A frustrated Don Pyke says there’s no excuses for Adelaide after a resurgent Essendon came from behind to hand last year’s grand finalists a 12-point opening-round defeat.
Down by 20 points at the end of Friday night’s third quarter, the Bombers booted six goals to one in the final term to run out 14.15 (99) to 12.15 (87) winners at Etihad Stadium.
The numbers from the final quarter will make for ugly reading as the Crows get ready to face premiers Richmond on Thursday in a grand-final rematch.
Pyke’s side conceded 20 inside-50s and half of his players went without a tackle during the frantic final quarter.
The Crows were missing seven players from last year’s grand final including skipper Taylor Walker, Brad Crouch, Brodie Smith, Tom Lynch and traded defender Jake Lever.
Asked whether their absence or the inclusion of three debutants in Darcy Fogarty, Lachlan Murphy and Tom Doedee, tempered his disappointment, Pyke was blunt.
“No. Not at all,” Pyke said.
“We were 20 points up at three-quarter time in a game that we expected to win and we didn’t.
“I’m not looking for excuses. We’ll understand and give reasons and we’ll get better. That’s our commitment.”
Pyke took a similar tack when asked what impact the Crows’ deep finals run might have had on their opening-round fitness.
“I wouldn’t have thought any,” he said.
“I saw Richmond play last night (during their 26-point win over Carlton). I didn’t see it impact their performance.
“We knew about it, so we had time to prepare.”
Adelaide are hopeful of regaining Walker and Lynch to face the Tigers with the pair set to train on Saturday.
And on a tough night for the Crows, the performance of star recruit Bryce Gibbs was a major positive.
The former Carlton midfielder finished with 35 disposals and lit the spark for his new side with two classy goals in quick succession at the start of the third quarter.
“He was influential at times throughout the night, which is good,” Pyke said.
“Obviously bringing someone in from another footy club, there’s a transition period for him as well to adapt to the way we play but he showed some really good signs tonight.”
Cisco Kid
Guest
Some Wharfies in the Port are saying the Crows will finish 14th.
Melvin Pukely
Guest
The front page of any newspaper should really be about major news, but I guess that is never gonna happen in the Sunday Mail. Not while Rupert Murdoch still draws breath.
Gyfox
Guest
Crows defeated Friday, Port triumphant Saturday.......front page of Sunday Mail not about Port but Crows!
Tim
Guest
Maybe in hindsight with both Walker and Lynch out they should have played Andy Otten. He presents well across half forward, something that McGovern didn't do well. The game plan failed from that. It's all well and good to give people experience, but not to risk those 4 points. McGovern will learn from his stint at half forward, will Don Pyke. Having said that, Adelaide's forward line leaked like sieve, giving too much drive to Essendon. That's where we lost it.
Ditto
Guest
Sorry, I didn't really mean it in a bad way, it's just that I see Bellchambers as more of a utility ruck,who makes a contest in the ruck, but whose main strength is contribution around the ground and drifting forward to impact the scoreboard. I just don't think that he's going to show Jenkins up too badly in the ruck work.
JamesH
Roar Guru
Why the shot at Bellchambers? He matched Jacobs tap for tap and arguably had more influence around the ground. The commentators were full of praise for his game. Doedee and Fogarty look like promising prospects for you.
Ditto
Guest
Despite the loss there was enough to like about the performance for Crows fans not to be too disappointed. The fact that they played three debutantes and a number of second tier players meant that they were filling holes and structurally were a bit awkward. There were a few guys in the almost, but not quite category, including Betts and McGovern, but they will click. Atkins form remains a concern, Seedsman is unconvincing and if Hampton can't take his opportunities he will be cut at the end of the season. Ellis-Yolman showed enough to suggest that he should be given a block of games in B.Crouch's absence and maybe enable Sloane to get on the outside and spread more, Pyke understandably relied on Sloane for grunt, CEY needs to get his hands on more ball and tackle more. Jenkins played like he'd been given a lot of homework to do and time will tell if he's learnt anything, but he did ok and did reasonably well in ruck, although I don't think Bellchambers is much of a test.All three debutantes did well despite fading in the last, Tom Doedee was exposed against Hooker late and he may be better utilised in the Smith role in future. Fogarty is exciting, but will need to be managed and probably will miss if Walker comes back in. Murphy has talent, could be anything. It might take a little while for this team to gel. Richmond next week is tough, but they looked rusty as well.