How the mighty Adelaide Crows have fallen.
In 2017, they were the team to beat.
Easily the best side over the home and away season, the Crows went on to claim the minor premiership and had a strong start to the final series, making the 2017 AFL grand final.
But that’s where the tide turned for the Crows.
They fell at the final hurdle to Richmond and shortly after, lost their way on a ‘cult like’ camp. Many have pointed the finger that this was the true turning point for the Adelaide Crows.
In March 2018, Fox Footy’s Tom Morris revealed the camp left many senior players at the club “shaken and frustrated”.
“The cause for concern centred on the emotional wellbeing of players, especially half-a-dozen or so senior members of the team… They were forced to adopt a mentality, described as ‘cult-like’ by one source,” he reported at the time.
“Players were asked not to talk about the specifics of the emotional hardships they were forced to endure.”
It was the beginning of the downfall for the Crows.
Over the last two seasons, we have watched the club unravel in front of our eyes and appear a shadow of the side dominating the competition not too long ago.
Bryce Gibbs of the Crows looks dejected (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
The second half of the 2019 season, which saw the Crows win just two games from nine starts, was the breaking point and spelt the end for coach Don Pyke.
And it’s been anything but smooth sailing in finding his replacement.
A four-man panel made up of Crows CEO Andrew Fagan and Football Director Mark Ricciuto former Crows player and assistant coach James Podsiadly, and four-time Olympian and championship winning basketball coach Phil Smyth have been left to decide the next coach of the club.
So far, former Crows star Ben Rutten has been tied into a succession plan at Essendon so he won’t be returning home for a magical reunion.
Last month, Fox Footy’s Tom Morris reported that former St Kilda and Freo coach Ross Lyon declined an offer from the Crows to apply for the senior coaching position.
He also reported that newly appointed Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir was encouraged to apply… clearly turned that one down.
Hawthorn assistant Adam Yze had an interview for the position last week before re-signing with the Hawks and reports have suggested Scott Burns is out of the race as well.
But is it an issue with the potential suitors, or the state of the football club?
Well, the number of departing players may shed some light on the situation.
Over the weekend, Cam Ellis-Yolmen was the first of potentially a number of dominos to fall.
It may not appear a big loss from the outside, but Ellis-Yolmen’s 2019 numbers were good and if he can stay fit he could be a dangerous addition to the Brisbane midfield.
From his ten games this season, he averaged 23.5 touches (12.3 contested), five clearances, 5.5 tackles, 23.5 pressure acts and 2.3 one percenters a game.
Don Pyke took a hike. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
We’ve already seen what Brisbane has done to rejuvenate the careers of former Crow and Sun Jarryd Lyons, former Cat Lincoln McCarthy and former Blue Mitch Robinson.
Could Ellis-Yolmen be the next to revive his career up north?
Most of his key numbers were above average for 2019, so with a little bit of luck injury wise, there’s no reason why he can’t shine for the Lions.
And he may be the first of many to depart, with the likes of Alex Keath, Sam Jacobs, Hugh Greenwood, Eddie Betts and Josh Jenkins all expected to follow in his footsteps and join (or re-join, in Eddie’s case) other clubs.
But it’s not all doom and gloom on-field for the Crows.
They remain strong at the core.
Captain Rory Sloane had another great season.
Tom Doedee will return from injury next season and slot straight back into defence for the Crows.
Talia is still rock solid down back, too for the Crows.
They have seen some promise in Fogarty.
Smith and Atkins say they’re committed.
There’s hope they may be able to retain both Crouch brothers and Rory Laird.
Rory Laird of the Crows (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
If they can just weather the storm a little and hold onto some of the pieces that can help them move forward as a club, there may be light on the other end if the tunnel.
But who takes them through that tunnel?
If the new senior coaches for 2020 are anything to go by, then the Crows should be looking for a great communicator.
The art of relationships and connecting with your players, coaches and staff alike is becoming the focus of AFL coaches these days.
Of course a good footy brain and tactician is important, but if you can’t communicate those game plans and messages… then what’s the point?
But more importantly… where is the senior coach?
At the Crows Club Champion awards late last week, Chairman Rob Chapman said a decision on their new senior coach was just around the corner.
“Within the next 14 days we will be making a series of major decisions, as both the review finalises and we appoint and announce the next Senior Coach of our Club.”
It’s great news for the club that they believe the search is nearly over, but with trade period officially commencing today, it’s going to be a fairly difficult task to lure in new players and attempt to cover the club’s losses without a senior coach to represent the club.
The timing could have and should have been better.
There’s no doubt Rory Sloane will play a huge role for the club as its representative over the coming weeks.
As will Tex Walker. Not as co-captain, but as a key figure and leader at the club.
But how can they pitch a vision and direction to new possible players without knowing what that vision is?
Of course the obvious goal is to win a third premiership.
But how?
And who is going to take them there?
Until they know who he is and how he is going to get them there, it’s a lot of pressure for the senior players to carry on their shoulders.
It won’t be much longer before a decision is made, but fact is that has probably already taken longer than it should have.
There should be a coach on deck to help build a list that will see the Crows succeed again in the future.
More importantly, who is he? And what is his direction?
Will it be enough to pick up the pieces and take the club forward once again?
There are so many questions surrounding the Crows at the moment.
Hopefully this off-season they can find some answers.
The Finger
Guest
Bassett stands tall here. First, unless you want a posse on the footpath outside the coaches home every time the Crows lose, then you had better select a South Australian as coach. Bassett has been a successful Crows player. Tick. He has won flags as coach of Norwood. Tick. He has been influential as an assistant coach at Essendon and Port. Tick. He was instrumental in getting Essendon to select Fantasia, who he has mentored at both Redlegs and Bombers. Tick. Now, Fantasia has just changed his mind about leaving Essendon to join Port next year. Reportedly, he was keen to be around Bassett once again. Has Fantasia changed his mind because Bassett is unlikely to be at Alberton next year? ....I wonder....
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Keath is leaving for more $ and a longer contract (reportedly $600K for 4 years). He will be 28 in January and has played just 28 games. Way too much for a player with that credential with Doedee returning next year and Butts (and the shorter Hamill) in the wings. Good luck to Keath just the same. Sloane is not the player he once once (IMHO) so whilst he is the club’s talisman he probably should not be relied on as a key midfielder (more a wingman / pinch hitting midfielder). Douglas has been retired (by the club). He is seeking a new club but that outcome is probably unlikely. Again, good luck and thanks for your excellent service over many years Dougie. Regarding off-field non-football personnel – I like my club to be making profits and that is what they are doing. As previously mentioned, the PR needs to be fixed. It is time for a rebuild at AFC. They need to be ruthless (as opposed to sentimental)!
Birdman
Roar Rookie
reports are he's still in the mix even after re-signing
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
He's 42! He's won flags! He's like the King in the Holy Grail (he ain't got $£!+ on him). He's well regarded around the traps. I can't imagine who'd be better. ----- Frankly I've been disappointed in Roo. The other two speak with the corporate new-ageism l abhor. ---- I hope something can be found for Douglas. He bled for the Crows and l sus we'll need him with all those abdications. I would not be at all surprised to see him suit up again. So he's lost pace and etc but the guy has a big heart....he'd inspire new guys for sure. And you don't lose someone like Keath, a person of high integrity, without things being rotten. And what of Sloane? The guy is a hero for manfully handling a heavy listing ship. ----- Recruitment and PR will have to pull a rabbit, or 7, out of their....hat.
Prez
Roar Rookie
most accurate assessment of the crows from any one.
AD
Guest
Lack of a coach won't really impact the Crows' trade week plans because they're not chasing after any significant players. They've already stated publicly that they're after draft picks to rejuvenate the list with youth. Might swap some late picks around for a fringe player or two (eg maybe Frampton from Port as backup for Reilly O'Brien, given that Jacobs and possibly Jenkins are departing). This is also why they're happy to push guys like Keath and Greenwood out the door - they've got enough value to bring in decent draft picks, they play roles that the list already has enough coverage for, and they're old enough that they probably won't be best 22 3 years from now when the rebuild bears fruit. Same with Ellis-Yolmen... handy player, but hardly a huge loss. Pick 48 is probably a decent return for a guy who has played 39 games in 8 years and wasn't even on the senior list. Especially when you compare it to Richmond getting pick 39 for Ellis who has played 175 games, 2 premierships and is leaving for a reported 5 year, $3m contract.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
I am a big fan of Nathan Basset but fear that he may not have been in the system long enough to get the top job ... perhaps next time (but I am OK if it is this time). I do like the fact that he has gained some experience elsewhere. I also think that whomever is the next coach that they will need to clean out the Football Department. I do not see much of a future at Adelaide for Camporeale, Hart, Younie, Reid or Burton. They have all had an extended opportunity at the club and have not succeeded in their specific roles. Paul Thomas is the midfield coach so, whilst he hasn't been there that long, he could be seen to have been ineffective (as the midfield has not improved). From the outside looking in it seems that the club is well administered so I have no issue with Ricciuto (yet), Chapman or Fagan. The PR Department could do with a bit of a shake up as Adelaide rarely gets any good press from the Port Power dominated Advertiser.
Martyn50
Roar Rookie
When Nat Fyfe made a comment when accepting the Brownlow that Ross Lyon will be still involved at the top level in the AFL a shudder went through me. Surely Adelaide will not take him on. Seems as though he missed the cut. Good.
shifty
Roar Rookie
Reports are Yze has resigned with us as assistant coach
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
This goes for more clubs than just Adelaide. A rumour always has more currency than truth or silence.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
I wonder how that mob's business is going theses days.
Gyfox
Roar Rookie
No-one in authority/leadership at Crows has admitted the damage the camp did. No honesty, no courage, no contrition. Let this franchise wallow in its failure!
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
It was the psychobabbling cowexcrement that was the problem.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Can Adelaide players drive past a BCF without flashbacks?
Timbo's rules
Guest
Much sounder analysis than any of the journalists doing the reporting.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Pedro, good response! I can't plump enough for Bassett. He has the no nonsense demeanour the club needs. I concur about need for his own entourage. And how many runs do you need. He's a good age at half a generation older than the players. I couldn't imagine a better choice. ---- And recruitment has been below average for many years.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Not any more?
UngratefulEd
Guest
You're spot on - and should have written the article.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Why do pseudo journalists selectively report other media (but not all media)? It has been widely reported that, given the probable withdrawal of Scott Burns from the race, Matthew Nicks is the leading contender for the coaching position at Adelaide. Others in the mix include Jarrod Schofield, Nathan Bassett and Marty Mattner. Brad Scott, Voss, Caracella, Sumich and Ross Lyon (Nooooooo) have also been mentioned at times. Also, pretty much all of the players that will leave (to date) Adelaide are doing so at the club’s instigation. Sam Jacobs, Andy Otten, Richie Douglas, and Eddie Betts have been told to either retire or seek an opportunity elsewhere. Thanks for your service but you are no longer in the best 22. Alex Keath, Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Hugh Greenwood were offered extensions but they wanted longer contracts on more money. All 3 are closer to 30 than 20 and have been inconsistent (or in and out of the side). By the start of the 2020 season Keath will be 28 (30 games), Greenwood will be 28 (51 games) and Ellis-Yolmen will be 27 (39 games). Keath and Greenwood would have been kept on the list if they did not want 4 year contracts on too much money. Good luck to them. Eddie has been cut. He is no longer AFL standard and if he can be moved on Adelaide will get some salary cap relief (but probably not all). Similarly Josh Jenkins will provide salary cap relief, and reportedly has loose lips (talking to the media). He was very vocal (especially with Caro and Kornes) when dropped this year and clubs never like that (which is why a 40 goal forward is struggling to find a new home). Riley Knights will be 25 when the season commences (has played 31 games) and is another inconsistent player that may want to explore his opportunities elsewhere but Adelaide would likely want to hang into him as a depth player (I like him as a stopper which Adelaide lacks). Rumours about the Crouch brothers, Brodie Smith and Rory Laird are just that … Rumours … started by the media and their Managers (as they have all denied that they want to leave) but they are the only players on the “Speculative Could Leave List” that have any currency and the club is obviously going into rebuild mode. If they left then good draft picks would be returned and Adelaide will be happy enough with that. Adelaide would also like to see Lukosius and Rankin return home (but may have to wait a while – 1 year for Luko, longer for Rankin … it seems). It is not all doom and gloom at AFC despite sensationalist journos looking to generate a story! Phew ….
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Gunna need a bigger broom. Advise next coach to b.y.o.