Adelaide Crows Coach Matthew Nicks Stands Firm on Strategy Amid Slow Start Concerns
Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks has emphatically stated that his team does not need to alter their approach to address a costly trend of slow starts in recent matches. Following a narrow 9.14 (68) to 9.6 (60) loss to Geelong on Thursday, Nicks remains confident in the Crows' preparation and warm-up routines, despite acknowledging early-game struggles.
Analyzing the Slow Start Against Geelong
Nicks lamented that Adelaide gave Geelong the first 10 inside-50s of the game, allowing an early 15-point lead. "Probably the first 10 minutes of the game we were still on the bus," he said, reflecting on the sluggish opening. However, he dismissed suggestions that changes are necessary, pointing out that the team has started well in other games. "No, it's not something that we need to change," Nicks asserted. "We've come out in games and started really well. So, we'll just keep working on being better and knowing what it takes."
Despite this stance, Nicks plans to take "a pretty close look" at the opening 10 minutes to identify errors and improve performance in tight contests. He expressed frustration with Geelong's ability to consistently gain territory, noting, "We talk about earning the right to play a certain way, we didn't earn that tonight for long enough."
Defensive Praise and Umpiring Controversy
On a positive note, Nicks praised key defenders Nick Murray, Max Michalanney, and Jordon Butts for their resilience against Geelong's forwards. "They at least limit the scoreboard impact and keep us in the fight. If you look at expected score, we probably dodged a bullet," he said, acknowledging that Geelong could have led by over 30 points at one stage. "That can come from pressure on the kicker and our backs have been pretty solid. So give some credit where it's due, but we just can't keep putting them under that sort of pressure."
Nicks also refused to fuel controversy over a disputed umpiring decision in the last quarter, where Geelong was incorrectly awarded a free kick. When asked if it was a pivotal moment, he responded, "No, no, there's nothing that stood out that changed the game from that point of view. A couple of things towards the end that we'll go and work on when it comes to those really close arm wrestles." He credited Geelong's experience in closing out the game effectively.
Key Players Set to Return Against Fremantle
Looking ahead, Nicks is optimistic about regaining skipper Jordan Dawson, along with Taylor Walker and Rory Laird, for next Friday's clash with Fremantle. "There were a few that were really close to this week," he revealed. "Daws was super close. It was a captain's run decision. Laird's similar. Tex should be right to go. His was more of a management decision. I think we'll be looking at at least three of them." Their return is expected to bolster the team's experience and performance in the upcoming match.
