The Western Crows have done it again. Trailing for the majority of the match, the 2016 Premiers kicked four goals in the final quarter to snatch defeat from a well performed Northern Suns side in round 2 of the AFL New Zealand Premiership.
With a number of key players out from round 1, the Northern Suns came up against a Western Crows side full of talent who were ready to boost their percentage against a weakened opposition.
The Sun’s shocked everyone as they came out in the first quarter and put the Crows to the test. Returning NZ midfielder Josh Mackie made his presence known early on as he got plenty of the footy in the first 10 minutes.
The Sun’s defence worked hard and managed to keep the Crow’s scoreless in the first quarter.
Joel Brown and James Considine kicked the Sun’s first 2 goals of the game and they went into the first break with a 16 point lead.
The Crow’s had an abundance of opportunities in the second term as they squandered 8 scoring shots. Midfielder Jay Green managed save them from an embarrassing quarter, kicking a goal close to the siren which saw them get back in the game.
Suns defenders Paul Hogan and stalwart Pete Rodgers were directing a well disciplined backline that was heaping pressure on the Crows forwards.
It was back and forth in the third quarter as both sides kicked 3 goals each.
James Considine snapped a goal from the from the pocket late in the third quarter to stretch the Suns lead to 8 points. Not to be outdone, Crows forward Tim stokes hit straight back as he banged home a goal to close the gap at the final change of ends.
As they did the week prior, the comeback Kings sparked into life in the fourth quarter as Declan Crann, Joey Alesich and Sam Anderson kicked 3 straight goals.
Ben Daly sealed it for the Crows running into an open goal as they made it two wins on the trot and remain the only undefeated side in side in the 2019 competition.
The hero:
For the second week in a row, Jay Green was a superstar in the middle of the ground. His vision and link play shows why he was awarded the best player in the Auckland AFL in 2018.
The support cast:
Jay Johnson continues to get better with age. The Crows captain had a strong performance and worked in well with Jay Green.
The consolation effort:
Playing in his debut Premiership season, Jonah Christians from Wellington was a stand out around the ground for the Suns. His work rate was phenomenal and his performance will give him confidence for the rest of the season.
Say what?
“The Sun’s deserve the plaudits today. They were decimated by 2 very good players last week and to come out with the intent and passion as they did in the first half shows that they have a great team culture. It takes a good team to come from behind and was very proud that they never gave up until the final whistle.” Western Crows Assistant Coach, Sean Mayes.
“No disrespect to the Crows but I thought the better team lost today. We had another couple of injuries early on in the game but all the team played 100% today and followed the team rules and game plan.” Northern Suns Head Coach, James Bowden.
Goal Scorers:
Western Crows: Sam Anderson 2, Ben Daly 2, Jay Green 1, Declan Crann 1, Tim Stokes 1, Joseph Alesich-Tamariki 1
Northern Suns: James Considine 3, Will Kempt 2, Will Dickinson 1, Joel Brown 1
Best on ground:
Western Crows: Jay Green
Northern Suns: Paul Hogan
