This is the first of my previews for the 2015 AFL season, which will roll out over the coming weeks.
The draft this year doesn’t shape as a big game changer, except for the Saints.
They will bring in a host of top 20 picks to be put into the paddock and fatten up to be ready for trade in four or five years.
A few delisted players may find new homes and the odd 28-year-old SANFL player might get a chance.
Last season
The Crows had an awful 2013 after missing the big dance in 2012 by one kick. They assured us this was just a season to write off and all would be restored in 2014.
Sure enough the Crows came out and dished up woeful football, assuring us all would be restored once their focal point Taylor Walker returned. The Big Texan came back and things did slightly improve, with the Crows sitting in the pack fighting for eighth before falling short and missing the finals for the second successive season.
The off-season
In one of the biggest shocks of the off-season, the Crows sacked Brenton Sanderson bringing in Phil Walsh as his replacement. Rumours surrounded Patrick Dangerfield being up for trade but they managed to keep hold of him.
They added Luke Lowden and one-time Melbourne reject Kyle Cheney to their squad in an attempt to strengthen their defence following the retirement of Ben Rutten, but in a stranger move delisted tall defender Luke Thompson.
Next season
The Crows will be aiming to reassure the restless Adelaide faithful that they are still a genuine finals contender but the reality is they are in rebuild mode. I expect Adelaide to once again fill the ninth to 13th gap, perhaps winning a game or two they shouldn’t along the way.
Their biggest test will be grabbing the signature of Patrick Dangerfield, who will fall under free agency at the end of the season.
Who to look out for
For the second time in three years ruckman Sam Jacobs came agonisingly close to securing an All Australian spot. Failing to receive a cap in 2014 left statisticians and a large percentage of the football world in shock.
A proven big game player, expect him to settle the score in 2015. Dangerfield will also be looking to build on 2014 after having a poor year by previous standards but still giving the Brownlow a shake. The spotlight will be on him this year with all the free agency talk, so at the very least a big year will bump up his salary.
Of the younger crowd Matt Crouch looks like the one to watch. An injury-interrupted 2014 kept the spotlight off but when he was fully fit he got a lot of the ball.
Best 22
FB: Cheney, Talia, Brown
HB: Smith, Shaw, Jaensch
W: Van Berlo, Thompson, Sloane
HF: Douglas, Jenkins, Kerridge
FF: Betts, Walker, Podsiadly
RU: Jacobs, Dangerfield, B. Crouch
I: M. Crouch, Mackay, Otten, Lynch
Michael
Guest
A lot of ordinary players in the 'best' 22. Brown, Jaensch Podsiadly, Mackay, Shaw and Otten. You cant just take a coach from Port and expect to then be like Port. Easy draw though, should see them 7th or 8th.
Vocans
Guest
Perhaps because the Crows are the first cab off the rank, Sam's start seems a little half-baked. This team is not in rebuild mode. With the exception of key backs and an extra ruck (not Talia obviously) the team is maturing towards fruition. Henderson is underrated by others but is approaching Smith in his impact off half back on his day, and I expect him to hit those straps far more often. Providing Van Berlo finds his form, a cool captain adds something missing in 2014. Brad Crouch already looks bigger and ready to have a break out season. Jenkins needs consistency and 2015 is about the time you'd expect him to find it. The new coach is an unknown really, but his reputation for tactics is just what they need. I'm not sure that gee em up team first stuff was needed but it can't hurt. The Crows aren't going backwards in 2015!
Crow70
Guest
well said.
AverageJoe
Guest
I must say i agree with Mark... Rebuild mode??? Apart from a key position player (or 2) i would argue that the crows list is pretty healthy. What they are lacking is a dedicated defender (or 2) given they have lost Bock, Davis, Rutten in recent years. Their midfield boasts plenty of talent and a majority are in their prime years - which is similar to their forward line. Given the crows accounted for the pies on both occasions this year and you predict a better finish (7-10) for them i must say i am having some difficulty comprehending how and on what basis you have predicted the 9-13 bracket for the crows.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
The move to a renovated Adelaide Oval resulted in a few extra points in 2014. I'm expecting the same again as teams face a cauldron of noise and colour.
Mark
Guest
What does yikes mean? A back line with two all Australians a tough nut from another club with something to prove and two young mid sizes with elite legs and substantial upside? Plenty of other teams would take this. Shaw at chb is a question mark for sure and this line up would struggle with multiple talls and need adjustment but it's a start and who knows which young guys put their hand up during the year? Barring injuries which no one can control I think this reporter is underselling the adelaide list and they'll prove him wrong
Franko
Guest
Best 22 FB: Cheney, Talia, Brown HB: Smith, Shaw, Jaensch *Yikes!!!!