A Challenging Schedule as a Path to Progress
For most, an early-season schedule filled with tough matches might seem daunting. However, for Adelaide veteran Rory Laird, it represents a golden opportunity to strengthen his team’s position in the finals race. The Crows will face Collingwood at the MCG, followed by a Friday night home game against the Western Bulldogs. Laird believes this sequence of games is crucial for rebuilding their confidence and improving their standing in the competition.
Last year, Adelaide exited the finals with consecutive home losses, but they managed a strong start to the season with a 13-point victory over Collingwood. This win has been a morale booster for the team, according to Laird. He emphasized that playing in a high-pressure environment like the MCG on a Saturday night, with around 62,000 spectators, is a valuable experience.
“Going into that kind of atmosphere is a good stepping stone,” Laird said. “Then you have the chance to play against a team that’s currently performing well on Friday night.”
He also highlighted the importance of gaining experience in these types of games. While some players may have had previous finals experiences, Laird stressed that the team has moved forward from past challenges and is now focused on showing progress.
Preparing for the Challenge Against the Bulldogs
The Crows are aware of the difficulties posed by hosting the Western Bulldogs, who have already made a strong start to the season. The Bulldogs secured two impressive wins: a five-point victory over the reigning premiers, Brisbane, and an 81-point win against GWS. These results have placed them in a strong position in the league.
Central to Adelaide’s strategy will be limiting the impact of key Bulldogs players such as skipper Marcus Bontempelli and attacking duo Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton. Laird acknowledged that while it’s difficult to fully prepare for such talent, the Bulldogs’ overall strength is evident.
“You can name half their team as stars,” Laird said. “They’re all top performers, and we have a lot of respect for what they’re achieving right now.”
Izak Rankine’s Return Boosts the Crows
One of the biggest positives for the Crows is the return of Izak Rankine, who has served a four-game ban for a homophobic slur. Laird expressed his excitement about having Rankine back in the lineup.
“The thing with Ranks is, he has put in a mountain of work and he’s super-fit,” Laird said. “His endurance is really good, and he’s excited to get back out there.”
Rankine’s presence is a significant boost for the team. His energy and performance make him a key player, and his return is expected to have a positive impact on the Crows’ dynamics.
Rankine has replaced Toby Murray, who has been dealing with a back injury after his AFL debut against Collingwood. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have brought in Jordan Croft to replace Will Lewis, a pre-season supplemental signing.
Looking Ahead
As the Crows prepare for these challenging matches, Laird remains confident in the team’s ability to adapt and grow. The combination of experience, hard work, and strategic planning will be crucial in navigating the upcoming games. With the right approach, the Crows can take advantage of this tough schedule to improve their standing and build momentum for the rest of the season.
