The big question being asked in Adelaide before the start of the 2013 season is do the Crows have the quality to overcome the loss of Kurt Tippett?
Adelaide surprised many by finishing second on the AFL ladder at the end of the 2012 home and away season. However, the surprise factor had a lot to do with the fact that they were tipped for much better things in 2011.
Brenton Sanderson’s debut season in charge of the Crows proved a huge success as he guided the club from a 14th-place finish in 2011 under Neil Craig, and then Mark Bickley, to a preliminary final berth where they were narrowly beaten by eventual runners-up Hawthorn.
Led by the brilliant Scott Thompson, who took out his second Best and Fairest award, the rise to prominence of Patrick Dangerfield and a breakout season from the promising Taylor Walker, Adelaide were the league’s biggest improvers in 2012 and are every chance of maintaining that return to form this year after injuries forced them to fail the season prior.
The emergence of the likes of Matthew Wright, David Mackay and Brodie Smith (collarbone injury in NAB Cup) will only add to the depth of players who can switch it up in midfield which includes potential A-grader Rory Sloane, Brent Reilly, skipper Nathan van Berlo, Bernie Vince and Richard Douglas.
Add much-improved ruckman Sam Jacobs to the mix and you have a recipe for a very formidable on-ball brigade.
The loss of Kurt Tippett to Sydney could hurt the Crows up forward as it will place much more responsibility on Walker who ended last term with 63 goals from 19 games.
Tippett’s absence will force the opposition’s best defender to focus more on Walker who will have to step up and take further responsibility as he prepares to deal with the closer attention by bulking up dramatically during pre-season.
There will also be more emphasis placed on smaller forwards Jason Porplyzia and Ian Callinan who both broke the 30-goal barrier last season, while the attacking midfield likes of Dangerfield and Sloane will need to lift their scoring output to help ease the burden.
Sanderson will need to find another key forward to assist Walker but it is not an absolute necessity as the Crows’ game style will allow them to consistently pump the ball into the forward line.
Adelaide have a strong ability to keep the ball away from their opponents and with Rising Star Daniel Talia alongside veteran Ben Rutten in defence, they have a backline capable of holding any key forwards if their strong midfield experience a down day.
By performing anywhere near the standard they produced in 2012, Adelaide are certainly capable of finishing in the top four in 2013 but I feel there are a few sides slightly more capable than Sanderson’s Crows.
Key players
Patrick Dangerfield really broke through last year to become one of the league’s leading midfielders.
Scott Thompson is a tough and rugged ball magnet who runs all day and is invaluable to the Crows.
Taylor Walker, a potential star in the making is a goalkicker who is capable of anything.
Break out potential
David Mackay bulked up massively prior to last season and is now ready to become a key player by breaking the lines with his run off half-back. He has played 86 games to date.
Brodie Smith is just shy of 40 games. The winger-turned-defender excelled last season and will only get better with maturity. His unfortunate collarbone injury in the NAB Cup may disrupt this.
Shaun McKernan, a forward with 23 games to his name, can play ruck as well as in defence. In 2013 he is ready to live up to his potential.
Promising youngsters
Brad Crouch is a ball-winning superstar in the making. He spent last season with West Adelaide and ready to take competition by storm.
Josh Jenkins is ready to replace Kurt Tippett but will battle it out with McKernan for a forward/ruck spot.
Rory Atkins is a livelier small forward who can play in midfield. Plenty of scope to grow after winning Calder Cannon’s Best and Fairest, but he will take time.
Key inclusions
Angus Graham. A 25-year old ruckman from Richmond, Graham has played 48 games and will provide depth behind Jacobs)
Notable departures
Michael Doughty (retired)
Chris Knights (Richmond)
Predicted finish: fifth
Crows best bets:
Taylor Walker – Coleman Medal winner – $5.50
Scott Thompson – Top 3 Brownlow finish : $4.50
Brad Crouch – Rising Star winner: $12
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