Giants’ defence key against firing Crows

Greater Western Sydney’s defence will need to be switched on for four quarters if they are to prevail over Adelaide’s firing forwards, coach Leon Cameron says.

The Giants host the Crows at Spotless Stadium on Saturday entrenched inside the top eight (fifth) following their demolition of cellar dwellers Carlton last weekend.

It means this AFL season’s surprise packets match Adelaide’s (fourth) record of five wins and two losses.

But they’ve never toppled the Crows in five meetings, and Cameron said it’s critical his fledgling side’s improved defence doesn’t slip against such a well-drilled team.

“The first three games you just couldn’t get it out of their front half, they’re that well-drilled,” Cameron said.

“They’ve obviously sustained some injuries over the last three or four weeks, that always tests depth out.

“But their forward line is as potent as probably most forward lines going around.

“And I haven’t really got to the midfield.

“They’re a top-eight side Adelaide. They’ve played finals before and they’re well coached, so we need to make sure our game is right.”

The Giants’ defenders will face a huge test against the likes of captain Taylor Walker, Tom Lynch and cult hero Eddie Betts, who has already slotted 26 goals this season including six majors in the Crows’ 46-point win over St Kilda last Saturday.

“He’s obviously the best small forward going around,” Cameron said.

“To kick five or six last week he’s in great form, whether he does it in the air or on the ground.”

The coach will give the job on Betts to either Adam Kennedy or Zachary Williams, the latter of whom got some game time on him last season.

Co-captain Phil Davis is still a 50/50 chance of returning after the defender suffered a corked leg in the Giants’ round-six win over Hawthorn, with a decision to be made by Friday.

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