The Adelaide Crows are heading west across the gulfs to Port Lincoln for their opening match of the 2015 NAB Challenge against the North Melbourne Kangaroos. Join The Roar for live scores from 4:40pm (AEDT).
Both the Crows and ‘Roos will be looking towards the 2015 AFL season with high aspirations.
North Melbourne impressed in 2014, claiming the scalp of every top four side throughout the season.
Unfortunately, their brilliance against classy sides was often not far from mediocrity against lesser opponents.
2015 is the year they will look to at last put their inconsistent ways to bed, which should see them comfortably secure a finals spot, potentially having a push to the top four.
Two fresh faces that will hopefully help them achieve this are, ironically, not the most consistent of players. Shaun Higgins and Jarrad Waite will both make the trip to Port Lincoln and don the blue and white stripes for the first time.
Both players possess undeniable talent, but struggle to deliver complete season performances, whether their issue be injury or suspension.
Their hosts today also struggled for consistency in 2014, with single strings of three and two wins the best they could manage.
Today they will be featuring a fresh coach and captain, and despite only being a preseason hit-out will be hoping to get this new era at the club off on the right foot.
Phil Walsh has decided to leave Patrick Dangerfield and Scott Thompson at home, but will field the likes of Brodie Martin and Rory Sloane. He’ll also give Hawthorn duo, Kyle Cheney and Luke Lowden their first run together in Crows colours.
In recent seasons the Crows had held the wood over the ‘Roos, until they suffered what would prove to be a crucial loss in the 2014 finals race at Blundstone Arena in Round 22 last year.
Jack Ziebell singlehandedly got the Roos over the line that day, booting four goals. He’s on the plane and should feature today – for Crows fans, hopefully in a less dominant capacity.
Unfortunately this match will not be broadcast on television, however fans can listen to the action via FiveAA or the AFL Live radio service.
Also, you can watch a live stream courtesy of the AFL.
Join The Roar for live scores of the Crows and Kangaroos first match of 2015 from 4:40pm (AEDT). If you are following the action live, or witnessing it live in Port Lincoln, please share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
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