The Adelaide Crows were introduced into the AFL in 1991, and they announced their arrival by smashing Hawthorn, the premier team of the 1980s, by 86 points. Since then the Crows have won two flags – in 1997, and again in 1998.

But what would have happened if the Crows had come into the AFL much earlier? Say, around the period 1981-85.

South Australian football had a heap of champion players. Names such as Aish, Ebert, McIntosh, Cornes, Kernahan, Bradley, Platten, Abernethy, and many others.

South Australia also dominated State of Origin during this period as well.

After South Australia’s big win over Victoria in the 1983 State of Origin at Football Park, South Australian officials called for the introduction of a South Australia side into the then VFL.

But VFL powerbrokers, Dr Allen Aylett and the late Jack Hamilton, rejected the proposal.

If they had known what was about to transpire during the 1980s (VFL almost going under, while also getting ready for a national competition), would Messrs Aylett and Hamilton have changed their minds and allowed South Australia to field a composite team. Possibly in time for 1985?

Would players such as Platten, Bradley, McGuinness, Kernahan, and Williams have stayed in Adelaide and started their VFL careers there instead of going across the border to play for Hawthorn, Collingwood, Carlton, Footscray respectively?

A Crows team, if they had played in the VFL, would’ve been unbeatable at Football Park. However, they would struggle to win games in Melbourne.

A likely Adelaide Crows team, if they had played a match in the VFL during the 80s:

ADELAIDE CROWS
B: B.Winter G.Phillips D.Hughes

HB: B.Abernethy T.Giles M.Leslie

C: M.Williams R.Ebert(c) N.Craig

HF: M.Aish S.Kernahan N.Roberts

F: T.Evans R.Davies G.McIntosh

R: M.Redden C.McDermott J.Platten

INT: G.Cornes M.Rendell T.McGuinness T.Ginever
EMERG: P.Jonas K.Kuhlmann R.Klomp R.Johnston
COACH: Neil Kerley

Other players in the Crows squad would’ve been:

Ray Huppatz, David Granger, Milan Faletic, Peter Carey, David Marshall, Brian Cunningham, Max George, Michael Taylor, Glynn Hewitt, Ross Gibbs, Mark Naley, Grantley Fielke, Roger Luders, Mark Mickan, Bruce Lindsay.

Love this article? Nominate it for The Roar’s Armchair Sports Writer Award. Or vote now for this week’s nominated articles.

Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.