ADELAIDE is determined to seize control of the game early when facing reigning wooden spooners North Melbourne.
The Crows were left disappointed after Essendon’s Nic Martin’s late long bomb secured a three-point loss at Adelaide Oval last weekend, despite a four-goal surge in the third quarter.
Assistant coach Jack Hombsch emphasized the need to avoid a repeat of their late-game woes by adopting a new approach for the clash against North Melbourne: initiating the contest earlier.
“We’re very mindful of that. We’re going to implement what we’ve discussed this week, which is crucial after last week’s game: setting the tone early,” Hombsch stated on Friday.
He stressed the importance of winning the contest from the outset, highlighting that failing to do so could result in prolonged defensive play, as seen in their previous match.
“We recognize that’s the main area we need to improve. We must be fully prepared to compete from the first quarter. North Melbourne will bring that intensity, and we need to match it,” added Hombsch.
Adelaide will welcome back midfielder Matt Crouch from a one-game suspension for rough conduct, with Luke Pedlar and Elliott Himmelberg also returning to the side.
Himmelberg, who has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in an SANFL game last August, has shown determination in his rehabilitation efforts, earning his spot in the team for Saturday’s game.
While Hombsch refrained from divulging Himmelberg’s specific role, he expressed confidence in players like James Borlase and Mark Keane to contain North Melbourne’s prolific goalscorer, Nick Larkey, who has already scored 13 goals this season.
North Melbourne will see the return of midfielder George Wardlaw after being managed last weekend, and Riley Hardman is set to make his debut in the half-back position.
