The competitive nature of Adelaide ruckman Lachlan McAndrew was well and truly on show at Optus Stadium on Friday night, as he lit the spark to the Crows’ midfield resurgence against the Eagles.
McAndrew came into the match on the back of what he admitted was a poor outing against Port Adelaide in Showdown 60, and was determined to respond with a strong performance.
The 26-year-old delivered on his goal, putting together a complete performance in the ruck that included 38 hit-outs, 12 disposals, seven tackles and five clearances, with his work vital to Adelaide’s ability to gain ascendency through the midfield.
Speaking to AFC Media after the win, McAndrew went in-depth on how last week’s disappointment drove him to a strong performance against the Eagles.
“I just felt like I needed to respond tonight, so I had a bit of energy in my feet tonight and was super keen to just set the tone from the beginning,” McAndrew said.
“There were a couple of times where I was lucky enough to have the ball bounce my way, so I just chucked it on the boot and helped get us some early field position which was key.
“I hadn’t had a game like that (the Showdown) in a while, so I felt like I needed to lift myself up and put in a good performance tonight.
“I was happy I could respond and help get us going from the first throw up.”
McAndrew formed part of a midfield group that helped set up the Crows’ victory by winning centre clearances 18-8.
A stark contrast from last week’s match against the Power, McAndrew explained where the group’s improvement came from.
“I think we went to work during the week, we really wanted to bounce back from our effort last week, and I felt like the boys responded really well,” McAndrew said.
“Seeing the boys do such a great job at ground level and around the contest made it really predictable for me to put it to certain spots, and gave me confidence that if I got my hand on the ball they’d be able to win it and get us moving forward.
“It’s nice when you’ve got guys like Jordan Dawson, who can break three tackles, and then charge inside forward-50 and lace someone out. He’s just an incredible guy to play with and is a great leader.
“All the midfield worked really well, and if we can just keep doing that it will put us in great stead moving forward.”
McAndrew is now 16 matches into his first full season as an AFL ruckman, and is continuing to adjust to the demands of playing such a demanding position at the top level.
He said he felt in good physical and mental shape, but did admit he would be open to a rest to get him through to the pointy end of the campaign.
“I’m just playing it week by week and making sure my body pulls up each week, I'll keep doing my role as long as the body holds up,” McAndrew said.
“If I need a week off, I need a week off, but until then, I’ll keep cracking in and I feel really good at the moment.
“I might get one rest between now and the end of the season, but if the body holds up I’ll just keep going.”
Adelaide will now turn its attention to its Round 18 game against Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval next Saturday night.
Tickets available here.
