The two South Australian teams would be an intriguing combination if they were merged into one line-up.
The 22 players who make up the experimental squad I have formulated should make for good talking points, as I have chosen the players I believe will perform well in the upcoming AFL season.
Crows, Power
Coach: Don Pyke (Crows)
Captain: Brad Ebert (Power)B: Luke Brown (Crows), Daniel Talia (Crows), Kyle Hartigan (Crows)
HB: Matthew Broadbent (Power), Jack Hombsch (Power), Rory Laird (Crows)
C: Hamish Hartlett (Power), Travis Boak (Power), Richard Douglas (Crows)
HF: Mitch McGovern (Crows), Tom Lynch (Crows), Tom Rockliff (Power)
F: Eddie Betts (Crows), Taylor Walker (Crows), Robbie Gray (Power)Foll: Paddy Ryder (Power), Rory Sloane (Crows), Brad Ebert (Power)
Int: Justin Westhoff (Power), Sam Gray (Power), Jack Watts (Power), Steven Motlop (Power)
Coach
Don Pyke is the better of the two coaches. He coached the Crows to a grand final last season, while the Power got knocked out in the first week of the finals.
(Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
Captain
Brad Ebert plays his role every week without any fuss and is a part of the Power leadership group. He lets his footy do the talking.
Back line
Luke Brown is a talented small defender. Daniel Talia is possibly the best full back in the competition and can shut down the opposition’s number one tall forward.
Kyle Hartigan is an attacking defender who uses the ball efficiently. Jack Hombsch should never have been let go by the Giants as he’s a defender with a lot of ability. Matthew Broadbent and Rory Laird are half back flankers who are assets when their team has possession.
Midfield
Hamish Hartlett is a player who can operate through a half back flank as well as on the wing, while Richard Douglas can push up onto the forward line and cause damage on the scoreboard. Travis Boak is a good leader and can play through the middle of the ground.
(Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
Forward line
Tom Lynch can lead up to a wing and provide a target. He is a dangerous half forward who can get a lot of the ball and create havoc for opposition defenders.
Mitch McGovern is a mid-sized forward who is hard to find a match-up for. He doesn’t get a lot of possession but can cause damage on the scoreboard. Tom Rockliff can push up into the midfield, creating more rotations for his team, and can also play a role on the half forward flank.
Followers
Although Paddy Ryder was named as All Australian ruckman last season, he just edges Sam Jacobs out for the ruck position as he is versatile and can push forward.
Rory Sloane and Brad Ebert are two players with truckloads of ability. I don’t know why the Eagles let Ebert go, as he is one of the most underrated players I have seen. Sloane is an automatic selection as he can be extremely damaging when he gets an opportunity to play in the middle of the ground.
Interchange bench
Justin Westhoff is one of the best utility players in the AFL. He predominantly plays on the half forward line but is also able to fill a role in defence or could even play as a second ruckman if needed.
Sam Gray has been a revelation since breaking his way into the Power team. He is normally in the forward line but can push into the midfield if required.
Jack Watts has had a good preseason, coming off a disastrous 2017 season with the Demons. He has the ability to be a valuable utility player for the Power. Steven Motlop is a matchwinner and should be utilised off the bench and play on the burst.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
Adelaide's Taylor Walker has thrown his support behind a 'captain's call' in order to prevent umpiring blunders, which the Crows have been on the…
Controversy has erupted following Essendon's thrilling three-point victory over Adelaide, with an umpire under fire for his decision to not award the Crows a…
Over the next few days, all discussion of Essendon's three-point win over Adelaide will likely centre on the decision, in the final seconds of…
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Former great David King has blasted Match Review Officer Michael Christian's decision to not suspend Port Adelaide star Zak Butters for his high bump…
