Over the past two seasons, the Adelaide Crows have been through more than any other AFL team.
The tragic murder of coach Phil Walsh came as a shock to the entire football community. In footballing terms, the departure of Patrick Dangerfield was set to have negative consequences last year – but the Crows responded with two consecutive semi-final appearances and a near top-four finish in 2016.
Under the leadership of Taylor Walker, the best captain in the AFL as voted by the players, the Crows have shown discipline, structure and hunger, especially under head coach Don Pyke in 2016.
After the disappointing exit of Dangerfield, the Crows young midfielders picked up the slack last season, led by Rory Sloane, Matt Crouch and Charlie Cameron, while the forward line has made a case as the best in the AFL.
Their slingshot style of football, which is almost unbeatable at the Adelaide Oval, made them the highest scoring team in the competition last year.
But after disappointing losses to Hawthorn and Sydney to end their past two finals campaigns, do we take them as serious contenders in 2017?
First of all, they were by far the healthiest team in the league last season. Suffering no long term injuries to key players, and very few short-term injuries, they were able to field a near-identical team each week which gave them the best chance to succeed.
That said, they showed they have some of the best young players in the competition, led by Jake Lever, Mitch McGovern, Charlie Cameron, Rory Laird and the Crouch brothers. The development of Rory Atkins and Kyle Hartigan helped to resolve previous weaknesses, while the forward line trio of Jenkins, Walker and Betts kicked a combined 184 goals.
Adelaide had a reasonably tough draw last year, but some key away wins over West Coast, Richmond and Carlton helped them secure a home final.
Their draw this year is better, so that will hold them in good stead, although there are no easy wins in this day and age.
The dominance of GWS, Sydney and the Western Bulldogs makes it difficult for teams in the 5-8 range to step up and win a premiership.
The Crows do have great depth on their list, however, which is essential in a long, gruelling season. Their SANFL team performed well last season and there is some promising young talent in Reily O’Brien, Harrison Wigg and Harry Dear coming through.
The midfield is always the biggest challenge for Adelaide, though. When teams get on top in the midfield battle, Adelaide struggles to counter that. And with Scott Thompson not getting any younger, Jarred Lyons joining Gold Coast and Brad Crouch yet again injured, this will be the biggest test for the Crows tilt at September.
We know the quality of Rory Sloane, Charlie Cameron and Matt Crouch, but if they are performing slightly below par Adelaide doesn’t have enough depth to compete with the best midfields in the game.
But with the attacking style of footy they play and the blend of youth and experience, it would be naive to count them out. They are by no means favourites, or even in the top three favourites, but have shown that they can compete with the best teams in the league, and could be a force to be reckoned with over the next five years.
Justin Ahrns
Roar Guru
Absolutely right Paul. One slow player in this day and age can cost you in big games. Unless you're Sam Mitchell of course.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Re: lack of pace, Adelaide should look at how the Hawks handled Brad Sewell's exit as there's a lot of similarities to he and Thompson right now - played the Qualifying final against Geelong in 2014 and despite a 30+ point win was not picked against Port Adelaide in the prelim No room for sentiment come finals
Justin Ahrns
Roar Guru
Agreed Paul D. As good as he has been over a long period of time, in big finals games his lack of pace could be an issue. The problem with Ellis-Yolmen is that he is just as slow as Thompson. He wins the ball a lot, but similar to the Crouch boys, he doesn't provide a lot of speed.
Justin Ahrns
Roar Guru
Yeah Ellis-Yolmen should play after Lyon's exit, Crouch's injury and Thompson's ageing. The fact that those players are in the reserve side is a good sign, but the depth will really get tested if they encounter a few serious injuries.
Ants32
Roar Rookie
Yep. Probably his last season. Expect him to move more off the ball. Time for more speed in the midfield. :/ Ellis-Yolmen will take his position.
Ants32
Roar Rookie
The AFL Academy side (AKA GWS) will not win a flag until they can stop a revolving door of talent. Which won't happen until they truly become a team; not a group of talented individuals. :/
Ants32
Roar Rookie
Expect Ellis-Yolmen to be playing a lot more, and in the midfield this season. Almost a certainty after his contract talks. Apparently all set to walk without more games. :/
Ants32
Roar Rookie
Yep. That's about the size of it Giddy. North are worth a punt for the spoon. :/
Ants32
Roar Rookie
Agreed. Anything less than a GF appearance would be a fail for the mighty Cows this season. :/
Paul D
Roar Guru
You'll know Adelaide are really starting to develop if Thompson starts in their best 22 round one, and isn't in it come finals. Need to learn to live without him this season
Justin Ahrns
Roar Guru
While I agree that Thommo's days are very numbered, I think he still has a place in the side in 2017, and absolutely in 2016. Yes he is getting slower and the decisions aren't great, but his toughness and tackle pressure is missed when he isn't there. Plus his leadership is invaluable. Without injuries to other players in 2017 he may fall out of favor, but he is definitely still a viable option in my opinion
Justin Ahrns
Roar Guru
I think watching them in the finals last year that they were very dominant, despite all their injuries. And yes the Crows injury list may revert to the mean, but it's a good sign that players don't drop left right and center. And yes, GWS have got to be flag favorites
Crowbot
Guest
Ok I'm going to say it. Adelaide's midfield will improve and have immediate positive results if they stop selecting Scott Thompson, honestly 2014 should have been his last year on the list, but things transpired to keep him on. New first year coaches don't come in swinging the axe anymore ( Blighty obviously didn't write this part of the manual) and Danger left, so they felt they needed him. Cam Ellis-Yolman, Curtly Hampton and Wayne Milera should be in Adelaide's best 22 come round 1and they should all get a chance to have a run through the area. Over time if these guys arn't delivering Dean Gore, Tom Doedee are options, even new kids Gallucci and Polholke, just don't pick Thompson ever again.
Philthy
Roar Rookie
Not sure about some of your statements. The Bulldogs are not dominate, they finished 7th and had a very good finals series last year. The good injury run of Adelaide while helping them last year, may not help them in the long run if their injury record reverts to the mean. They won't have games into the younger players. In any case, everyone may well be playing for 2nd if GWS continue to develop the way they did last year.
Giddy
Guest
Are you serious. North Melbourne I see dropping massively then I would have Geelong and Hawthorn next. I think Adelaide, GWS, Sydney, West Coast and Bulldogs are the locks. Each to their own opinion though I suppose, but it is hard to see North going up this year
Stewie
Guest
I think their depth is one of their best strengths. If players like Ellis-Yolmen, Knight, Hampton, aren't guaranteed a spot, they must be doing something right, yeah?
Justin Ahrns
Roar Guru
Wouldn't say average, still better than most teams, but below par for what's required to win a premiership. That said, they are young and their strong forward line evens it out in many ways.
Justin Ahrns
Roar Guru
There are certainly lots of teams that could squeeze into the eight. It's gonna be tough battles for spots for sure
Justin Ahrns
Roar Guru
Yes you are right. Throw in Freo too, but they haven't been around as long. They have lots of elite players in their prime, but the key test it midfield depth. They'd need a few things to go their way, but it is absolutely possible to win a flag this season
Justin Ahrns
Roar Guru
Yeah they could cause some damage, but as you say a lot would need to go right for them. And if you throw in the passing of Dean Bailey and the near-death of Brent Riley, I think it is fair to say they have been through more than anyone. Essondon is a different sort of thing, but tough nonetheless. The club put it on themselves in many ways, but feel for the players for sure.