Crows coach lauds flexible, prolific Laird

Mar 26, 2017 - 10:37 AM For proof that good things come in relatively small packages, look no further than Adelaide defender Rory Laird.

At 178cm he was the smallest man in the Crows' defence but Laird was the most productive player in his side's stunning 56-point win over Greater Western Sydney in Adelaide on Sunday.

He racked up a game-high 40 disposals and was creative and daring for the home side, drawing praise from coach Don Pyke after the match.

"He was outstanding today," Pyke said.

"He was clearly, I thought, the best player."

The 23-year-old played mostly across half back against the Giants but Pyke said Laird is likely to spend some more time in the midfield as the season progresses.

"We've explored with Rory Laird through the midfield through the (pre-season) and that will continue," he said.

"He's got a handy knack of finding the ball, which is a great thing.

"We want that flexibility so we can play him there (in defence) and through the midfield as well."

The Crows' midfield was missing ball winners Brad Crouch and Scott Thompson on Sunday but Adelaide won the tackle count and contested possessions, displaying their renewed focus on their inside game.

After a stumbling start, the Crows were dominant for the rest of the game to beat GWS 22.15 (147) to 14.7 (91) in hot conditions.

Source: AAP