Brad Scott may have finally found his perfect forward set-up seven weeks into the season and, based on the nature of Saturday’s dominant 59-point victory over Adelaide in Hobart, he’ll be hoping to keep the group fit and firing in the coming weeks
Inspired by Jarrad Waite’s “super” six-goal return in his first outing since registering a wasteful 1.7 in the opening round, the Kangaroos piled on 22 majors at Blundstone Arena and managed 10 from forward trio Waite, Ben Brown (2) and Mason Wood (2).
The Kangaroos leapt from the blocks to kick a stunning 10.4 in the opening term and were never really threatened by a disappointing Crows outfit.
“It’s the first time we’ve had Brown, Waite and Wood in the same forward line this year,” Scott said post-match.
“We obviously like the look of that but we’ve only had it once so far, so hopefully we can maintain that.”
With three goals during the first-quarter onslaught, Waite’s value to the Roos was obvious from the outset and Scott was effusive in his praise for the veteran forward.
“I’ve said ever since he’s come to our club, he’s an elite runner, an unbelievable athlete and he’s got vice-like hands,” Scott said.
“He’s been one of our best pressure players defensively and he’s a terrific guy to have around your footy club.
“Most players come back rusty (but) he just came in like he hadn’t missed a beat.”
Scott might have cause to hold his breath following a heavy second-quarter tackle Waite laid on Adelaide forward Tom Lynch that saw the Crow leave the ground immediately and fail concussion testing during the long break, with the incident likely to be referred to the MRP.
“It’s completely out of my hands,” Scott said. “I have got my own thoughts on it but I’m going to be muzzled.”
Brown, too, is likely to be assessed for signs of damage to his left shoulder, sustained during a collision with Jack Ziebell that saw him descend to the rooms to receive attention during the first quarter.
The Kangaroos will be hopeful of making it three wins on the bounce when they host the misfiring Swans at Etihad Stadium next week, and will enter the contest with newfound confidence and ongoing belief in their ability to salvage something from the season after a winless first five rounds.
“I said last week we’ve just got to hang in there, hang in and persist with what we think is the right way to go about it, and to our players’ credit they’ve persisted when results have been going against them,” Scott said.
“It’s a really good sign of character that the players have stuck with it in the face of some pretty significant adversity at 0-5.”
