A brave fight from the SUNS fell just short against the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Good Friday.
There were plenty of talking points from the contest which SUNS Media have run through in this week’s Tuesday Takeaways.
SUNS rue early missed opportunities
It was the start the SUNS yearned for on hostile territory, especially after being made to pay for missing the jump in their last away trip back in Round 1 in Perth. Ben King had a pair of majors either side of a superb small forward’s goal from Izak Rankine that had the SUNS 18 points to the good with just over seven minutes on the clock. Lachie Weller would extend the lead to 23 points early in time-on in the opening quarter but six straight goals from the hosts flipped the script and had the Crows in control at the main break.
Senior Coach Stuart Dew credited the Crows with a ‘more consistent’ performance than his side, conceding the SUNS’ inability to capitalise on opportunities in the opening stages fuelled the flame for the home side to take charge of the contest.
Young stars continue to shine
Ben King continues to prove why he is one of the most captivating and promising young talents in the AFL with another strong performance in front of goal. The SUNS main man inside forward 50 kicked a career-high four goals and cemented his spot near the summit of the Coleman Medal race after three rounds.
Noah Anderson followed up his career-best outing against the Kangaroos in Round 2 with another polished performance in midfield, accruing a team-high 26 disposals along with seven clearances in just his 20th senior game. Only former Crow Hugh Greenwood had more impact at stoppages, racking up game-high tallies in clearances (10) and tackles (14) and earning the praise of Dew post-match.
Tall options wearing short
An injury sustained by co-captain Jarrod Witts late in the third quarter is likely to keep the ruckman out of action for a number of weeks with Stuart Dew saying post-match that the SUNS will need to get creative when it comes to their taller options.
Chris Burgess filled the void in the ruck for the final stages of the Good Friday game and is likely to be given that responsibility again against Carlton on Saturday night. Hugh Greenwood’s previous experience in the ruck as well as high as his well-publicised basketball background is sure to have him in the conversation to assist with the duties, while Dew has also added Caleb Graham into the mix – the 20-year-old has experience as a ruckman throughout his junior years which could see him earn a return to the senior squad.
