After belting the reigning premiers by 50 points on the weekend and edging out the then-undefeated Sydney Swans in the Harbour City the weekend prior, the question must be asked.
Does the Adelaide Football Club have a genuine chance of winning the premiership?
I got thinking while reading an article by Rohan Connolly, which predicted that Adelaide would finish 3rd with 18 wins for the season.
I thought that prediction was remarkably high considering this team won just seven games last season and with essentially the same personnel.
Sorting through the stats, you will find that the Crows are the kings of the contested ball in 2012.
They average 157 a game. I also found that they are second in hit outs, only to the Sandilands-led Fremantle and first in clearances with 41 per game.
Makes interesting reading, so more often than not, the likes of Thompson and Dangerfield are getting their hands on the footy first thanks to the work of Sam Jacobs.
And, when they don’t get first use, the likes of Petrenko and Sloane are cracking in to win the contested ball.
Now looking at their draw, they have some difficult fixtures over the next three weeks.
One would assume that Carlton will get the better of them this week, leaving the Crows with two losses.
Now Connolly believes that they will only lose two more games for the rest of the season, which includes a trip to Subiaco to face Fremantle, a trip to Kardinia Park to face Geelong, plus hosting West Coast, Essendon, Collingwood.
Call me a sceptic, but just I cannot see that happening. There is no doubt that under Sanderson, the Crows are a vastly improved unit, but I just don’t think they are a top four side, let alone a premiership contender.
They should play finals, with something in the region of 14 wins for the season (double their 2011 total) but as far as I am concerned, they will just be making up the numbers.
Robbie 74
Guest
Looks like your assumption that the crows would go down to Carlton was completely wrong... Doesn't really matter what any of your opinions are just sit back and let the football speak for itself. In their current form the crows could take it to any side.
Nathan
Guest
After watching the crows absolutely belt Carlton up. Beat Geelong by 50 and Swans at SCG. Try another profession mate. You're no good at this one!
cliffy
Guest
Reading the comments so far, the Crows are not exactly well liked. Still very early days and the competition hasnt been closer for many a year. If you need 12 wins to make the eight I suggest it is still open for the top thirteen.
doubledutch
Roar Pro
no
BenDowney
Roar Rookie
Have improved a lot but have had a dream run. A great effort in the past 2 weeks, if they drop their next 3 (which is possible) then the tough questions will be asked and how they respond to that will be telling. Pies game in 2 weeks at AAMI will be a cracker
Pope Paul VII
Guest
They are completely taking the mickey. Just look at Taylor Walker's hair.
Walt
Guest
I won't consider them good enough to be a Top 8 side until they have won their first final. Until then let's not pump them up too much Ok? Good I am glad we agree.
CraigB
Roar Guru
"To be fair, the next three weeks will give us a clearer picture. " Funny they said the same thing first when the crows played the Pow-Ah. After all licorice all-sorts form was actually better as they'd played the tougher teams. Then again when they had to go up against an undefeated Sydney in Sydney. The same Synday that just punmped your 'serious contenders' Hawthorn. Then reality was going to strike when they faced the reigning premiers. So now it's when they pay Carlton and collywood.... You have to accept the Crows are a much improved side. I agree with the author that 3rd with 18 wins is optimistic in the extreme, but they playing as well as anyone at the moment.
Walt
Guest
So the Crows beat up on a depleted Geelong, only just beat Sydney (who were then pumped by Richmond) and just squeaked by their struggling neighbours after an almighty fright. Their other wins against GWS and GC. Their one loss was against a serious contender in Hawthorn. As someone who really doesnt want them to win, I am looking for any excuse not to pump them up. How am I doing? To be fair, the next three weeks will give us a clearer picture. Carlton, Collingwood and then Freo - the first 2 without Tay-Lah.