AFTER all the hype and anticipation of round one surrounding Cousins v Judd and Geelong v Hawthorn, the Adelaide-St Kilda game hasn’t attracted much interest but I think we are in for a good match.
And for me there is one clear winner.
When you line up these two teams player for player they are hard to split as far as talent is concerned. But as we know, talent is only one contributing factor for success.
So what are some of the other factors to consider, and how do the Saints and Crows compare?
Form
Both teams are coming off good wins. The Saints were too strong for the Swans after a slow start, and the Crows got over the Pies but appeared to stop to a walk late in the game.
To draw a form line between the two games you would have to say the Crows' win was more impressive. They travelled and beat one of the pre-season favourites, while the Saints got over a Swans outfit that is going to struggle to make an impact this year.
Courage
This is not just about players' ability to put their heads over the ball, but also about having the courage to back their skills.
The team that can enter their forward 50 through the centre corridor is going to give its forwards the best opportunity to receive the ball in front of goal.
Too often players take the easy option of chipping the ball 20m around the boundary line.
The most courageous look inside and aren’t scared to make a mistake with their kick.
Andrew McLeod is the master at this, and with the inclusions of Scott Thompson and Graham Johncock as well as the Crows' more attacking game style, they will provide more opportunities for their forwards to receive the ball in front of goal.
Selflessness
To me, this is the most important ingredient to consistent team success – what am I going to do to help my teammate?
If each individual can feel the same pride in a block, laying a tackle, leaving his opponent to effect a spoil or performing a one-percenter that allows his teammate to get the ball as he does when he kicks a goal or takes a spectacular mark, a team is going to be very hard to beat.
The Crows seem to me to have the edge in this department. They are extremely disciplined and don’t care who gets the individual accolades.
Travelling to AAMI Stadium to play the Crows in front of their fanatical crowd is always a daunting task.
Not many teams cope with the enormity of the task, including the Saints. They have a very poor record over there and I can’t see them being able to change this tonight.
Taking into account all the factors I've mentioned, and the doubts on the fitness of Riewoldt and Hayes, the Crows will secure the four points.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
