Eagles v Crows My Preview
I can’t understand why the Eagles match committee wouldn’t select Wellingham, Hill and Masten. They all provide much needed run that the Eagles need. Having Sam Mitchell and Matt Priddis in the midfield should provide a good result with regards to the contested possession and clearances stats. However, Domain is a big ground, which could prove to be an obstacle for the Eagles. It will be an intriguing game, in what will be the final A.F.L game played at Domain Stadium. The Eagles have chosen to select 3 tall forwards as opposed to the Crows 2. They will gain some versatility from Nathan Vardy who could play as a genuine forward if needed. Despite Mitchell, Priddis and Petrie coming towards the end of their careers, they provide much needed leadership to the line up as they are all people of integrity. The key match up will be Josh Kennedy up against Kyle Hartigan, with the injury to consistent full back Daniel Talia. The likes of Dom Sheed and Andrew Gaff need to hit the scoreboard to make the Eagles forward structure less predictable. The Eagles are still in with a mathematical chance to make the top 8, following the Demons loss.
The Crows will be looking to take advantage of their midfield depth in a chance to seal the minor premiership. The Crouch brothers have been instrumental in the Crows ascertaining a top 4 position on the ladder. Douglas and Sloane have provided much needed goals. Then there are the likes of Brodie Smith, Luke Brown and Rory Laird who have given the Crows run off the half back line. Mitch Mcgovern showed his value to the club in a much needed 4 goal performance in round 19 on the hallowed turf of the M.C.G. It will be a good test for the Crows to see how they fare without club captain Taylor Walker. It could make the Crows forward line more unpredictable or less potent. It remains to be seen, how the Crows perform without two of their leaders in Talia and Walker.
Eagles Game Changer: Josh Kennedy
Crows Game Changer: Matt Crouch
My Prediction: Crows
Let me know what you think