Adelaide forward Taylor Walker says the influence of inexperienced duo Brayden Cook and Lachlan McAndrew proved critical to the Crows’ Round One win against Collingwood.
After putting together strong pre-season’s, the duo were both rewarded with spots in the season opening side, and showcased their impressive form on the MCG.
Cook was a classy presence on the wing, recording career-highs in disposals (19), contested possessions (10) and marks (seven), while also kicking a critical goal from distance.
In his first game as a Crow, and just his third AFL game overall, McAndrew more than held his own in the ruck, winning a match-high 27 hitouts to go with 13 disposals, four tackles, and a crucial goal assist.
Speaking to Roo, Ditts and Loz on Triple M Adelaide Breakfast, Walker said it was exciting to see the duo take their opportunity on the big stage after standout summers on the track.
“Cooky has been a great story, from the moment we picked him up we’ve seen his talent, but he had to go away and work on his fitness and get his rig into AFL condition - and he was able to do that,” Walker said.
“He went to work massively over the off-season and as we all know, if you have a good off-season it gives you a great opportunity - and he certainly got the reward for his hard work on Saturday night.
“Big Stretch (Lachlan McAndrew) was also outstanding I thought, it was a great start to his AFL career as an Adelaide Crow.
“Both of those boys were critical to our ability to win on Saturday night.”
The Crows will be faced with another tough test this Friday night, as they face a red-hot Western Bulldogs side, fresh off an 81-point demolition of Greater Western Sydney.
Walker said he expected fans to see a cracking contest at the Adelaide Oval, and highlighted the area the squad would have to get right to come away with the points.
“The Bulldogs have been outstanding to start the year, led by Ed Richards and Bont (Marcus Bontempelli) in the middle and they’ve got some pretty good forwards in Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton,” Walker said.
“So we’re going to have to try and nullify their inside 50s and help the defenders score off the back of intercept and turnover.
“It’s going to be an absolutely cracking contest that’s for sure.”
The Adelaide coaching brainstrust will be greeted with headaches at the selection table, as it prepares to welcome back Izak Rankine from suspension.
Walker said the coaches were in for some tough decisions as they picked the team to face the Dogs.
“In the Virgin Lounge on Sunday morning when we were flying back, I was talking to Murray Davis, VB (Nathan van Berlo) and Nicksy and they asked me what would you do (with the team),” Walker said.
“I just said to them ‘well I’m not getting paid to bloody pick the team’, walked off and said it’s up to you blokes, it’s a headache for you to sort out.
“It’s a good headache to have, I’m not really sure where that will land to be honest, he’s got to get through training today and we look forward to having Izak back.
“We just expect him to come in, play his role, put a smile on his face and enjoy playing footy, because when he does that we get the best of Izak Rankine.”
Adelaide takes on the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval this Friday night, with the first bounce at 7.10pm ACDT.
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