Mackay expects pace attack to throw Magpies
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday September 11, 2009
ADELAIDE winger David Mackay thinks he knows how the Crows can guarantee victory over Collingwood tomorrow. By running, running and more running.Mackay's combination of speed and skill has made him a vital component in the Crows line-up for the past two seasons, and he is convinced the victors will be the side that slackens least in the running stakes and makes the most of its chances."We've just got to be really diligent with our work rate this week," Mackay said. "They're a team that loves to run hard, and something they pride themselves on, as with us, [is their] fitness base and being able to run games out, so it's something we're going to have to be able to match them in or better them in."Last time [the teams met] we also had a lot of the footy but just couldn't use it going forward. If we just improve our work rate and improve our entries into the forward 50 metre zone, it'll go a long way to us getting a good result."Mackay said the Crows' fitness had been the foundation of the team's four-game hot streak. "We certainly back our fitness, and with all the work we've done, we know we're going to be running pretty strong in the last quarter," he said."So, if we're in the game at quarter-time or half-time, we know we're going to finish it strong and be a good chance."In round 19, it was the Magpies who ran the game out stronger on their way to a 21-point win, leaving Mackay understandably mindful of the need to run both ways for four quarters.Last year, Collingwood stormed the AAMI Stadium fortress to record an elimination final win over Adelaide, although not before Mackay wowed the crowd with a bounding run that set up and then finished a blistering path to goal in the second quarter.He has done more of that this season and shapes as a key contributor on the MCG's wide expanses. "It [speed] is probably something I've got to bring to the team," he said. "I'd love to be an all-round player and do everything, and that's something everyone in the team strives to be, really good at every area. But when you've got a strength that can help the team, you've got to be able to exploit it."Elsewhere, Carlton captain Chris Judd has lost his appeal against a three-game suspension for misconduct.The star midfielder will miss the first three games of next year's home-and-away season.
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald
