The Adelaide Crows have done an extraordinary job since their coach Phil Walsh was tragically murdered back in July.
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The club’s next match against Geelong was cancelled and the week after that they lost to West Coast in Perth. At the conclusion of the match the entire team walked from the ground in tears, such was their grief.
As tough as it sounds though, one can’t morn forever, in fact it is unhealthy to do so. And ever since the West Coast match the club has made giant strides. Led by Chairman Rob Chapman and CEO Andrew Fagan Adelaide has pulled itself up off the floor and looked for light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
Stand-in coach Scott Camporeale has been widely praised for his performance since taking the reins.
He’s won 6 of 9 matches in charge, losing to West Coast, Sydney and Geelong along the way. He’s embraced the challenge, the players are with him, and the fans are on board as well.
But Camporeale has had help, not just from his assistants, but from John Worsfold. A good friend of Phil Walsh, he agreed to help Adelaide in its time of need.
Worsfold is the Football Director, overseeing the entire coaching staff. But now his job could become even more crucial.
Woosha knows what AFL finals are all about. He played in two premierships and coached the Eagles in eight finals series, including the 2006 grand final victory.
And while Adelaide has performed above expectations in the last nine weeks, Saturday’s game against the Bulldogs is a completely different mountain to climb – particularly for a number of very inexperienced Crows.
Players like Rory Laird, Brodie Smith, Charlie Cameron and Jake Lever have been outstanding so far, but will need to step it up to reach finals intensity.
Those players will need someone to help guide them through the intense build up to their first final and then prepare them for the battle itself. John Worsfold is the man, he has the wisdom and the experience.
Worsfold has already left his mark at West Lakes, but as the big prize draws closer his worth and value has now multiplied ten fold. Bring on the finals.
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Now that was a quick change of mind!
