Round 1 of AFL action was full of surprises (as always) but one of the biggest talking points was the poor performance of the GWS Giants.
Adelaide has now won seven of their eight matches against GWS and for good measure they’ve won 17 of their last 19 at the Adelaide Oval.
It’s not a stretch to say this current crop of Crows has turned the Oval into a fortress that teams dread visiting.
Especially teams with some woes on the road like the Giants have shown over the years.
Thankfully, in our Round 1 AFL H2H & Line bets we were able to back the Crows at $2.10 in an otherwise frustrating round.
Adelaide 2.3 7.9 15.14 22.15 (147)
Greater Western Sydney 4.5 6.7 11.7 14.7 (91)
GOALS
Adelaide: Betts 4, Atkins 3, Jenkins 3, McGovern 2, Cameron 2, Douglas 2, Knight 2, Mackay, Menzel, Smith, Milera
Greater Western Sydney: Cameron 4, Smith 3, Scully 2, Greene, Lobb, Kennedy, Johnson, Patton
The Crows went into the game as 2.5 point underdogs with the line as high as 8.5 earlier in the week.
It was a battle early as the Giants kept pace with the Crows before a second-half onslaught was delivered by the Crows.
They played a wonderful brand of Football playing on at all costs and kicking long and direct.
They outplayed the Giants in almost all of the key areas.
They had 55 more disposals. 17 more contested possessions. Laid 10 more tackles and had 18 more inside 50’s.
Importantly, the Crows were able to ‘breakeven’ in the middle against the Giants star-studded midfield.
Rory Laird’s ball use and ball winning (40 disposals) skill was on full display in a best afield performance while 10 of Rory Atkins’ 19 disposals were inside 50’s.
Andy Otten got through his first AFL game in almost three years safely and the duo of Eddie Betts and Charlie Cameron combined for seven crucial goals.
The Crows stamped themselves as a contender and the Giants now have to respond after being smacked in the mouth and outplayed.
Next week the Giants return home to Spotless to host the Gold Coast Suns who were very disappointing on Saturday night against the Lions.
The Crows travel to the MCG to take on the Hawks who were also below par on Saturday against the Dons.
How good is it having footy back?