Health the key as Crows plot deep finals run
Justin Chadwick |
Adelaide will be focusing on health rather than daydreaming about the prospect of securing the minor premiership as the AFL flag race prepares to go into overdrive.
The Crows moved a game clear on top of the ladder after coming from behind to defeat wooden spooners West Coast by nine points on Sunday.
Adelaide (16-5) take on third-placed Collingwood (15-6) in a blockbuster home clash on Saturday night, before rounding out their home-and-away campaign against struggling North Melbourne.
The Crows are already guaranteed to play finals for the first time since 2017, and they are in prime position to finish on top of the ladder.
But Adelaide could still tumble out of the top four if things go horribly wrong over the next fortnight, with rivals Collingwood, Geelong (15-6), Fremantle (15-6), Brisbane (14-6-1) and Gold Coast (14-6) all ready to pounce.
Nicks says the minor premiership won’t be a topic he’ll be touching on.
“We haven’t even talked about it, and I probably won’t go there at all,” Nicks said after the 13.9 (87) to 12.6 (78) win over West Coast.
“At the moment, we’re not looking necessarily at the ladder.
“It’s great to hear that officially we’ve qualified for finals. I think the reality is that our state knows that, and they’ve known we sit on top of the ladder.
“Let them enjoy it. Our guys are locked in on next week against Collingwood.”
Adelaide rested veteran forward Taylor Walker for the trip to Perth, and it remains to be seen if they rotate out any other players in the remaining two rounds.
One thing for Nicks is clear – having a healthy list come finals time will be critical.
“I think it’s always difficult to and it’s not an exact science on when you should manage players,” Nicks said.
“Rory Laird was able to take a week off the week before.
“These are guys who are 30-plus who we hope will benefit from taking that rest.
“We’ll look at the next few weeks and look at players who might be a little bit sore.
“The whole league across the board right now, it’s who can stay healthy.
“We’re seeing that with some of the results, and that’s what we’re trying to achieve – a healthy list so we can compete for the next month or more.”
Star forward Riley Thilthorpe injured his neck after a high bump from West Coast co-captain Liam Duggan.
Although Thilthorpe was able to return to the field to kick three crucial second-half goals, the Crows will be sweating on how he pulls up from the hit.
“I think he jarred his neck, which might have then shot some nerve pain down his arm,” Nicks said.
“After a minute or so recovering, he was fine.”
AAP
