The Adelaide Crows are gearing up for a crucial semi-final match against Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval on September 15, 2023. Coach Matthew Nicks expressed optimism about the lessons learned from last week’s qualifying final loss to Collingwood, despite the disappointment of not advancing. Nicks emphasized the importance of experience, noting that seven of his players faced the pressure of finals football for the first time. He remarked on the valuable insights gained from competing at that level, stating, “It’s incredible what you can learn in a week and what just being on that stage does.”
While the Crows are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2017, Nicks remains cautious. He acknowledged that merely having experienced finals does not guarantee success. “We still know we’ve got so much still to work on. Every team does, let’s be honest, no team is perfect,” he said. Nicks believes that if his team performs at their peak, they can compete with any opponent, including Hawthorn.
Crows Adjust Roster for Semi-Final Challenge
In preparation for the semi-final, Nicks has made strategic adjustments to the lineup. Notable among these is the return of Josh Rachele, who will be making his comeback after a knee injury sustained on July 6, 2023. Meanwhile, defender Hugh Bond has been dropped from the team. Nicks highlighted the need for a robust response to Hawthorn’s dynamic forward line, which features experienced players like Jack Gunston and emerging talents such as Jack Ginnivan, Nick Watson, and Connor McDonald.
On the other side, Hawthorn enters the semi-final with momentum after defeating Greater Western Sydney by 19 points in an elimination final. The Hawks have made a roster change as well, bringing in Mitch Lewis to replace Calsher Dear, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Nicks pointed out that Hawthorn’s forward structure presents several challenges, particularly when considering their ability to create scoring opportunities.
Addressing Past Performance and Future Goals
Nicks reflected on the Crows’ recent performance against Collingwood, where they conceded a troubling 28 intercept marks. He attributed this to a combination of factors, including composure under pressure and the overall team structure. “It was a combination of a lot of small things,” he explained. “Is that perceived pressure that’s coming from Collingwood or is it us putting pressure on ourselves?”
Despite the loss, Nicks finds value in the ability to analyze the game collectively. The Crows are now focused on improving their performance under pressure. “The best part about that is when you can sit down as a group and go through that and it’s clear and we’re precise on the areas we have got to be better at,” Nicks said. The upcoming match against Hawthorn will test their ability to execute these lessons in a high-stakes environment.
As the Crows prepare for this pivotal encounter, the focus remains on delivering their best performance. The anticipation for the match is palpable, as both teams aim to seize the opportunity to progress in the finals series. “Let’s see who brings their best,” concluded Nicks, highlighting the competitive spirit that defines this stage of the tournament.
