Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson has hinted at a marquee match-up in opposition to his Carlton counterpart Patrick Cripps within the opening conflict of the AFL’s Collect Spherical.
Dawson has moved from protection to the midfield up to now two matches – and each have been wins for his Crows forward of Thursday evening’s encounter in opposition to the unbeaten Blues.
Dawson has been a star performer in each video games – a truth famous by Cripps.
“He has been fairly good, hasn’t he, most likely best-on (floor) within the final two video games,” Cripps instructed reporters on Wednesday.
“One of the best factor about him is he is robust, he is environment friendly, he damages you.
“However they have a number of weapons in there… our job as a midfield is to try to win that battle and get territory.”
Dawson, requested if he would play on Carlton’s prime mover Cripps, tried to stay tight-lipped.
“I am unable to say. We’ll most likely come throughout one another a bit greater than now we have up to now,” he mentioned.
“I am wanting ahead to it. Going into the midfield, I’ve loved it… I am loving my time there.”
Dawson mentioned his seventh-placed Crows had been relishing the prospect of internet hosting the Blues, who’ve banked three consecutive wins after a season-opening draw.
“We all know how good their footy might be,” he mentioned.
“They’re the benchmark. They have not misplaced for a purpose.”
Cripps’ fellow midfielder Sam Walsh will play his first sport of the season after recovering from a again harm.
“He has performed an enormous block of labor,” Cripps mentioned,
“He has been fairly affected person with it, the best way he has rehabbed has all gone to plan… I count on him to return in and hit the bottom operating.
“He most likely put his hand up (for choice) two weeks in the past… the membership simply held him again to ensure he is proper.”
And Brownlow medallist Cripps mentioned the added availability of on-ballers Matthew Kennedy and Blake Acres meant the Blues’ midfield was approaching full power.
“Adelaide play a very contested model of footy so they’ll be actually essential to the best way we play,” he mentioned.
“As a group we love going up in opposition to the perfect groups and we see them (the Crows) as top-of-the-line groups, the best way they’re enjoying.”
