Round 2
Adelaide v Port Adelaide
1.15pm, Saturday 2 April 2016
Adelaide Oval
Saturday morning is spent working and then off to umpire the Adelaide University FC Scum side. Peter Malinauskas has made the decision to go to the game instead of playing for the Scum – the end result of the scum and power getting thumped is fitting as is the shock comment by Sam Lawrence after the Scum have lost that they lack fitness! No way! I check the odd score and then watch the game.
Later funny how there are no nerves watching the replay. In reality the game is over as a contest by early in the 2nd quarter – what is incredible is how Port as a whole just keep pressing so far up the ground and the Crows just so easily keep slicing through it and over the top. The staggering stat is the Crows scored 63 points from rebounds from inside Port’s own 50 deep in the Power’s forward line. Why, oh why, is modern footy made more complicated than it should be? What has happened to the good old fashioned go man-on-man when the opposition get on top?
Why did Port when going into attack bomb the ball so much especially with Daniel Talia in the opposition?
Another thing which stands out is with Hartlett’s withdrawal, Port lack kicking efficiency especially coming out of defence – Trengove, Impey and Carlile in particular. The Hawks have showed how vital it is vital for everyone to have reasonable kicking efficiency.
The Crows’ forward line will continue to trouble every side with the explosively quick Jenkins, the best lead up forward in the competition in the connector, Tom Lynch, the leader in Tex Walker, and the brilliant and creative Eddie Betts and Wayne Milera is showing a lot of promise.
The Crows’ defence led by the best straight out defender in the game in Daniel Talia who in this game has made Charlie Dixon his b*tch (very clever on Facebook). The under-rated Luke Brown again does a good job on Chad Whineguard. Rory Laird who should have been an All Australian in 2015 continues where he left off. Jake Lever is going to be a gun. Kyle Hartigan, while a work in progress, shows some promising signs.
The Crows’ midfield is ok – whether it bats deep enough is the question which needs a lot more of 2016 to be answered one way or the other. I am being slammed on Facebook for being able to rationalise that Brad Crouch should not have played Round 1 (could be a article in itself). The ONLY factor in its favor is he has had a run at AFL level before this game (I am messaged by a mate pointing out that under Phil Walsh re. elite standards he definitely would not have played Round 1). He has been better in Round 2 and will be an important player before the end of the season as his chemistry with his brother Matt continues to evolve. Sam Jacobs is vital and if he struggles in any game so does the Crows. The game really just continues on to its inevitable conclusion with the Crows running out comfortable winners by 58 points.
The highlight of the day occurs after the game when Rick Neagle and his awesome son Mitchell in raising awareness for autism present the Showdown trophy and medal. Neags is awesome through his work with autism and Dignity for Disability. Mitchell has been going through some health problems lately and to be able to be out on the ground and perform his duties so brilliantly is fantastic and rapt that Taylah and Will were there also.
I am proud to have Rick Neagle as a friend and to be able to help with Mitch and the disability sector is a privilege – you are a gun number 48!
A lot of questions evolve from this game – do Port lack depth?
Crows do have a lot of depth – how important will this be in the long run?
Will Charlie Dixon be a bust?
How will the Crows midfield evolve through time missing the superstar, P. Dangerfield?
Are Port seriously over-rated?
How far can both sides go in 2016?
Will D Mac actually become a consistent and important player for the Crows or is this another tease?
Round 2 ends with as many questions as answers before the game commenced
Adelaide 22-12 146 def Port 11 20 86
Goal kickers – Adelaide: Lynch 6, Betts 5, Jenkins 4, McGovern,Walker 2, B Crouch, Milera, Laird 1
Port Adelaide: Young 4, Wines, Boak 2, Wingard, Howard, R Gray
Best Players – Adelaide: Lynch, Betts, Talia, Laird, Thompson, Jenkins, Mackay, Brown, Jacobs
Port Adelaide: R Gray, Wines, Pittard, Young, Hombsch
Crowd 51,585
I think our midfield are going to be just fine without Danger who? After yesterday I feel much more confident.
I was lucky enough to meet Rick Neagle fri night at the bath hotel a gentleman and had the time to talk to me we had a great chat and he made me aware of his fight a great guy And a great player in his day never forget the 6 goals in the GF keep fighting the fight one step at a time
Good stuff, Rulebook and the Neagle family! I would have thought you were very much familiar with Port’s new forward press, Malcolm, given it won us three premierships (whether it will work in the AFL with an interchange cap is a different matter). Port very much missing Ryder as a ruck/forward – just trying to dump it on Dixon’s head will not work when you see the balance the Crows have down the other end. And as for depth, was astounded seeing all the ‘experts’ telling us the Crows have a depth issue and the Power do not at the start of the season. Very much the other way round when you look at the rabble that came down to the Parade a couple of Thursdays ago (& that’s just the coach). Top end talent may be a different matter. Cheers
Great result from the Crows on the weekend and shows the importance of taking your chances early and applying scoreboard pressure. (Think R. Gray may have kicked those set shots if Port were closer on the scoreboard.)
Interchange cap may actually help DMac’s game this year as he has a pretty good tank and provides plenty of run and carry. (Just wish he’d improve his disposal. His attack on the ball/player was solid yesterday.)
Brad Crouch admitted he was rusty and took time to get adjusted to the tempo of the game last week. Hopefully his run of games will head towards that of 2013 when he nearly won the NAB Rising Star but didn’t play every game. Time will tell.
Still think we need solid backup in ruck, a few hearts in the mouth yesterday when Sauce grimaced after one contest in particular.
Great article Rulebook, look forward to your next one and your comments on the forum.
#WeFlyAsOne.
Good stuff ‘Book. A great 4 1/4 effort by the supposed weaker of Adelaides two AFL teams. A full squad certainly helps and I just hope we get a full season from B. Crouch. if they maintain the intensity, efficiency and applications shown in first two rounds things may work out better than predicted. their game plan is pretty solid but will be tested when under real pressure from the top tier teams (is Freo one of them?)
great to see Rick and his family enjoying the spotlight for a very worthy cause.
thanks for sharing mate.
Lots to like yesterday ‘Book. Hard to find any flaws in our game. Impressive score, especially with Tex having a quiet day at the office. Plenty of worthy names running around today in the Magoos too. I wonder if VB will find his way back into the firsts? Looking forward to our next outing against the Tigers.
Nice job.
Spot on again with match assessment Malcolm. Am shocked to hear SCUM lack fitness. I didn’t see much of the showdown game after 1/2 time. Sounds like R Laird got back on and did well. Good effort – he got a good hit unawares. Don’t reckon he’ll let that happen again. Great to see Rick, Mitchell & Taylah centre stage. Incidentally have you copped much stick over the Bombers’ win? I seem to recall some very strong opinions on their prospects…
Great piece “Rulebook.” Crows run and spread out of defence completely overwhelmed Port Adelaide.. For some reason the critics have written Adelaide off due to a “tough draw.” Keep in mind this is a team that beat the sexy Western Bulldogs in Melbourne, despite the off-field tragedy of losing their coach Phil Walsh.
Ricky Neagle is just a quality person I remember he treated my knee when he worked at Adelaide Sport Science Clinic and the work he is doing with his boy is uplifting.
Hinkley honeymoon period over?
Looked lost. Out at sea.
Round 2. Early days. Long way to go yet Malcolm.
SANFL results today also very interesting!
Thanks Sally although I will never say,Danger who.Thanks Rob gee I am stunned you met,Neags at the bath on a friday night seriously great bloke.Dave yes I no the legs press pretty much off by heart they seemed to just be pushing up way to far will be interesting to get,Basses perspective and totally agree re depth top end talent is a interesting ond.Steve yep scoreboard pressure is vital and easy misses are delating.Interesting and very valid point re cap for Dmac.We will never no the result of round 1 with ,B Crouch not playing he will become important in time.Ruck depth is a problem for most sides really thanks,Steve.Thanks DML agreed and appreciated mate.Thankx Micky don’t see us seeing,VB for w while
yep 8 point game this week against a side competing for the lower end of the 8.Thankx Daddsy yes the Scum being unfit was certainly the biggest footy news of the week end and yes since I predicted,Essendon to go c Marsh b Lillee no score for the year I have copped a bit.Thankx Lachy appreciated a promising afternoon and yes,Neags is quality.Thanks Troy yes possibly and a long way to go and bloody disappointing sanfl results today for me thanks folks
Nice snapshot of the game Malcolm, and all the more sweet with Norwood and Crows getting the double over the Magpies/Power. Agree with your sentiments about Rick Neagle and his tireless work with Dignity for Disability and also pleased he was rewarded in February with life membership for his playing career and volunteer contribution with the Redlegs.
A nice summary Book, good to see you are straight back into form for the new season!
For me one of the most pleasing aspects was the commitment and pressure at the contest, which when the game was on the line was relentless. Couple the brave use of the corridor and Port’s mystifying defence and the forward line was always going to cash in.
Really makes for a fascinating contest against Richmond this week.
A great four quarter effort by our crows its was such a free flowing game,best players eddie betts,rory laird .lynch,thompson,slone,tex walker,our whole defence
Well done again Rulebook especially highlighting Rick Neagle and Mitchell presenting the trophy and medal. I have met Rick a few times too and he is a quality individual doing good work.
I reckon losing Schulz, Hartlett and White from round 1 hurt the Power. Difficult players to replace but no shirking the fact that the Crows outplayed the Power.
In regards to the Scum their fitness will come over the next 6 weeks .it has probably been a short pre-season for most of the team and you can only get match fit by playing footy. From my recollection of playing for the Scum training wasn’t too serious until finals were in sight.
Great as always mate, you always find the words to capture the essence of the day. One day we will finaly meet in person
It was 70-29 ish by the time I was able to sit down and watch this.
In the words of Choco Williams, ‘Swish, you were wrong, wrong and wrong’
I’m still nervous about the Richmond game, not sure why based on the weekend’s results.
Great article. Looks like Port supporters got ahead of themselves.
Eddie Betts Crows best recruit ever
Hard to say how much of the big margin was due to the Crows playing well and how much was the Power being poor on the day.
Certainly The Crows appear to be play Adelaide Oval much better than Port.
Great article rule book.
Could not agree more with the comment about ports zone pushing too far up the ground. After watching them last week against the saints I couldn’t believe how many goals were kicked getting out the back of their average zone. I couldn’t work out if it was a case of the power defenders not running hard enough the other way or just the defenders simply not having the awareness to read the play. I would love to see how that zone holds up against a hawthorn or west coast.
I still think the crows midfield is looking vulnerable should they have an injury. It’s only a matter of time before B. Crouch goes down again.
Congratulations to the mighty Adelaide Crows on showing up poort poower as the pretenders they are.
Dixon, geez was an overpriced spud he is.
Well done Malcolm, well done to Rick and his family, just an amazing effort. Finally well done to The Mighty Adelaide Crows on a total team performance.
Nice work, Mal. Surprised at how easily Adelaide dominated contested possesion. Very little enthusiasm from the Power. Proud to be Mitch Neagle’s new Facebook friend!
Thanks Michael ditto re Neags and he quite rightly is very proud to be a NFC life member.Thankx Willow yes the pressure was pleasing just hope it’s replicated this week.Thanks Randall,Newbs scum training is about grand final week if they’re playing even then it’s debatable.Thanks Cricket appreciated and likewise.
Swish I was very much in the same boat and likewise against the tigers no 1 knows what they are going to do.Thanks Raj still behind D Jarman IMO but clearly 2nd.Thanks Milts probably a bit of both.Smelty the power reminded me of umpiring little kids games stopping the game making kids go back to there position there press was diabolical the Crows do have considerable depth which will be important in the long run.Thanks Brad I wouldn’t discard,Dixon on one game particularly standing the premier defender of the completion with average delivery.Thanks Geoff and Smacko I reckon I can get Mitch to say that to you
Illuminating.
Fantastic as always,TC
Great stuff Neags and Mitch. A while since you’ve been in front of a crowd that big!!
Good article Malcolm.
Hard to be into the showdown being a passionate NFC and Carlton fan.
Apparently the word on the street in Adelaide is the Cows are a sure bet for the premiership now that the AFL award them in April.
It’s a grand old flag
Drew
Well done Rulebook in continuing to showcase Rick’s amazing work with D4D. I hope Mitch enjoyed his Showdown experience.
Very disappointing Rulebook, to not have Jake Lever in best 3 players is why Brownlow will always be midfielders medal when it’s judged by umpires like yourself! He was my best player in first half and second half was just party time! He has taken more intercept marks in 2 seasons thanTalia will take in his career.
Great day to smash the Powa Puffs.
The big match on the weekend Malcolm was yesterday at Prospect. I stood near the Exocet Missile who quite rightly seemed proud of both Maris and the Roosters.
I’ve been saying for some time that Port’s depth is a worry. Their top six players are guns but their bottom six are duds and it gets worse with every injury. Too much is left to their stars.Crows are more even which will help them cover Dangerfield.
Crows defence looking good. I’m glad you mentioned Luke Brown as he often gets forgotten but rately makes a mistake.
Thanks young Malcolm. Love your passion. Good to hear of the great work being done by Rick Neagle in increasing awareness of autism and Dignity for Disability.
Also, at least one of our Canberra Crows supporters landed the trifecta with Crows, GWS (our Canberra team!) and the Roosters all winning. And North’s opponents were……….
Hunty last time,Neags was in front of that many people was 82 gf with the casual 6 sausage rolls.Thanks
Drew yes always a tad over the top in SA.Thanks Charlie and yes not shattered that I couldn’t go Sunday,Maris is a quality kid who I have had the pleasure of coaching I really hope a chance at afl level eventuates.Mariusz if you cast your mind back a certain individual was very insistent on a full back getting bog in a gf win in 90, hard to fit every 1 in but a fair point,Lever probably should have been included.Thanks Wes and Clarkey agree re the powers depth,Browny is a legs legend and premiership player there for must always be acknowledged
Book, I sat in front of the TV and saw a happy kid toss the game at the start of the game and thought he is enjoying himself. Didn’t know it was Mitch and I didn’t recognise Rick next to him.
I hate Port have tried to copy the high press of soccer started by coach Rinus Michels at Ajax and Netherlands in the early 1970’s and he had the brilliance of the late Johan Cruyff who became a master player and coach in implementing Total Football. A Soccer pitch is 70m wide, has an offside rule and a goal keeper. Whilst you can pinch some ideas from soccer you can’t carbon copy it.
Port don’t have a Cruyff or enough decent kicks for this to work well.
Good work as usual. Will be interesting to see where both sides are at when the return bout occurs.
Nice summary of the game Rulebook.
BTW, I hope that wasn’t you on Thursday night shouting invective at the poor ol’ Chadster when he was at Norwood Oval. Go easy on the poor bloke, he’s a bit sensitive.
I have literally just finished watching the replay due to family commitments on Saturday. Turned my stomach but, like a true believer, stayed to the end. I have been concerned for about 2 months about the amount of talk coming out of Alberton and have expressed to family members that less of that and more action would be a better policy.
We have too many blokes whose kicking is below par – Trengove, Carlisle and Ebert head that list. Also wonder how much of the style of play, currently leaking like a sieve, is due to coaching; not a fan of N. Bassett at any time in his coaching career. Think it is some time since Boak played a substantial game. Liked the look of young Dougal McDougal, stringy but competitive. Think Dixon contributed a bit more than he got credit for, gave away a couple of goals, competes, clears a path and got a poor run from Chamberlain’s mob (Always depressing to see him arrive). They do seem unable or unwilling to play man on man, good old fashioned though it may be. Speaking of G O F, what about a G O F stoush…worked a treat in the old days!!! Overall just a depressing effort on top of a very ordinary effort agin the Saints. Loss at a annum compounds the problem.
Could go on, but that is more than enough. Also think we should concentrate more on winning football games and less on China…..getting ahead of ourselves like Collywobblers?
Papa Mitch and Neags presented the showdown trophy and medal different individual at the start of the game ( Neags can you help me out) and agree re soccer there are elements of any sport which can be handy for aussie rules but it s unique both in ball shape and oval size and rules of the game..
Ad thank you and very much so.Big Jim thanks bug ironically I didn’t even see,Chad on the night.
Paul interesting thoughts obviously I totally disagree re,Bass I think he is a outstanding coach the press
the power are using is further up the ground than what the legs used and there isn’t a K McGuiness at the power.The Chinese part is separate from the football department apart from that I agree,Polec is yet another player showing how hard it is a competition to step straight back into.Kicking wise spot on yes it is a weakness thank you
Good work, Book. Bastards like ball movement from the Crows. Slick.
I was lucky enough to be given a couple of tickets to the game by someone who couldn’t go and had a very enjoyable afternoon watching the Crows play some great footy. Port was under-powered with key injuries including Wingard and Westoff during the game as well as Schulz and Hartlett prior to it, so I’m taking the result for what it was. Richmond at the MCG this week will be a different story.
Jake the snake lever is killed it! was lucky enough to attend his excellent showing along with the excitement machine in Bett’s and his new buddy Milera who looks the goods! also loving the Crouch brothers working together in the middle of the ground!
Which Body are you?
This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done and everybody was asked to do it.
Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realised that everybody wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that – Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.
I have known Rulebook for years through the Norwood FC and the Adelaide Uni FC. He is truly a Somebody. People like Malcolm, (Somebodys) put themselves out there in the open; open to criticism, open to judgement, open to failure, open to to success, open to outcomes …. you get things done mate! And that takes enormous courage. You are a credit to yourself, to your family, to your friends.
Mitchell is my barometer, and it was great privilege for Taylah and me to share the Showdown with him. The barometer predicted fair to excellent weather and it held true. Thanks again Malcolm for your continual support to Dignity for Disability and the many other causes in our communities that benefit from your efforts and commitment.
Great post, such a great game to be at too
Crowd was electric and very excited for the game on Saturday hopefully smash the Tiges!
N and T v good but not in the bastards class.Martin thank you and I hope the tigers go the g as the game is at Etihad.Thanks Holsty.
Neags thank you greatly appreciated it is a privilege to help you and d4d it is always a great leveler and reminder on what is really important in life and as I have said yep loved you as a player especially in the 82 gf but I am in awe of what you do now with,Mitch d4d and autism for a start you are a star and I am extremely proud to have you as a friend thanks number 48.
Thanks Sean hope so !
Great work as usual Malcolm.
Whatever the result, I am so looking forward to your report of the Richmond v Adelaide game this week!
Thanks Luke I have thoughts and ideas but they definitely require a crows win this week
Superb book a domination of your footy nous and intellect with a win for the good guys,well sees revved
Publicity for Rick Neagle and a scum loss what else could any one ask for.
The Crows ran all over the Power, I am surprised they even got that close. after the saints smashed port in an attacking sense the week before for three quarters, it seems like port are destined for a 10th-12th finish, very disappointing for them. Again great article Malcolm
Great article Malcolm. The Crows were way too good for Port in the first half. Hilarious to see Dixon complaining the whole game. Milera definitely looks like an absolute gun.
Adelaide were great but unlike some i am not overexcited. Consistency will prove their worth. I love them with a passion but im cautious and as for port they should drop” never tear us apart” and start getting real. They talk too much about they never give up! Pffft!
Good job Rulebook. All those phone calls to Fred discussing the Power backline paid off a treat! Now you need to call him back with some decent advice.
Thanks We don’t play for admiration ( don’t think we can print the whole scum song).Thanks Jack hope so
Campbell yes,Dixon was interesting to say the least.Thanks Patricia and happy birthday.Thanks Raf yes I have avoided Bass this week since I have been so critical of the powers press I will do at some stage
Good article, Rulebook! I agree Betts is turning out to be the recruit the Crows hoped he would. Port appear undermanned and blessed with quite a few fair / average players. Poor disposal is killing them.
Crows are looking good this year, but they did start similarly last year (Rd 1 demolition vs NM), so I will reserve my judgement for a few weeks yet. Milera does look to have the speed that they need around the packs. Midfield depth is the real key. Do the Crows have it? A good test for their midfield this week vs Tigers.
Unbelievable game. Huge win by the Crows. They will be hard to beat at home. 6 wins at AO in a row I believe. Strong and high scoring forward line will help the Crows. Port Adelaide were torn apart and should bounce back against Essendon but I don’t know. Crows need to beat Richmond to really get onto a roll.
Thanks Hardman yes midfield depth is the big question mark about the Crows and in regard to this week the tigers side to me( apart from Chaplin obviously ) has better balance with the Crows seemingly too tall for there own good I really hope they make a late change and bring in Knight for Hartigan.
Thanks Cameron yes it definitely seems to be becoming a Crowval more than a Portress,tests of a different nature for both sides this week.
I keep forgetting that Patty has left. We seem to so far be getting along fine without him. I’ll keep my opinions to myself on what him going means, but so far all is well.
Ah – showdowns. That day when port supporters show their true colours, bitching, whinging, spiteful little digs that are unnecessary. But anyway.
Our Crow boys showed the goods! Somewhere in the second quarter the port boys stopped playing and from then on the pride of South Australia began to celebrate. There are not many victories sweeter than the first showdown of the year!