program – nothing went wrong – he had a fantastic 12 months in preparing himself for now.
"Those that saw him play live on Friday night, they know he's ready to play."
Sanderson denied any of the incumbents were feeling the pressure due to Walker's imminent return.
Instead he said there was "a healthy rivalry" for spots, and Podsiadly, Lynch and Jenkins were difficult to split for their performances.
'Pods' monstered young Bulldog Jake Stringer in the crucial second quarter, while Lynch's work-rate was outstanding as he collected 25 touches to go with his 2.1.
Jenkins' strong marking and mobility was again a feature in front of the 17,404-strong Etihad Stadium crowd.
The 198cm and 104kg man mountain booted four goals at the ground a fortnight ago against St Kilda and ha now slotted 11 majors in his past three games.
"In the end our tall forwards were really valuable. Today those boys got on top, which is really good," Sanderson said.
Patrick Dangerfield (29 touches) continued his form resurgence with an incredible 22 contested possessions in a bruising encounter for the Crows champ, who suffered sore ribs.
"He looked sore after the match. His first half was amazing, he got us back in the game I felt," Sanderson said.
"He'll jump in the ice baths tonight and probably soak in it for a couple of hours. He'll be sore and he’ll be bruised."
Labelled "an absolute beast" by Sanderson, Dangerfield went to work in and under the packs after the Bulldogs came out snarling as coach Brendan McCartney demanded following last week's loss to Carlton.
The Dogs booted four quick goals to start the game and led contested possessions 39-31 at quarter-time, before Dangerfield, Scott Thompson (24 touches, nine contested), Rory Sloane (18 and 12) and Lynch (25 and 13) went to work.
"They smashed us early in contested ball," Sanderson said.
"It wasn't until we got the game back in the contest that we were able to break even with the Dogs."
The Crows kicked seven goals to two in the second and third quarters, before a seesawing final term when the Dogs charged with 6.5 to 5.4.
"That fourth quarter wasn't pretty for us. I think it became a bit of a shoot-out … that doesn't really suit our style," Sanderson said.
"Fortunately, we had some pretty good individual efforts to get us over the line.
"These wins on the road are really important in your season.
"We didn't have many winners today and I spoke to the players afterwards, sometimes you've got to win ugly."
Injuries to Dangerfield and Sam Shaw (corked leg) will be assessed in the coming days, the Crows said.
Twitter: @TravKing_AFL https://twitter.com/TravKing_AFL
