The Western Crows will head into the 2019 AFL New Zealand Premiership full of confidence after a successful 2018 season.
The Crows are boosted by the return of Head Coach Chris Mundell who is also in charge of the New Zealand senior Men’s side.
Key figures Te Kopa Tipene-Thomas, Jay Johnson (Captain), Shane Leat and Ty Smith were all retained in the off season and will no doubt play a big role once again this season.
A big signing at the National Draft was ball magnet Jay Green from the Howick Hornets (Auckland AFL). With years of AFL experience in his pocket, Green will make an impact from the first bounce in round 1 of February 17th.
The Crows have a well balanced side and if they can continue to build from last year, they will look to push the Central Giants for the 2019 title.
Player to watch: Declan Crann
2018 AFL New Zealand U17 Player of the year Declan Crann made the move from the Central Giants to join the Western Crows for the 2019 season.
Crann had a positive first season in New Zealand’s top level of footy and will be a player to watch due to his athleticism and agression around the contest.
He was selected and made his debut for the senior New Zealand side against the AFL Academy in April last year.
A player full of talent with a strong AFL build, Declan has supreme fitness and will add depth to an already packed midfield.
Get excited: Jay Green
2018 Auckland AFL Best and Fairest winner, Jay Green will make his debut in the Premiership in 2019 for the Western Crows and will look to make a sudden impact.
Green is a ball magnet who always is involved with the contest.
A great runner of the football, Jay may be small in stature but he has a massive impact on the field popping up all over the ground.
Look for Jay to feed off of New Zealand ruckman Ty Smith and link with Te Kopa Tipene-Thomas and Shane Leat in the midfield.
2018 position: 2nd
Predicted position in 2019: 2nd
2019 Best and Fairest: Shane Leat
*The views expressed in this in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of AFL New Zealand.
