ADELAIDE coach Don Pyke believes star forward Eddie Betts has plenty left in the tank despite axing the 32-year-old three-time All-Australian for the first time.
FULL INJURY LIST Who's ruled out and who's a test?
And it was the leadership qualities of co-captain Taylor Walker that played a pivotal role in the out-of-form key forward in retaining his spot for the crucial encounter with Carlton at the MCG on Saturday.
Betts was dropped for the clash with his former club a fortnight after booting six goals against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.
Eddie Betts has burned the Suns, but has five goalless games in 2019. Picture: AFL Photos
"I caught up with him, had a coffee (on Thursday) and explained to him," Pyke said.
"It was a difficult conversation.
"Given my relationship with Ed and where he sits in the playing group and our club and our history, it was the best way to handle it."
I believe there's still a lot of really good footy left in Eddie Betts - Don Pyke
But while his raw numbers – 32 goals (eighth in the League) and 15 goal assists (ninth) – suggest Betts is in decent form, a deeper dive presents a different story.
Twelve of Betts' 32 goals have been against the last-placed Suns. He's gone goalless five times this season, including in three of his past four games.
He's down in a number of key metrics – disposals (11.9 per game, lowest since 2013), marks (2.1 per game, lowest since 2005), tackles (2.5 per game, lowest since 2008) and inside 50s (1.5 per game, lowest since 2013).
Still, it came as quite a shock to the footy world that Pyke would leave Betts – a future Hall of Famer with 595 goals in 312 career games and a highlight reel the envy of all others – out of his best 22.
"Ed's been frustrated with his form, he hasn't been consistent with how we want to play … but I believe there's still a lot of really good footy left in Eddie Betts," Pyke said.
"The good thing is we're not seeing any detoriation in terms of his speed, his agility, his movement.
"Unfortunately, it's just his form, and his performance hasn't been to the level that we want and require."
Walker's position in the side has come under external scrutiny having kicked just one goal in last weekend's 21-point loss to Essendon, but Pyke said he hadn't considered dropping the co-captain.
"Tex will be the first one to say that he's not performing to the level he wants to as well," Pyke said.
"The challenge is what's causing that and how can we help with that.
"As a captain of our footy club, he's an important figure for us."
Hugh Greenwood has been omitted and defender Alex Keath has been managed, although he will be the travelling emergency.
Small forward Tyson Stengle, veteran defender Andy Otten and midfielder Patrick Wilson are the inclusions.
The eighth-placed Crows (9-8) are a win and percentage clear of a number of teams jostling for a finals spot.
"I don't understand how you talk about missing finals when we're a game and percentage inside the eight with games ahead that are clearly winnable games, as all games are in this comp," Pyke said.
"I find that a bit unusual."
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