Adelaide had an outstanding 2017 season, winning the minor premiership after the home-and-away season in a very close and congested top four.
However, after annihilating everyone in their way before it, when it mattered the most – on grand final day – they came up short in a big way, not handling the pressure of the biggest stage.
Captain Taylor Walker was criticised heavily along with other experienced Crows, including Rory Sloane and Josh Jenkins. With the acquisition of Bryce Gibbs in the trade period it’s make-or-break stuff for the Crows in 2018. They need to win a premiership now.
Adelaide Crows best 22
FB: Luke Brown, Daniel Talia, Jake Kelly
HB: Rory Laird, Kyle Hartigan, Paul Seedsman
C: David McKay, Bryce Gibbs, Rory Atkins
HF: Richard Douglas, Taylor Walker, Tom Lynch
FF: Mitch McGovern, Josh Jenkins, Eddie Betts
FOL: Sam Jacobs, Rory Sloane, Matt Crouch
IC: Brad Crouch, Hugh Greenwood, Sam Gibson, Riley Knight
(AAP Image/Ben Macmahon)
Defence
Adelaide’s defence is without a doubt the most interesting part of the ground for them in 2018, especially with the losses of star defenders Jake Lever and Brodie Smith.
They defended well last year mainly due to their midfield and forwards dominating and controlling the game, which of course makes it easier to defend.
The loss of Lever will hurt Adelaide because he is on par with Talia and clearly better than Hartigan and Kelly as well as other floated options to replace him in Tom Doedee and Andy Otten.
The loss of Smith will hurt even more than Lever considering the Crows’ downfall is their run out of defence. They ranked 13th in rebound 50s per game last year, which is an incredibly underrated stat, and without Smith they will have to play either Gibbs, which wasn’t originally planned for, or an extremely inconsistent Paul Seedsman.
Overall the Crows defence is weaker than it was last season with the losses of Lever and Smith, and they need someone like a Doedee to really stand up and have a good season if they are to maintain their position on the ladder.
Midfield
The Crows midfield was outstanding last season, ranking second in clearances. Sam Jacobs’s dominance as one of the premier ruckmen is a good indicator of that, and they also had the outside skill to be able to take advantage of it.
The Crouch brothers both had breakout years, which was vital in them surging up the ladder, and Rory Sloane was at his brilliant best for major parts of the season.
The loss of Charlie Cameron has been offset by the acquisition of Bryce Gibbs, who will most likely play a similar role, albeit being much better at it.
The major questions of the Crows midfield will whether the Crouch brothers can maintain that level of excellence and whether players like Richard Douglas, who had a career-best season, repeat his efforts. Importantly, where is the improvement coming from apart from the recruitment of Gibbs?
In totality, however, the Crows have one of the best midfields in the competition, with a fine balance of inside and outside talent led by a fantastic ruckman.
(Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Attack
Without a doubt the Crows have the best and most potent forward line in the league. Losing Charlie Cameron won’t be a huge loss considering Wayne Milera is waiting in the wings. Even young Jordan Gallucci could play that role.
An uninterrupted season for Mitch McGovern will play a big role in the Adelaide forward line improving. He has so much upside, and surely it is nearly time for him to show his potential. Certainly he started showing really good signs last year.
Don Pyke has the forward line functioning extremely well, and they just have the perfect balance of talls, smalls and medium-sized forwards. Captain Taylor Walker is the key target, and Lynch and Jenkins play their role terrifically to allow Betts and co to weave their magic.
Adelaide still has the best forward line in the league. They will be extremely hard to defend against – only a small number of teams will be able to do so.
Prediction
Adelaide look like they’ll be very similar to last year. The defence will be dependent on how the midfield and forward line operate – like every team – but if they struggle in any of those departments during games, the opposition can punish their defence.
The forward line is still incredibly dangerous and the midfield is as hard as nails. They will be a strong force in the competition again in 2018.
Predicted finish: third.
James
Guest
Where do Hampton, Ellis-Yolmen and Murphy fit in? I'd expect all three of these guys to be forcing change amongst what we all believe to be the crows best 22. On another note, I'd personally be happy to see Jenkins dropped and we play Otten in that role for a few more games just to test the waters.
Daz
Roar Pro
I remember at this time last year everyone wrote them off. Their midfield was too slow, they had nothing going for them. I think the Crows are still the team to beat. They handed out some real floggings last year, and were virtually unstoppable at home.
Vocans
Guest
Agree with Atkins assessment. Got ahead of himself. Word is he has buckled down in the preseason. He responds to good mentoring. Milera trains down back but belongs on the wing which is also his training, or even hff. Agree Knight ahead of him for that hff.
Vocans
Guest
O Lamby, I wish Talia had the speed and kick to benefit from ‘freedom’ but no. Keath might be the third tall, and Doedee might grow into that hbf role. Doedee is no slouch and is very agile which is crucial to the role. Unsure about his kick which is also crucial.
tim
Guest
Milera has been training down back, so expect him to take Smith's spot. Two youngsters in the backline might be a bit much, so Doedee gets squeezed out. Wings are up for grabs, Atkins ended the year poorly and will be on notice. With a full midfield Crows have the luxury of playing the likes of Sloane and Gibbs on the wing. Last spot is defensive half forward flank. I think Knight holds that. A goal a game would be good from him on top of the tagging role he gets. Maybe Gibson.
Lamby
Roar Rookie
I think Gibson was brought in to replace Smith for the year - with the added bonus that he can do a shut-down job if needed. And Seedsman pushes out McKay. I think Doodee with get first crack at the Lever role. But Keith will also get a go. Keith is quick and tall. Keith/Hartigan might get the Talia shut-down role and Talia might get some free space? The defence still has 2 All-Australians - so it may be weaker, but I don't think it will be a 'weakness'.
Brinnx
Guest
I think the crows are a massive chance for the flag - last year had parallels with the bombers of 1999, best side all year - got ahead of themselves and cost themselves a flag. -That'll burn like hell this year and they come out loaded for bear. Gibbs will show all the doubters his class, if he plays off the half back and runs through midfield expect a top three Brownlow finish.
sammy
Guest
Don't underestimate the recruitment of Gibson. The crows have lacked a shut down player who can run both ways and against the best teams, to be able to have a guy that can go to the opposition best player and make life hell for them is a big plus for this season. With Gibbs adding to the midfield depth and quality as well, the crows - assuming no major injuries - should be very hard to toss and if they can improve a couple of % from last year in the 1%ers, they should be in the conversation for the top 4 or higher. The defence will be ok as they will get ample support from the midfield
Jon boy
Guest
Agree mattyb Gibbs to halfback good idea ,Doedee good player ready to go, William has not named Fogarty ,but he oozes talent i am sure he will end up top 22 Crows good thing to make top 4
William Cornwill
Roar Guru
Hey Ditto, I was very tempted to put Doedee in defence and Gallucci in McKay's role but I didn't want to be to daring. I think Gallucci makes the crows a better outfit.
William Cornwill
Roar Guru
Hey TTF, It is hard to say whether or not Jenkins will bounce back to be fair. His home and away form will be very similar I would imagine but the true test comes when the finals come around. I think Sloane has a point to prove as well, he was horrific in that second half.
mattyb
Guest
I wouldn't mind seeing Gibbs played off the backflank rather than in the midfield. I thought the Crows midfield was really impressive last year and Gibbs has never struck me as an impressive midfielder, and his lack of career honors supports this. Having said that he does seem the type of outside player who could flourish in a decent side and Adelaide certainly are that. Fresh start,fresh role could be the way to go.
Ditto
Guest
The author may be right in that the selectors will only make the minimum necessary changes to the best 22 from last year, but I find it hard to believe that Milera and Gallucci can't get past David McKay, I'm not a fan of his work, but even those that are, must recognise his jobber status. Milera and Gallucci are first round draft picks, the Crows therefore must see them as potentially elite at what they do. Elite is something Dmac isn't.
Vocans
Guest
Close to the mark, WC. Seedsman’s inconsistency makes that HBF the question mark you suggest. I think Doedee is ready to take Lever’s role, but I can’t see Kelly rebounding as needed to cover Smith. The Crows are expected to rotate players a great deal. Their list is versatile. Gibbs, Gibson, Seedsman, Douglas, McKay, even Sloane can offer attack from there. One plus for defence is that Hartigan is now becoming a player of experience, and should improve. Milera is likely to take over from McKay this year. McKay has responded to the need to step up a level over the last two seasons, but his position must often have been discussed at selection. So, maybe Milera on that wing. Expect the Crows defence to go more horses for courses this year. Brown, Kelly, Doedee, and others depending on the opposition forwards. This looks like a coming trend, so players won’t necessarily play every game, even when their form warrants it. Similarly, I don’t think we’re far off seeing players given a rest game off here and there. The Crows did not meet the Tigers’ intensity in the GF. They seemed to be waiting for their game to click. If they improve on that in season 2018, they will be very hard to beat.
Vocans
Guest
Knıght can’t ruck nor can he play FF. Granted, Jenkins has to improve his game. If he does the forwards get even better. McGovern is an alternative FF, and with his leap can jump over Jenkins in the contest. He is also a quick agile lead, so I’d have him FF or in the pocket. Otten always surprises but he is slow. Expect Greenwood to improve after a very good first season. He is quick, agile, a monster tackler, and will improve in the air. Otten is an aternative back for mine, with the potential to pinch hit up front. So Greenwood over Otten.
truetigerfan
Guest
Great summary, William. I agree the Crows back half has a huge question mark hanging over it. Will teams be able to exploit this with forward pressuring tactics? Perhaps. For mine the Crows midfield has lacked brilliance and I'm not sold on Gibbs providing that despite being such a good player. Will be thereabouts again. Do you think Jenkins can respond to the heat put on him after his GF performance?
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
I'd say Riley Knight for Jenkins. And what's Mcgovern doing in the pocket? I'd also put Otten for Greenwood. He's more versatile.