Sitting on top of the table by six points and an unsurmountable percentage, things should be looking good for the Adelaide Crows as they gear up for a tilt at a third premiership.
However, many off-field questions have marred their 2017, with the contracts of Mitch McGovern and Jake Lever causing worry among Crows fans, who experienced the same thing just two years ago with superstar Patrick Dangerfield.
Lever, in particular, has caused major headaches, with rumours changing on almost a weekly basis regarding his chances of signing a new contract with the club.
So, with the finals commencing in just under three weeks’ time, it is becoming crucial that Adelaide finalise a deal with the up-and-coming defender.
Lever is one of the best young key defenders in the competition, with his ability to read the ball in flight and intercept being highlights of the early parts of his career.
Whether it be flying for marks or crashing packs, Lever has been a revelation for Don Pyke this season, the 21-year-old being used in a number of roles.
After a solid 2016 campaign, Lever has truly come of age this season, averaging 16.3 disposals, 6.3 marks and 3.4 rebound 50s a game. For a key defender in just his third season of AFL football, these numbers are truly remarkable and highlight Lever’s potential as one of the game’s top defenders in years to come.
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Along with his ability to rack up the ball and rebound out of defence, Lever’s composure coming out of the back half is first class, and with the likes of Brodie Smith he has set up a number of attacking movements.
Structurally, Lever is critical for the Crows defence, with his ability to intercept and read the ball making it easier for lock-down defenders such as Daniel Talia, Kyle Hartigan and Luke Brown to shut down dangerous forwards.
While McGovern is also out of contract at the end of this season, if the Crows were to pick one, it must be Lever. His departure would have a much more significant effect.
Lever has received plenty of interest, especially from his home town in Melbourne, with figures of $800,000 a year flying around.
But as talented and valuable he is on the field, the Crows must re-sign Lever for reasons that stem beyond the football ground.
Adelaide have not had much success retaining out-of-contract stars, losing the likes of Nathan Bock, Phil Davis, Jack Gunston, Kurt Tippett and Dangerfield to either free agency or trade since 2010.
A culture of players leaving is sadly beginning to develop. If worst comes to worst and McGovern, Lever and Charlie Cameron all leave this off-season, many will be begin to question the club’s list management and their ability to present players with a desirable future.
With opposition clubs pulling out the chequebooks, the Crows must up their offers, giving these youngsters a number they deserve.
Although this seems easy, Adelaide face an extreme salary cap squeeze, as a number of stars have either recently signed large deals or are coming out of contract in the near future. This is the ultimate balancing act, and something the Crows need to get right if they are going to contend into the future.
The Crows must show they can provide a strong culture and a period of sustained success that will see Lever become a multiple-premiership player.
This off season is building up to be do-or-die for the Adelaide Football Club, with Lever’s contract, in particular, having the ability to either build a dynasty, or confirm their reputation as being unable to retain players.
Johno
Guest
This 100% McGovern needs to be the priority, lever can be trade bait to some vic club wanting to pay him $800K a year....
Crowsman
Guest
Lever will go home- Ryan burton at hawthorn is from sa and has developed nicely this season-rising star for sure. There could be some sort of benefit for both clubs with a trade right there. Burton still inexpensive for the crows as he is still developing freeing up cash to hold gov...could do worse imo. No idea why this hasn't been mentioned already
Birdman
Guest
Riley Knight? Pfffttt! but seriously Puopolo may not be long term but the Crows' window is open NOW. No point waiting for bargain basement players like Riley Knight to finally fulfil his potential after 3 years on the list.
Lamby
Roar Rookie
Crows would not want Puopolo - the only spot in the forward line is Riley Knight's. You would not swap a cheap 22/23 yo with an expensive 29/30 yo. There is only a very slight upside in stats and Knight can run thru the midfield and run as a tagger.
Paul D
Roar Guru
The Lions are very much into Cameron, the coach has come out and confirmed it today. Queensland boy originally, very much fits the age profile of our list and has out and out pace, which is something we need more of. The Lions have plenty of spare picks as you say and players who would want a change of scenery. The Crows will see Cameron as far more expendable in terms of their structure than Lever and McGovern. If Rockliff does decide he wants to go to Adelaide it makes it all the easier to arrange as well. This is a trade that will get done.
GJ
Guest
PtS, I understand. I did say it was unrealistic. Just the usual BS bouncing around over possible trades.
Peter the Scribe
Guest
Sidebottom is top 20 in AFL...no way would they even do a straight swap for him let alone with a first round pick. Sidebottom won;t be going anywhere.
Brayden Rise
Guest
I tend to agree Pete. I don't follow the Pies but my wife does so watch them pretty closely. Sidebottom is all class and can't see the Pies letting him go anywhere.
Peter the Scribe
Guest
No way will the Pies trade Sidebottom alone for lever, let alone with a first round pick..won't happen. Sidebottom would be top 20 in the AFL and won't be going anywhere at any price.
GJ
Guest
Agree with you on Gibbs. I don't see why anyway? Carlton will still want at least a first round pick and an established player. I think a mid along the lines of Rockliff to share the load now would be great. Draft in the best young midfield talent we can this year or next year and develop them. If Cameron goes to Brisbane, Puopolo could work quite well.
Zac Standish
Roar Guru
I don't think a straight swap is fair for Adelaide, Mayes and a second rounder could be an option
Birdman
Guest
the development of the Crouch bros and Greenwood in particular makes the mid situation a lot less less desperate IMHO but mid depth will be a priority come trade time. I doubt that Bryce Gibbs will ever play for the Crows.
Birdman
Guest
Puopolo fits IMHO as the Crows forward line could do with a smidge more defensive pressure. I agree Schoey is defensive and half forward depth and would suit other sides better than the Crows
GJ
Guest
Hawthorn would need to get creative again and work out a multi club trades I think. Puopolo and Schoenmakers are good players, I don't know where they fit on Adelaide's list though. Adelaide is better through the middle this year, however need more depth (and talent).
GJ
Guest
There has been talk of Sidebottom and a first for Lever in a trade with Collingwood. Personally i think that is a bit unrealistic. Adelaide's problem is they have depth in defence, they are looking for a ready made mid fielder who can have immediate impact and a first round pick. That may have to be a seperate trade though. And for all we know Lever may decide to stay?
Birdman
Guest
Puopolo and O'Brien/Schoenmakers and some reshuffling of picks? All croweaters
David C
Guest
What about Cameron to the lions? Lions have plenty of picks and might get one more for Rocky if he leaves. Plus there is Sam Mayes who they only just managed to hang on to last year. Would a straight swap of Cameron/Mayes be fair?
David C
Guest
It's not the Gibbs situation again, McGovern is out of contract, Gibbs had 3 more years on his. Adelaide could lose him for nothing, unlikely, but it has to be a factor. Not worth pick 5 let alone pick 5 plus a decent player. I think he's gone so interesting to see how it plays out.
Peter the Scribe
Guest
Zac there's a big query on which will be better. Broomhead seems to be one of those players between AFL and the two's, a bit like Seedsman or Ben Kennedy for Melbourne. Scharenberg has had cruel injuries that have left him with suspect lack of pace. His turnover count is also high though early days. I'd say if Adelaide asked for Scharenberg and first pick for Lever the Pies would jump at that offer in a heartbeat.
Lamby
Roar Rookie
He is not a free agent. So it the 'Gibbs' situation from last year. The Crows can put in silly requests. But The Gov has played as a #2 KPF a few times when Tex or Jenkins were not playing and he looked pretty good (4 goals in one of those games). He is a pretty good leading forward - good speed and a good leap. So more a Jack Riewoldt type. He is a #2 key forward, not a #1 and worth a 1st round - he kicked 32 goals last year and as the 2nd forward (instead of the 4th) he would go close to 40 goals a year.