Crows unlikely to kick off on Good Friday

New AFL boss Gillon Mclachlan is leaning towards Sydney for the AFL's first Good Friday match. Picture: David Caird. Source: News Corp Australia

ADELAIDE'S hope of opening next year's AFL premiership season - to coincide with the Crows' 25th season in the national league - is more likely to unfold on Maundy Thursday than Good Friday.

New AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan on Friday favoured Sydney for the AFL's first Good Friday fixture - and dismissed early speculation the Swans' opponent would be Port Adelaide.

Rather, McLachlan favours the Good Friday match-up becoming a potentially long-standing Sydney-Melbourne rivalry for the Ron Barassi Cup, in honour of the Hall of Fame "Legend" who served both the Swans and Demons.

"I think Sydney, 4.40pm on a Good Friday ... would be a pretty appealing game," McLachlan said yesterday.

"Melbourne are improving and what people want to watch is a good game. If Melbourne continue to improve and are playing good footy that would be a great game.

"If we're going to do this let's make it a great event and Melbourne-Sydney as an example is hugely symbolic and playing for the Ron Barassi Cup, that's a great idea."

This leaves Adelaide to pitch for the AFL season-opener on Thursday, April 2 - as a throwback to how the Crows opened the 1991 season against Hawthorn at Football Park, albeit with a Friday night game.

The Power would then start the 2015 home-and-away series away from Adelaide Oval, either on Easter Saturday or Sunday either in Perth, Melbourne or Queensland.

Adelaide chairman Rob Chapman last night maintained the Crows could make a strong case to the AFL for Good Friday football, particularly with Adelaide Oval being available earlier than other venues that are locked for the cricket one-day World Cup next year.

Adelaide will show no mercy when they clash with Essendon on Saturday, as both teams try to re-ignite their finals hopes.

Adelaide Oval is free of cricket from March 20 after a World Cup quarter-final. The SCG is tied to the cricket for a World Cup semi-final until March 26, although the AFL could opt for ANZ Stadium at Homebush.

"We believe we have plenty of support for our bid to host a match on either Maundy Thursday night or Good Friday," Chapman told The Advertiser.

"We feel we are well placed to get one of either timeslots."

Adelaide may pitch for a Good Friday double-header - with the Crows hosting a night game that follows the Sydney-Melbourne twilight match in Sydney. But the league's official telecaster, Channel Seven, may not favour two games in its premier Friday Night Football program.

Adelaide wants to own Thursday night football as its signature timeslot at the Oval, in particular before public holidays and during school holidays. A Maundy Thursday season-opener fits perfectly to this plan.

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Down the middle is the way to go, says Sanderson

Adelaide will show no mercy when they clash with Essendon on Saturday, as both teams try to re-ignite their finals hopes.

CROWS coach Brenton Sanderson says he will continue to encourage his defence to attack through the corridor despite statistics showing Adelaide has been more successful this season when it plays safe.

There's a clear trend emerging in the Crows' inconsistent year — in their wins they move the ball around the boundary more often but when they gamble and take the ball through the corridor they lose.

Sanderson wants his team to keep choosing the "high risk, high reward" option of carrying the ball through the middle of the ground because it's what the AFL's elite do.

Five of the teams who use the corridor the most - Geelong, Fremantle, Collingwood, Port and Sydney - sit inside the top six on the ladder.

The Crows are ranked third in centre corridor use but enter Saturday night's game against Essendon at Etihad Stadium in 10th spot because they've been badly punished by opposition sides when they turn the ball over in this part of the ground.

"We've turned the ball over in our defensive half almost more than any other side this year," Sanderson said.

"When we've played poorly and lost the opposition has turned the ball over in our defensive half ...

"(And) it's a short distance to go back to the opposition's goal to score."

So as Adelaide prepares for what could be a season-defining clash against the Bombers, Sanderson faces a classic "development v results" coaching decision.

Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson believes in the "high-risk, high-reward" approach. Picture: Sarah Reed.

Does he cop the short-term turnover pain to fast track his team's development into a genuine top four threat?

Young defenders like Luke Brown and Rory Laird aren't going to develop into reliable long kicks if they never try them on game day.

Or does the desire to return to the top eight after a disappointing 2013 season take precedence and result in a more risk-averse game style?

"We still promote corridor. That for us is where we can create some better attacking play," Sanderson said.

"We would love a lot better ball use out of our D50.

"Smith, Reilly, Jaensch are good kicks, Laird and Brown are neat kicks (and) Otten, Talia - we're still working with those guys to ensure we're getting good ball use out of D50.

"It's an area we have to keep improving on for sure but we'll always still promote corridor ball use."

Staying aggressive when the pressure is on is a theme Sanderson - and his players - have promoted all season.

Essendon star Paul Chapman has decided to skip this weekend's crucial match with Adelaide in favour of a showdown with his former club Geelong a week later.

The Crows coach repeated the message yesterday, saying it was even more important this week against Bombers side which restricts forward entries better than any other team.

"When we're not going well we can't afford to go back into our shells," Sanderson said.

"We have to keep taking the game on, be bold, be brave, that's when we're playing our best footy ...

"Essendon's pressure is very good. They're the number one side in preventing inside 50s in the competition - they only give up 42 a week.

"We're going to have to be really on top of our game if we're going to beat this side."

PLAYING SAFE

Adelaide's use of the corridor from defence this season

Wins - 19.9%

Losses - 28.4%

R13 v Kangaroos - 17.2%

CORRIDOR KINGS

The AFL sides who play through the middle the most

Geelong - 38.5%

Fremantle - 35.7%

Adelaide - 33.1%

Collingwood - 32.9%

Port Adelaide - 31.5%

Sydney - 31.1%

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Hinkley wary of barking Dogs

Power coach Ken Hinkley says he's wary of the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Morne de Klerk Source: Getty Images

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley addresses the media after his side's close loss to the Swans at the SCG.

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has called the Western Bulldogs a significant challenge and believes they are better than the reviews they received before they beat Collingwood last week.

Hinkley also dismissed suggestions he is resting Jarman Impey and played it safe by holding back Hamish Hartlett against the Western Bulldogs because it is a low-ranked side.

He said he has the highest respect for the Bulldogs, coached by fellow former Geelong assistant coach Brendan McCartney.

The selection calls had not been about keeping an eye on the following week. "No, not at all," Hinkley said. "That's not something I'll ever do. I'm interested in picking the best team this week and that's all I'll ever be interested in."

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Hinkley was also mindful of the Power's record against the Bulldogs as he prepared for training at Adelaide Oval on Friday morning.

Port has lost the past seven matches against the Footscray-based club and has not beaten them since 2006.

"Last week was a great reminder for us what they're capable of and knowing 'Macca' well I know he'll have them ready to play," Hinkley said.

"It will be a significant challenge.

"Their recent history against us is really strong. So we need to make sure we can turn that around."

The calls on Impey, Hartlett and former captain Dom Cassisi were in line with the club's no-risk policy.

Impey was in need of a spell because he is a younger player, Hartlett had rolled his ankle and Cassisi had a knee injury.

"We've said all year that we're not going to take risks and if we have players in risk categories — and that's where Jarman, Dom and Hamish fall — so if they fall in that bracket we're not going to take that risk," Hinkley said.

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No mercy for Bombers: Sando

Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson addresses his team at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson fronts the media after his side's win over North Melbourne.

CROWS coach Brenton Sanderson has urged his players to show their Essendon opponents no mercy this weekend, despite empathising with the Bombers players as they continue to deal with the drugs saga.

"Certainly you have to empathise with what the players are going through. I know it's a messy situation," Sanderson said.

"But it's difficult for us on the outside to comment because we don't really know what's happening.

"There won't be any mercy this week, for sure. This is our opponent and we need to win so we're going to go over there and do our very best to do that."

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The Saturday-night clash at Etihad is huge for both side's finals chances, with the winner a chance to move into the eight if Geelong defeats Gold Coast earlier in the day.

"It's a big opportunity for us, particularly when you play a side who is exactly where you are on the ladder too," Sanderson said.

"There's a few of us on the outside looking in — and we need a few results to go our way for the rest of the season as well — but all we can do is win games of footy and that's our objective."

Adelaide hasn't won consecutive games since Round 6 but Sanderson believes his team can back up last week's win against North Melbourne.

"We said it after the (Kangaroos) game, this has to end — the win, loss, win, loss," he said. "We'll give everything we've got."

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Boak: Gus focused on footy, not drugs saga

Port Adelaide forward Angus Monfries celebrates a goal. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

PORT Adelaide captain Travis Boak has described Angus Monfries as iron-willed and seemingly unaffected by the latest developments in the Essendon supplements saga.

Monfries, who was traded to Port after the 2012 season at the centre of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation, is widely believed to be one of 34 players who have been served with a "show cause'' notice by the agency.

He has declined to comment on the matter, as have all of the Essendon players.

But Boak could not speak more highly about Monfries' demeanor as ASADA has tempted players with a six-month ban and the Bombers are taking the matter to the federal court.

"Gus has been great,'' Boak said.

"We haven't spoken it at all. He's just worried about footy at the moment; he's worried about the Port Adelaide footy club and that's a credit to him.

"He just wants to go out there and help us perform and put everything to the back of his mind."

For all of that, Boak conceded it was a difficult situation to negotiate.

If Monfries did seek support, Boak said his club and teammates would be there for him.

The Swans have issued ladder leaders Port Adelaide with their second loss of the season, beating them 98-94 at the SCG.

"Certainly it's a tough situation and we don't want him to be in that situation at all but all we can do is lend a hand of support and if he needs us we're there for him,'' Boak said.

"But as I said, Gus is pretty strong-minded and he just wants to go out there and play footy.''

At Port prepared for an Adelaide Oval session yesterday morning, the club was smarting after last week's loss against Sydney and would use it as fuel against the Western Bulldogs.

But Boak said the Power held the Bulldogs in high regard and had been impressed with their upset of Collingwood last weekend.

"They're a quality side and they've had it over us for last few years,'' Boak said.

"We're expecting a very big challenge.

"They're right up there with the contested ball and the way they play their footy in tight.''

Boak's thoughts come after it was highlighted that Hawthorn great and commentator Jason Dunstall saying the Power had the ingredients to win the flag this year.

It had heartened the players, but they realised that dropping a game puts them in a more precarious position in the race for a top-two spot.

"It's great to hear those things but we were pretty disappointed just in the result and we can't control what's said out there,'' Boak said.

"But it's great to hear some positive club coming for the club.

"But we've got to make sure we continue winning because it's becoming really tight at the top.

"We need to make sure we finish the season strongly.

"This week is huge for us now.''

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Brown and out — Jonathan must walk away

Brisbane Lions midfielder Tom Rockliff admits he has concerns over the welfare of teammate Jonathan Brown, who suffered yet another concussion on the weekend.

JONATHAN Brown must put his long-term health before his football and walk away from the game.

He is a champion but as tough and as brilliant as the big Lions centre half-forward has been the time has come for him to realise his health is much more important than suiting up for Brisbane again.

The triple premiership hero suffered another sickening head knock and concussion when Giants defender Tomas Bugg collected him with his hip in a marking contest at the Gabba on Saturday night.

It is something that is happening far too frequently to the powerful forward.

Brown's facial injuries are mounting at an alarming rate.

The 32-year-old suffered three serious facial injuries in the space of a year in 2011 and 2012.

The most horrific were the shocking collision with Docker Luke McPharlin and the knee from Lions teammate Matt McGuire in a practice match which required reconstructive surgery.

Brown's fearless kamikaze running with the flight of the ball has caused a few of the bone-crunching collisions.

Others have been through sheer bad luck.

Lions champion Jonathan Brown being helped from the ground after another head clash. Picture: Matt Roberts.

Some people joke that Brown has more metal in his face than Darth Vader. But what he has been through is no laughing matter.

I generally find it difficult to tell players what to do, preferring to see them make their own calls on their careers.

But in this case I am concerned Browny will put his team first and play out the season, rather than walk away now and safeguard his health and off-field future.

When I saw the vision of Brown's latest collision on Saturday night I instantly felt sick.

I hate seeing players lose control of their bodies though concussion, although it's part and parcel of the game.

The second thought that crossed my mind was that enough is enough for Browny.

He's had a great run, he's been a great player, but his health should now be more important to him.

My advice to him, respectfully, would be this: You've had too many concussions and you can't keep putting your body through it.

Former Carlton premiership player believes Jonathan Brown will choose to continue his AFL career despite receiving yet another head knock and will only quit if he is advised by Brisbane or his Lions teammates.

My former Port Adelaide teammate Brad Symes walked away from his successful career just weeks ago after suffering his 11th concussion.

He realised that life is bigger than chasing the pigskin around.

Symes made the tough call that I hope Brown will follow.

Like Symes, the lionhearted power forward is a husband and father. His wife, Kylie, is expecting the couple's third child this week.

As players, the focus is always on you, especially when injuries strike.

Everyone constantly asks whether you are okay and how you are feeling.

But often it's the people close to you on the outside — your loved ones — who feel the pain of the injuries the most.

My wife, Rachael, family and friends came along with me on the roller-coaster ride through my 11 football-related surgeries.

No doubt retirement is a constant thought for the Brisbane superstar.

Late last year he surprised a few when he decided to saddle up for his 15th season.

When you get towards the end, retirement can be all you think about.

"How much longer can I go on?" you ask.

Brown's 2014 form has been solid without being spectacular.

He is not the Browny of old. Father time has caught up with him.

You only have to watch the Lions play to see the service he is getting isn't what it was in the halcyon days of the early 2000s when Michael Voss, Simon Black, Jason Akermanis, Nigel Lappin and co were delivering the ball inside 50 so superbly.

Playing on to help develop Brisbane's next batch of stars has merit and Browny is a proud man.

He told Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show that "the desire's still there to play football obviously, so you have to weigh these things up".

He followed with "I still think I can contribute enough to warrant a spot in the side".

There is no doubt about that but there is a bigger life picture than contributing on a football field.

His latest head knock should tell him that the time is right to put his long term health and family first.

His legacy won't be damaged by walking away from the game midseason.

Browny's list of achievements are the stuff dreams are made of — 256 games, 594 goals, three premierships, three best and fairests, five times leading goalkicker, two All-Australians, captain from 2007-13 and Coleman Medal in 2007.

If he retired today he would go out as one of the greats — a future Hall of Famer.

There is nothing left to achieve for him apart from mentoring the next Lions premiership. But that seems a fair way off.

Brown has given so much to the club he loves and it's now time for someone else to emerge from the big number 16's shadow and assume the mantle of being Brisbane's king of the jungle.

There is more to life than football and sometimes the most courageous thing to do is to walk away.

Warren Tredrea is Port Adelaide's premiership captain, Channel 9 News weekday sports presenter, Triple M Football commentator and Australian Football Hall of Fame Member.

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Setback for young Crows midfielder

Last updated: June 19, 2014

EMERGING midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen has suffered a setback in his bid to establish himself in the Crows team, with injury ruling him out for up to two weeks.

Setback for young Crows midfielder

EMERGING midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen has suffered a setback in his bid to establish himself in the Crows team, with injury ruling him out for up to two weeks.

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Crows’ second brigade pushes to the front

Despite their win over an out of sorts North Melbourne head coach Brenton Sanderson says he won't be satisfied until the Crows sort out their inconsistencies

ADELAIDE'S emerging leaders have joined the fight to help rid the Crows of the inconsistency which threatens to derail their season.

Describing Saturday night's clash with Essendon as the most important of Adelaide's roller-coaster year, defender Andy Otten said the club's second brigade of leaders had taken it upon themselves to step up.

"Our leadership group and the group under them are really trying to drive the standards,'' Otten said when asked how the erratic Crows could string consecutive wins together for the first time since round six.

"It's definitely player driven. We don't want to leave it up to Sando (coach Brenton Sanderson) every time to get us up for a game.

"It has to be player driven, right through the 46 players on our list.''

While official leaders - acting co-captains Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane, Scott Thompson, Richard Douglas, Taylor Walker and Sam Jacobs - have been trying to lead by example, Otten said the "group under them'' had upped the ante with their leadership.

They include Otten, Brodie Smith, David Mackay, Matthew Wright, Daniel Talia and James Podsiadly.

Adelaide Crows defender Andy Otten says it's up to the players to get fired up for each match. Picture: Sarah Reed.

"Especially during games,'' Otten said.

"During the week we try to help set the training standards and if we think something's not right we try to get on top of it early and not leave it to the coaches to do.

"And on game day we try to identity anything that's going wrong and then spread the message through the whole group.

"It happened a couple of times on the weekend (against North Melbourne) and we said 'let's go, we've got to keep taking the game on and be aggressive'.''

Adelaide (6-6) will at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night attempt to move ahead in the win-loss ledger for the first time this season.

Otten said the players were tired of the inconsistency which had cost it games and that the theme of the week was "backing up again'' after the 36-point home win against the Roos.

Adelaide defender Andy Otten says the Crows are working harder than ever to build some momentum in the coming weeks and end what has been an inconsistent run of form lately.

He said the players would take an aggressive attitude into the game, noting "that's when we play our best footy''.

"We've just got to be aggressive,'' Otten said, stressing the importance of a match against another finals contender.

"We've got to be physically aggressive at the ball and the ball carrier and play aggressive footy because when we become stagnant that's when we're in trouble.

"When teams come at us we can sometimes go into our shell and be a bit safe and we don't want to do that.

"We can't afford to play in spurts, we want to keep taking the game on and try to score quickly.''

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