Adelaide senior coach Matthew Nicks hopes the win against Hawthorn will give Crows fans a little joy as the state heads into day five of a week-long lockdown.
The Crows enjoyed a 16.6 (102) to 13.5 (83) win against the Hawks at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
Adelaide’s clash with Hawthorn was scheduled for Adelaide Oval next week but, with the state plunged into lockdown, the match was instead played in Melbourne at an empty stadium.
Speaking to the media post game, Nicks said he was pleased with his team’s performance.
“It’s a pretty tough time, we (were) in an eerie stadium playing with no one here,” Nicks said.
“As a young group, we were able to (win) with limited training and a challenging week, so really pleased for them.
“We made sure our guys knew how many people would be watching back home and (how much) support we’d have in every lounge room back in Adelaide, maybe not some of the Port Adelaide lounge rooms.
“We put out a performance we’re proud of and we get a result, we get a win, which is what we are trying to do.”
Nicks said the victory was a result of a full-team performance but lauded Rory Laird’s strong showing in the midfield.
The experienced Crow amassed 36 disposals, 10 clearances and two goals.
“(Laird is) an ultimate professional with what he does to prepare during the week,” Nicks said.
“Tonight was even another level up again to what we’ve seen all year.
“He was outstanding in the midfield, ultimate first-possession player and he does everything he can for the team.
“(The performance) goes back to not just Lairdy, he was outstanding as I said, but that’s the team connecting, playing the football we have shown early this season.”
Forward Taylor Walker led the scoreboard with four goals but Nicks said that was off the back of quick movement in the middle, an asset the team had shown earlier this season.
“We did really well tonight in some key areas of moving the footy and that helps our midfielders get involved, it helps to shape the ground and open space up for them to work into,” Nicks said.
“Our guys like to play a fast game, they like to get running, that’s our DNA, our DNA is to get out and take the game on.
“We are building a winning culture… It’s taking its time and these things do take time but that’s what we’re about, we’re here to win games of footy.”
