Key defender, Harry Taylor, says the Crow that could cause the most havoc for the Cats this Sunday is number 26, Richard Douglas.

This year Douglas continues to deliver a formidable performance in the midfield which is why Taylor believes he is the one to watch. According to Taylor his class and consistency in the centre could even put him in line for a spot in this year’s all-Australian selection.  

“He’s a prototype forward slash midfielder of the modern game,” Taylor told Cats TV.

“He’s a really hard working player with really good skills, he’s averaging 23 disposals a game, 5.3 inside-50s and 1.1 goal assists, which puts him right on top of the tree in terms of those key statistical areas for the Adelaide Crows.”

Last time Douglas met the Cats was round 18 last year, where he pocketed 26 possessions and five inside-50s. This time round Taylor is convinced the handy midfielder has the capacity to cause even more damage on his own turf at AAMI Stadium.  

“He’s in all-Australian form at the moment and someone we’re going to have to pay a lot of attention to,” Taylor said.

Sunday Taylor will make sure the Cats are ready to pluck Douglas from the air before he reaches his maximum pace.   

“Averaging 4.3 tackles a game, it’s really important that we try to get some body on him and stop him form running straight through the stoppages and kicking the ball inside-50 to some pretty dangerous forwards,” Taylor explained.

Taylor believes Douglas will be expected to fill Dangerfield’s role and will step it up to the next highest level to compensate for his absence.

“With Paddy Dangerfield likely not to play the importance of Douglas clearance ability is going to be heightened, so it’s really important that we pay special attention to him this coming week,” Taylor said.

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