ADELAIDE has taken a leaf out of Hawthorn’s playbook with the aim of strengthening its defensive zones this season.
Former Hawks assistant coach Todd Viney returned home to South Australia in the off-season and brought with him the inside scoop on the winning formula of the reigning premier.
The Crows tinkered with their zone to make it stronger and more offensive over the summer and the results were on show early in the game against Collingwood on Saturday.
The Pies, who struggled against Hawthorn’s defensive set-up last year, were forced to change tack and go one-on-one after conceding five unanswered goals in the first term.
Adelaide forward Jason Porplyzia, who played his first game back from a shoulder reconstruction, said Viney had helped implement some new structures since crossing from Hawthorn.
“Todd has brought across some good ideas, but he’s also confirmed and substantiated that what we’re doing is right. He’s confirmed that our type of play is working,” Porplyzia said on Monday.
“We’ve re-jigged our zone-type play a little bit. It was a process that we were working on last year and over the pre-season our roles have become a bit more defined.
“I think guys are still working to make it happen right. We’re not yet there, but we’re getting there.”
Adelaide is still riding a wave of excitement following its thrilling upset win at the MCG over the highly fancied Magpies.
Porplyzia said his side would ‘safeguard’ against a possible emotional letdown as it prepares to tackle St Kilda at AAMI Stadium on Friday night.
“I think it’s important we back up the form that we showed on the weekend,” he said.
“Obviously, it [the round one win] was a great start to the year and it probably doesn’t count for much if we can’t follow it up.”
With its form in round one Adelaide has bounced back into finals contention in the minds of some former doubters.
But Porplyzia said the squad at West Lakes was already aiming high and will maintain its lofty goals.
“We can’t control how we’re seen from the outside, but internally our expectations haven’t changed. We’ve always got pretty high standards and we’re still looking to keep improving,” the 24-year-old said.
“Regardless of whether you’re a first game player or you’ve been around for a while, we have high expectations on everyone and that sets us up to try and be that super-competitive team.”
There could be two unlucky casualties from Saturday’s win over Collingwood as key players Scott Thompson and Graham Johncock put forward their cases for selection.
Thompson (hamstring) is rated a test and Johncock, who missed round one to attend his mother’s funeral, has returned from Port Lincoln.
Ruckman Jon Griffin and midfielder Brad Symes could also be considered after stand-out performances for Central Districts in the SANFL.
Porplyzia said it would be tough for anyone to miss out after the gutsy performance against the Pies.
“The young guys who came in didn’t let us down at all. They all contributed really well and to do that (come from behind) with them in the side is a good sign for the future,” he said.
