Last time they met: Round 1, 2011
Adelaide 1.3 4.5 11.7 16.9 (105)
Hawthorn 3.2 7.6 10.10 12.13 (85)
Crowd: 42,536 at AAMI Stadium
The Hawks haven’t played the Crows since the opening round of the 2011 season, where the Crows staged a stunning comeback after trailing by 19 points at half time. The Crows kicked 12 goals to five in the second half to record a 20-point win.
Looking ahead
Earlier this week, Hawks utility Shaun Burgoyne labelled the Crows the competition’s "in-form team", and when analysing their start to 2012, he may just be right. The Crows, under new coach Brenton Sanderson are unbeaten in the home-and-away season and, were not beaten in the pre-season competition before being crowned this season’s night premiers.
The Crows have so far employed a more attacking game style under the tutelage of their new coach, and their forward line is reaping the benefits. In Round 1, the Crows had no problem hitting the scoreboard as they managed an impressive 21 scoring shots (booting 11.10) in the opening half. Despite their inaccurate kicking, the Crows’ improved ability to move the ball quickly, and isolate their forwards is undeniable, finishing with 42 scoring shots to 18 against the Gold Coast Suns.
More impressive, however, was the endeavour and resolve of the Crows side last week against the Bulldogs, who challenged Adelaide throughout the match. In seasons previous, the Crows have given up half time and three-quarter time leads before being overrun by their opposition. The Round 2 victory against the Bulldogs is then, testament to the new mindset, conditioning and belief of the Crows in season 2012.
Scott Thompson is one of the competition’s toughest and most damaging midfielders, and his ability to win the ball at stoppages and hurt the opposition on the scoreboard is unique. He enjoyed a career-best season in 2011, and has started 2012 in blistering fashion. In the opening two rounds, Thompson averages a massive 36.5 disposals per game and 3.5 tackles.
His record against the Hawks is equally as impressive, averaging 28.1 disposals in the last eight games against the Hawks. His best game was a 39 possession, eight mark and six tackle effort in Adelaide's Round 14 win over the Hawks in 2007. Equally as impressive, he managed 28 possessions, seven tackles, seven inside 50s and was awarded three Brownlow votes in the Round 10 match in 2009. The Hawks coaching staff will need to devise a plan to stop the Crows midfielder, particularly at the stoppages.
Up forward, Kurt Tippett and Taylor Walker have been equally as impressive so far. The Crows duo have kicked 12 goals between them in the opening two rounds and pose a headache for the Hawks defence.
Coming off a match-up with Tom Hawkins and James Podsiadly last week, the lessons learnt from the battle with the Cats’ pair will hold Hawk defenders Josh Gibson, Ryan Schoenmakers and Ben Stratton in good stead. Of course, coach Alastair Clarkson has the luxury of throwing Jarryd Roughead into defence if one of Tippett or Walker are stamping their authority on the match. Possible second-gamer Jarrad Boumann too, could provide the Hawks coaching staff with another option as a key position defender.
Adam Simpson: "Their tails are up at the moment, and especially in their midfield - they score really well from stoppages and they're pretty high in clearances as well. It's going to be a really good test for us to see where we're at after two big games."
Shaun Burgoyne: “He’s (Scott Thompson) very strong, he’s a big guy and he accumulates a lot of the ball - he’s had a good start to the year. He’s a quality player and he really gets their midfield up and going so we’ll have to watch him this week.”
Cam Rothie on Facebook: "Adelaide is a fantastic contested possession team especially around stoppages. Their backline is balanced and workman like with a good mix of experienced players and rookies. Their real x-factor though, is their forward line with Tippett, Walker and Porplyzia all capable of kicking a bag."
