Players to blame not Sando: Sloane

Adelaide's rollercoaster season has continued in the West, falling to a red-hot Fremantle.

Rory Sloane says coach Brenton Sanderson is not to blame. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

CO-CAPTAIN Rory Sloane concedes Adelaide has no answers to its yo-yo form ahead of Saturday's win-or-bust home clash with North Melbourne – but insists coach Brenton Sanderson isn't to blame.

Straight-talker Sloane, 24, condemned Adelaide's playing group for a sixth defeat against Fremantle on Sunday in Perth characterised by the poor mental focus and intensity blighting its season.

There can be no excuse in the professional age for a side that doesn't turn up with the right psyche.

"We will review it but the same stuff always pops up. We have to take responsibility and action some of it because it is not good enough as players," said Sloane when asked if Sanderson's messages were getting through after a two-point, half-time lead turned to 40-point defeat.

Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson says his team was blown off the park in the second half.

"The players, coaches are frustrated and I guess wondering why we are still so inconsistent. It didn't seem like there was much effort, intensity lacked completely. Fremantle just outran us, it was pretty poor really."

Failure against Brad Scott's men at Adelaide Oval would leave the 10th-ranked Crows 5-7 and 12 points in arrears of seventh-placed North. Essendon then top dog Port Adelaide follow as the Crows contemplate another September void.

"It's an important game, we are 5-6 and really need to get that squared off now if we are going to take some form into the second half of the year," said club champion Sloane.

"It is a big few weeks definitely. We have a few of the best teams in the next three weeks starting with North who are in great form.

Brenton Sanderson addresses his troops on Sunday. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

"If we bring our best game we will be a great chance. If we are not switched on it will be pretty tough for us."

Adelaide knows where it is falling down but still has no remedy entering Round 13.

"We seemed a bit off. I am not sure why, that is what we are scratching our heads about now," said Sloane, with seven Crows having less than 10 touches against Fremantle.

"We bring it some weeks and look amazing and don't bring it the next week and look pretty poor.

"It starts with bringing the right frame of mind in those games, bringing the heat to really cause turnovers."

Sloane noted the frustration fans must feel with victories against Collingwood and Gold Coast spliced with indifferent displays.

"We know when we play the right way, get the pressure right we can match it with the best teams," said Sloane.

"Lucky we get another chance to respond and hopefully the roller-coaster form continues and we are back up into action."

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Attack must start from the top

Last updated: June 10, 2014

ADELAIDE Football Club chief executive Steven Trigg is on the attack. If only the same theme oozed from his office to the football field.

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What is the greatest number at Blues, Crows?

Alex Jesaulenko ensures No.25 is etched into footy folklore with his leap in the 1970 Grand Final. Picture: Bruce Howard Source: News Limited

CARLTON and Adelaide have both had several famous numbers in their respective histories, but which is the greatest?

Each week Glenn McFarlane will nominate the best numbers from two AFL clubs and then we'll hand it over to you to judge the greatest.

MORE: MYSTIQUE OF FOOTY'S MAGIC NUMBERS

STARTS SUNDAY: COUNTDOWN TO FOOTY'S GREATEST NUMBER

NOW: HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FAN'S FAVOURITE NUMBER USING THE #FANSNUMBER HASHTAG

See Glenn's nominees below and cast your vote.

ADELAIDE

32

Famously worn by: Mark Ricciuto, Patrick Dangerfield

There could hardly have been a more fitting handover of one of Adelaide's most revered numbers, from Brownlow winner Mark Ricciuto to the man who resembles him most in the modern era, Patrick Dangerfield. Both possess like-minded attributes — hard at the ball, capable of team-lifting, inspirational acts, yet blessed with the skills and temperament to match. No.32 was first worn at the Crows by Bruce Lindsay for six games in 1991.

Don't mess with No. 32 at Adelaide. Source: News Limited

23

Andrew McLeod

Arguably Adelaide's best footballer, McLeod made the No.23 synonymous with the Crows. His wife even wore the number emblazoned on her back at a Brownlow Medal function. No jumper has been worn in more games in the club's history. Now worn by Jared Petrenko.

Rachel McLeod is a big fan of No. 23. Source: Supplied

7

Nigel Smart, Nathan Van Berlo

Smart was a crucial member of the Crows' back-to-back flag defence, as well as winning All-Australian selection. Nathan Van Berlo has served the club with distinction for a number of years and has been skipper for the past four seasons.

Rory Sloane wears No.9 with distinction. Source: News Corp Australia

9

Tyson Edwards, Rory Sloane

Edwards was one of the Crows' most consistent footballers over a long period of time, being one of only four players to reach 300 games at the club. Rory Sloane's career is still very much on the ascent, but he has already shown enough to justify his elevation to the No. 9 guernsey.

What is Adelaide's greatest number?

CARLTON

25

Famously worn by: Alex Jesaulenko, Brendan Fevola, Jim Baird

Jezza brought down the most famous mark in football, in the 1970 Grand Final, and he and Brendan Fevola kicked a remarkable 999 goals between them. Both made the No. 25 one of the most adorned on jumpers in their time. And don't forget dual premiership player Jim Baird, who played in defence in the 1945 flag and kicked three goals in the Blues' 1947 triumph.

Greg Williams celebrates a goal in the 1995 Grand Final. Source: News Corp Australia

2

John Nicholls, Greg Williams

Two of the greatest footballers in the history of Carlton, Nicholls and Williams were a generation apart, but both contributed immensely to the club's success. Nicholls was a champion of the highest order, as a dominant ruckman as well as inspirational on-field leader, a premiership-winning captain-coach and five-time best-and-fairest winner. Williams won his second Brownlow Medal in navy Blue and was an outstanding player at the club that had originally rejected him.

Stephen Silvagni prepares for a heavy landing. Source: News Limited

1

Stephen Silvagni, Sergio Silvagni, Ken Hands

Rated as one of the great father-son combinations, Sergio and Stephen Silvagni made enormous contributions to the Carlton Football Club during some of its most successful seasons. Both won best-and-fairests (Sergio one, Stephen two). SOS (Son of Serge) would become the AFL's Team of the Century full-back.

The No.11 was just one of the recognisable items in Bruce Doull's wardrobe. Source: News Limited

11

Rod McGregor, Bruce Doull, Laurie Kerr

Another famous Carlton jumper worn by three of the club's stars. Bruce Doull rates as highly as almost anyone who has worn the Carlton jumper, while Rod McGregor was a gun centreman who played in two flags and, like Doull, was one of the original intake of the Australian football Hall of Fame. While Doull was half-back flank in the Blues' Team of the Century, McGregor and Laurie Kerr were emergencies in the side.

4

Stephen Kernahan, Peter Bosustow, Bryce Gibbs

Kernahan has served Carlton in many capacities, but it was his role as captain that stamped him one of the greatest figures in the club's history. No one has kicked more goals at Carlton (738) and no one has led the team on more occasions (226). He was chosen as leader of the Blues' Team of the Century. Bosustow's career was short-lived but spectacular, flashing like a comet and gone far too soon. And Bryce Gibbs has worn the No. 4 in 165 matches.

What is Carlton's greatest number?

REMEMBER THE HIGH NUMBERS STAR PLAYERS STARTED OUT IN? TAKE THE QUIZ BELOW OR CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON A MOBILE DEVICE

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Where Are They Now, with Jesper Fjeldstad

TONY Francis was a tough little rover who made an immediate impact after crossing from Norwood to Collingwood ahead of the 1990 season. He was part of the Magpies' drought-busting premiership in his first season — their first since 1958 — and won the Harry Collier Trophy for best first-year player.

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Silvagni, the secret of the century

Last updated: June 07, 2014

ONLY a rare and small number of people know a little secret about the most contentious position in the AFL's Team of the Century.

Live: Saints steady to hold Power at bay

LIVE COVERAGE: ST KILDA star Nick Riewoldt kicked the last two goals of the first quarter to put the Saints within striking distance of Port Adelaide.

Warm spell leads to winter bargains

Anooska Tucker-Evans THERE'S no better time to bag a bargain on winter woollies, heaters and boots as the half yearly sales ramp up this weekend.

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Mick livid over late, costly umpiring calls

Last updated: June 07, 2014

ANGRY Carlton coach Mick Malthouse will seek explanations from the AFL umpires department over contentious decisions on Friday night.

Live: Saints steady to hold Power at bay

LIVE COVERAGE: ST KILDA star Nick Riewoldt kicked the last two goals of the first quarter to put the Saints within striking distance of Port Adelaide.

Warm spell leads to winter bargains

Anooska Tucker-Evans THERE'S no better time to bag a bargain on winter woollies, heaters and boots as the half yearly sales ramp up this weekend.

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Sharking Sandilands’ taps the Crows’ ambition

Adelaide Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs, left, is fit to take on Dockers giant Aaron Sandilands on Sunday. Source: News Limited

ADELAIDE is planning a "Sandi raid'' at the House of Pain on Sunday.

Despite expecting his sore lead ruckman Sam Jacobs to play against the Dockers, Crows coach Brenton Sanderson has spent the week formulating a plan to steal giant Aaron Sandilands' hit-outs, believing it will be crucial in his club's chances of pulling off an upset.

"He (Sandilands) is the No. 1 hit-out player this year, so we'll have to be at our best at ground level,'' Sanderson said.

"Sauce (Jacobs)_will still win his fair share of hit-outs, but we have to understand this will be a week where we'll be sharking Sandilands' hit-outs as well."

In what shapes as a mouth-watering clash, 211cm Docker Sandilands ranks No. 1 in the competition for hit-outs (409) and hit-outs to advantage (115).

Jacobs — 9cm shorter at 202cm — ranks fourth for hit-outs (308) and third for hit-outs to advantage (93).

Jacobs has had to fight off deep-seated hip bruising — courtesy of friendly fire from teammate Patrick Dangerfield's knee — to be named in the Adelaide line-up.

Fremantle are confident that Nathan Fyfe will be fit to play against the Crows despite being on crutches after their win over the Bulldogs.

Sanderson expects him to get through a light training session this morning, board the plane to Perth this afternoon and play tomorrow after he breezed through training on Friday.

"He looks good," Sanderson said.

"He got through the full session, so I can't see any reason why he won't play.

"We had a 40-minute session and he didn't look restricted. He did some ruckwork and some controlled contact, so it looks like he'll be fine.

"But we'll see how he pulls up (on Saturday) before we set off.''

Sanderson described Sandilands as a "unique'' ruckman because of his size and said it's impossible to stop him from winning his share of hit-outs.

"Obviously we're coming up against a really good ruckman in Sandilands, who's really important for them,'' Sanderson said, revealing much of his team's planning had revolved around watching vision of his ruck work.

"He is a unique ruckman in that he's nearly 10 centimetres taller than the next tallest ruckman he ever plays against, so it will be important to have him (Jacobs).

"The midfield is where I think this game will be won and lost.''

While Jacobs will have his hands full with Sandilands, ace on-baller Patrick Dangerfield is expected to have to deal with the hard tag of the Docker "glove'', Ryan Crowley.

In contrast, the Crows are expected to use Sam Kerridge to clamp down on Nathan Fyfe or Stephen Hill.

"They've got a great midfield with Fye, (David) Mundy, (Michael) Barlow and Hill, so there are plenty of options for them at ground level as well,'' Sanderson said.

"It's shaping up as a really mouth-watering contest with our midfield against their midfield.''

Sanderson said star forward Taylor Walker — back in form with five goals against the Suns last week — is not in doubt for tomorrow's clash, despite nursing a sore calf during the week.

"Tex is fine," Sanderson said.

"He had a corky in his calf, but that's nothing out of the ordinary for most players. He'll certainly play."

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Live: Saints steady to hold Power at bay

Port Adelaide star Brad Ebert pleads for a free kick. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

PORT Adelaide woke from its slumber late in the second term to set up a handy 19-point margin at the main break.

Hamish Hartlett sparked the three-goal run with a long bomb from 60m to give the fans at the Portress something to cheer about.

Jarman Impey then waltzed inside 50 to kick his first before Robbie Gray made something out of nothing in the pocket for his second.

St Kilda made the most of the first 20 minutes of the quarter to draw level with Terry Milera's snap from the pocket.

Earlier, a seven-goal third quarter has seen Hawthorn demolish West Coast at Aurora Stadium in Launceston.

Jarryd Roughead was the star with eight goals as the Hawks shrugged off any injury concerns, to win 19.9 (123) to 12.7 (79).

FOLLOW THE ACTION IN OUR MATCH CENTRE WITH LIVE SUPERCOACH SCORES ABOVE OR CLICK HERE IF YOU'RE ON A MOBILE DEVICE .

Hawthorn debutant Luke Lowden kicked three goals in an impressive display while Andrew Gaff and Luke Shuey were among the best for the Eagles.

In Adelaide, Port Adelaide host St Kilda in today's twilight match.

The Power are flying, two games clear on top of the ladder, and welcome back former assistant coach Alan Richardson.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION AND HAVE YOUR SAY IN OUR LIVE BLOG BELOW.

First-year Saints coach Richardson will be looking to cause a major upset as arrest the Saints worrying form slump.

In tonight's double-header, the Western Bulldogs welcome Brisbane to Etihad Stadium while the Giants face Essendon at Spotless Stadium.

SATURDAY FOOTBALL

HAWTHORN defeat West Coast at Aurora Stadium

Late Changes: Nil

Subs: Billy Hartung (Hawks), Sharrod Wellingham (Eagles)

Port Adelaide v St Kilda at Adelaide Oval, 4.10pm (CST)

Late Changes: Nil

Subs: Ben Newton (Power), Jack Billings (Saints)

Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium, 7.40pm (EST)

GWS Giants v Essendon at Spotless Stadium, 7.40pm (EST)

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Crows seek consistency via defence

Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins says the Crows must use Thursday's impressive win over Collingwood to gather some momentum in the coming weeks.

David Mackay says Adelaide will be focusing on defence to improve its consistency this season. Source: News Limited

DAVID Mackay believes a defensive mindset can help Adelaide find the consistency which has plagued it this season.

Adamant the Crows have a potent attack, wingman Mackay says denying the opposition easy goals is the key to the club moving ahead in the win-loss ledger for the first time this year and playing finals.

NO MCG INJURY DEMONS FOR TEX

CROWS WAIT ON CROUCH

"We think we can score, we haven't had too many issues scoring and we think we've got a lot of options going forward,'' Mackay said as his team prepared to play Carlton at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE SUPERFOOTY PODCAST BELOW OR CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE IN ITUNES

"We've just got to make sure we keep teams to low scores. When we've lost it's because we've lost momentum in games and allowed teams to score pretty easily against us.

"That's been the area which has let us down all year. We think if we can rectify the effort we had defensively against Collingwood then we'll be in pretty good shape with our attack.''

Adelaide bounced back from an embarrassing defeat to Melbourne, stunning Collingwood with a 21-point win at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.

Adelaide conceded just 55 points to the Magpies — a far cry from the 93 points it had been averaging after round seven.

Mackay is not putting the heat just on the club's defenders to silence rivals.

He said the all-round pressure which the Crows applied on Collingwood is the key to his 4-4 team winning regularly.

LOVE NOT MONEY FOR DANGERFIELD

"We've still got a lot of things to work on but the positive from last week was that we played the four quarters of intense footy that we've been trying to play all year,'' Mackay said.

"We saw the fruits of what we've been working on, which was the most pleasing thing.

"But we have to build on that. It won't mean much unless we continue on with that form.

"We certainly believe that when we bring our best form we can match anyone but the trick for us is to have that consistency.

"And that starts with the pressure and making sure we do our job defensively.''

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson fronts the media following the Crows' 21-point win over Collingwood on Thursday night.

Adelaide set a season benchmark for defensive pressure against the Pies, laying 93 tackles — the second best performance in club history.

Mackay said the Crows are "under no illusions'' of where the team is at and that "we still have plenty of work to do''.

He said Adelaide is aware of the importance of backing up the win against Collingwood by beating the Blues.

"Every game now is really big for us,'' Mackay said.

"We don't have the luxury of putting in a poor performance because at 4-4 we're pretty delicately balanced.

"We've got to make sure we get ahead of the (win-loss) ledger and all the boys and coaching staff are well aware of that.''

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Bombers ban racist fan for Goodes slur

Last updated: May 20, 2014

ESSENDON has revoked the membership of a supporter accused of making racist comments towards Australian of the Year Adam Goodes during Friday night's loss to Sydney at Etihad Stadium.

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