Grand Final Preview (Tigers v Crows)
The game on the weekend promises to be an intriguing affair. It will put to the test with two differing game plans; The Tigers play with one dominant ruckman in Nankervis and one tall forward in Riewoldt, while the Crows have Jacobs in the ruck and Jenkins as a backup ruck. The Crows will go in with Lynch, Walker and Jenkins as their tall forwards.
It should be won and lost in the midfield. The battle between Sloane and Cotchin promises to be interesting. The ruck contest could also have a big bearing on the final result; Jacobs is renowned as being one of the best ruckman in the competition, whilst recruit Nankervis has grabbed the number one ruck role ahead of Maric, Hampson and Soldo.
In my opinion the Crows have the best midfield in the AFL. They even have the luxury of starting Douglas forward, whom would probably be one of the first picked in the midfield for any other club. A simple tap on or a courageous tackle could be pivotal in the big scheme of things. In the big scheme of things, the little things matter. Playing your role can come down to an important moment in the match.
The lesser lights of the respective teams could be instrumental in determining the final result. No disrespect to Mackay, but if Smith was available for the Crows he may have had less responsibility in the midfield. While, Mcintosh gets a chance to play on the wing; he has withstood pressure for a spot in the best twenty-two from the likes of Miles and Lloyd. Then there is the battle between the half backs. Who will provide more run between Houli and Ellis as opposed Seedsman and Laird?
It’s all about playing your role for your respective team.
The Crows have the system to stop Martin and Cotchin from having an impact when they play forward; They have Talia who is possibly the best one on one defender in the competition and plenty of options to tag someone in the midfield. The most pivotal match up could be the job of negating Alex Rance. That job should be assigned to Andy Otten. Ultimately scoreboard pressure should determine the result.
Tigers Game Changer: Toby Nankervis
Crows Game Changer: Matt Crouch
My Norm Smith Medal: Matt Crouch
My Prediction: Crows