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After finishing second in 2012, the Crows were highly touted in 2013, with aspirations of winning another flag. However, a shadow was soon cast over their season with the rise of cross-town enemies, Port Adelaide.
The Power surged above the Crows, rising to seventh, while the former South Australian powerhouse fell away to 11th.
Following another loss to their rivals at the start of 2014, Adelaide look as though their slip could fast become a free-fall. And in a footy-mad state like South Australia, that is a doomsday scenario.
To be fair, the Crows have been competitive in all three of their losses so far for three quarters, and their last-quarter fade-outs have cost them three wins. Is this just that the teams they have played have elite fitness, or was Adelaide’s preseason not hard enough?
Another factor in their lacklustre start to the year is that their star centre, Patrick Dangerfield, is copping the tag. Every week now no Dangerfield means no Adelaide.
The departure of seasoned midfielder Bernie Vince has meant nobody is putting on the blocks or shepherding for Paddy and his game is suffering. His uncontested possession, clearances and inside 50 counts have all halved over the course of 12 months.
After every contest, Dangerfield ends up sprawled on the ground. Mark Ricciutto said, “it looks like he may be coming into the game with something sore.” He may well be right.
Finally, disposal under pressure is becoming the Crows’ Achilles heel. They excel at winning the contested ball and then let themselves down by turning it over. The Crows were last in the competition for scores from turnovers in Rounds 1 and 2. Adelaide cannot handle the pressure which other teams apply in the contest – their first touch is always a fumble or the handball is just wide.
These are only small blunders, but they are combining to put Adelaide behind the eight ball in 2014.
The Crows have fallen to 0-3. Coming games against the Saints, the Giants and the Dogs loom as danger games for Adelaide’s 2014 season and their future in the South Australian football market.
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