If you had asked anyone this six months ago, you would’ve been laughed at. But Adelaide have lost the least amount of games over the entire year, that is the pre season and the full home and away season thus far.
So why haven’t they been talked about as premiership fancies?
One of the main reasons I believe is because they aren’t a Melbourne based team. As most AFL supporters are Victorian, we tend to not analyse teams from other states, instead focusing on Collingwood, Hawthorn and Geelong as the ‘class’ teams.
So this allows clubs like Sydney, Adelaide and West Coast to sneak under the radar. Their record against the Pies and the Hawks this year also creates doubts in experts minds. Critics have also pointed to their soft draw.
But what most people don’t give the Crows credit for is their ability to not be fazed by games against big clubs.
We saw this in round six at the SCG where they got the jump on Sydney, were challenged late, but held on.
A week later they then defeated the Cats by eight goals, yet still everyone believed they weren’t worthy of their place.
Beating a desperate Essendon was also a brave effort, coming down from 28 points at half time to win. They do know how to win.
Their soft draw according to experts has helped them. But what they forget is at least one club from the lower reaches of the ladder each year gets extra help for the next season.
They have just benefitted from being lucky. Not many footy fans like the Crows, but fans might have to get used to the Crows playing a big part in this years finals series.
Remember they haven’t lost two games or more all year, the only team to do so. Write them off at your peril.
Wood
Guest
Not even close. Had a real soft draw this year by playing poor teams multiple times. Fremantle should be too strong for them and I doubt they will get past the semis. Have improved on last year though Dockers by 12. For the record only 3 real chances this year Hawks Sydney and West Coast. Good value SYD or WCE premiership
bolloxx
Guest
As a Crows fan I would have to say realistically it's unlikely. But I'm excited with their performance so far and if they get over the Swans who knows what will happen?
Dan
Guest
Yes.
bunratty
Guest
Yes....they have the talent and the will!
Jack Russell
Roar Guru
Probably not. but they didn't in 97 and 98 either. They're certainly capable of getting to the grand final on the back of 2 home finals.
Wolfgang von Schimmelbusch
Guest
Nein.
Camshaft
Guest
Big statement and doesn't make much sense. A lot can happen in 5 years. Port Adelaide played off in a GF 5 years ago.
ME
Guest
Eh maybe not this year...but they'll still be a better side with more depth of talent than brisbane or gc for the next 5 years at least. And i love that, because i hate them both. Shocking sides.
TC
Guest
To back up josh's succinct comment - not even close. TC
swannies05
Roar Pro
As we all know anything can happen in Finals Footy, and as numerous coaches/players/commentators have said all year the difference between the teams is far smaller than in previous years. As the results all year have shown if one team is even 10% off their best, nearly anyone can beat anyone, so if the Crows do make it the Granny, they could definitely pull off one of the biggest premiership coups probably since their flag in '98. In saying this though, at their best (and taking into consideration where the Finals will be played in coming weeks) I still have all clubs bar Freo and Nth in front of them to be celebrating on the last Saturday in September. Being a Swans supporter I hope the Crows get knocked over this week!
Matt F
Roar Guru
They're a real chance to get to the GF but I don't think they're quite good enough yet to beat the Hawks at the MCG in the big one (assuming both get there of course)
josh
Guest
No.