Adelaide’s ugly slog of an 18-point win over GWS was short on highlights – but the Giants’ coaching staff did their best to give the fans something to talk about by urging the team on with a bizarre one-word message on a signboard.
The Sydneysiders were down by 19 in the closing stages of the match when a member of the Giants staff held up a placard with the word ‘WIN’ printed on it while coach Adam Kingsley scratched his head.
The blunt message was soon picked up on by commentators, with Dwayne Russell remarking, ‘That’s an interesting sign, I think that probably goes without saying, but I like the fact they’re being told.’
His fellow commentator, Crows legend Mark Riccuito, sarcastically said, ‘Keep it simple.’
Fans also picked up on the strange sight.
‘It’s a bold strategy, Cotton,’ one wrote, referring to a joke from the movie Dodgeball.
Fans and commentators joined Giants coach Adam Kingsley (left) in scratching their heads when the team tried to inspire the players with this one-word message on Friday
Simple but ineffective: The bizarre motivational tactic didn’t work as GWS fell to an 18-point loss to the Adelaide Crows
‘This will become the 21st century’s ‘Do Something’,’ added another, referring to the famous speech Hawthorn coach John Kennedy gave his team at halftime of the 1975 grand final.
‘Some outstanding coaching from the Giants right there,’ another wrote.
Despite the dour nature of the game, the victory is being admired as a beauty by Crows coach Matthew Nicks.
The Crows remain among the AFL’s early pacesetters after their gritty 7.10 (52) to 4.10 (34) triumph at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
Captain Jordan Dawson (27 disposals, nine inside 50s) helped the Crows to fifth spot with a 4-2 win-loss record – the same as the fourth-placed Giants.
GWS kicked just one goal in a wind-swept opening half before rain in the third term further hampered ball-handling.
The gruelling, defensive nature of the win was treasured by Nicks, as it adds to the repertoire of his usually free-scoring Crows.
‘It won’t be perfect every week but tonight was a really positive night,’ Nicks said.
The body language of Tom Green (right) sums up the match as Crows stars Izak Rankine and Tex Walker celebrate a goal
‘I enjoy footy as much as anyone, I enjoy watching a spectacle.
‘But from a coaching point of view, my experience will tell you … you have to be able to defend.’
Adelaide led 3.5 to 1.4 at halftime and cashed in with three goals to one in the third term for a decisive 23-point buffer at the last change.
Skipper Dawson was superb with eight tackles and five clearances among his stats and his midfield mate Matt Crouch revelled in the heavy going with 26 touches and seven clearances.
Veteran Taylor Walker booted two majors, recruit Alex Neal-Bullen picked up 20 touches and a vital snapped goal and Reilly O’Brien (34 hitouts) ruled the ruck.
Max Michalanney was a defensive standout but forward Darcy Fogarty will be sent for scans on an injured left shoulder.
GWS had the top three ball-winners – Lachie Whitfield (39 disposals), Tom Green (36) and Lachie Ash (29).
But the visitors often burnt their chances with skill errors while sorely missing Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan (calf) as an attacking focal point.
‘We couldn’t really get up and going at all,’ GWS coach Adam Kingsley said.
‘Adelaide defended us quite well.
‘We had opportunities to be better and we weren’t and then they (Adelaide) were harder and tougher than us around the ball.
‘We generated 14 shots for the game … that’s pretty ordinary.’
Adelaide’s attacking guns Walker, Riley Thilthorpe and Ben Keays all fired early with first-term goals as the home side built a 3.2 to 0.3 lead.
Kingsley was blunt about his team’s performance, describing their ability to create scoring chances as ‘ordinary’
Scoring dried in the second term – GWS stalwart Josh Kelly kicked his side’s first goal in the 11th minute, the only major of the quarter.
Adelaide backman Michalanney booted his first goal in his 50 AFL games in the opening play of the third quarter – his 45-metre effort put the hosts 19 points clear.
But Giant Darcy Jones threaded a reply to reduce the margin to 12 points, before a decisive patch for the Crows.
First, Neal-Bullen goaled in heavy traffic, then Walker converted after a high ruck infringement from Kieren Briggs.
The strikes gifted Adelaide breathing space, and they kept GWS at arm’s length before 40,062 spectators in the final term.
