The Adelaide Crows are a proud club, who for the duration of their tenure in the AFL have set an extremely high standard in their conduct and their expectations.
They famously sacked Brenton Sanderson after he failed to return to finals two seasons after they went within a kick of going to the finals.
The Crows have put forward their most meek performances in club history to leave them staring at the first winless season in nearly 60 years (the Fitzroy Lions did so in 1964).
This ignominious trophy is a testament to how far the Crows have fallen from their 2017 highs. But the Crows have the opportunity to set themselves up extremely well for the future in this year’s trade period and draft.
If the Crows wish to fix themselves, here’s what they should do.
Step 1: Turn their pick ten into two first-round picks
The Geelong Cats are extremely flush with draft capital thanks to a fortuitous trade they made with the West Coast Eagles for Tim Kelly. In order to build a stronger draft hand they should offer pick ten and one of their second-round picks to Geelong in return for both of their first-round picks.
This would leave them with a free run at the best young talent from around the country, and could even be used to build strength for next year’s draft should they decide to have more picks in a draft that isn’t so compromised.
Step 2: Trade out the ageing warriors
Unfortunately for a lot of the talent the Crows have brought in over the last few years, it hasn’t worked out for them. As such they should aim to move on the talent that lacks the intangible leadership capabilities that Adelaide so desire. I’m of course referring to players like Taylor Walker, Bryce Gibbs, Kyle Hartigan and David McKay.
As to what sort of clubs would take these players, I’m not sure. They’re all great at their best but their best is a long way behind them. However, Brisbane could be a good fit for Walker. They have a need for key forwards and at his best he could easily kick 40-50 goals.
As for most of their ageing talent, they only get pennies on the dollar. The two players that are untouchable are Rory Sloane and Riley O’Brien. Unless a trade comes through that is a godfather offer, they should not be on the table.
Step 3: Unload the Crouch brothers
Brad and Matt Crouch have tried their hearts out for Adelaide but they do not give the midfield a unique look.
(Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
They’re slow and they gather large possession tallies despite not doing anything with those possessions. Clubs such as Essendon and Carlton would jump at the opportunity to have such accomplished players on their list. The question is, would they pay enough for Adelaide to let them go?
Step 4: Review every board position and trim the fat
The notorious camp established by the Adelaide Crows has been identified as the root cause of their problems. The club should therefore apologise.
Secondly, the Crows should also remove Mark Ricciuto as a director. He blows a lot of smoke and as a result damages the morale of the footy club.
So that’s what the Crows should do to fix their position. That would serve them in good stead for the future.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Nicks did decline the offer at the start and now it has become an issue. No doubt some off field coaching changes will be made at the end of the season. I would get rid of them all, although Matty Clarke has performed well as coach of the AFLW side. Need to get Mattner back onto the coaching staff, and possibly Bassett (although Nicks may see them both as potential rivals for his position ... which Hart, Clarke and Godden aren't). Someone like Neil Balme as Football Manager would help a lot and they should have moved every obstacle to get Phil Smyth into the Culture role. Apart from that they are OK ... for now!
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
I think they should also look at bringing in some experienced assistants like dean solo man and whatnot
HR
Roar Rookie
O'Brien can play as a main ruck with McAsey and Himmelberg or Frampton relieving in the back and forward lines respectively. Having said that, they're probably going to go after Thilthorpe as a ruck-forward, and you're right that they need to recruit quick mids.
HR
Roar Rookie
Mackay and Hartigan were among Adelaide’s best against Geelong, so maybe Mackay will get another go next year. Walker is worth keeping to mentor the young forwards in the team. Gibbs should just be paid out of his at this point, because there’s not much point in him hanging around and not playing.
HR
Roar Rookie
He matched up remarkably well. I was seriously worried about that contest with Talia out, but Hartigan was very effective.
HR
Roar Rookie
In all seriousness, they need to bring somebody on at least part-time as a skills coach for the forward line. Kicking 1.28 points per goal is about two and a half standard deviations above the mean (0.91 points per goal) for the season. They're kicking freakishly poorly.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
"....Sloane. Right now the Crows needs a leader willing to bleed for the club and he is not that man." ----- We breathe oxygen here on Earth. I hope you enjoy your stay.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
True but he's lost his mojo. A touch of the Dizzy Gillespies.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
He has been great. I saw him kick a bag for Norwood in 2008 v N Adel Roosters and he was going somewhere. But now he's as slow as an Ox which is par for the course considering he's a Taurus.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
Haha, don't get me wrong, guy has been a champion for you, but just looks so behind the pace of the game these days. Think you need to be in the market for a new key forward, are Himmelberg or Frampton good enough?
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Agreed. It is also too handball happy and too short (ie: handballing to a player 1 metre away who is locked in rather than a player in more space who is 5 metres away).
Fairsuckofthesav
Roar Rookie
It was primarily ball handling errors that's skill and confidence.
Willie
Roar Rookie
After yesterday's performance on Hawkins, Kyle Hartigan might be worth persevering with.
Fairsuckofthesav
Roar Rookie
Best Captain in the league voted by his peers, two years running, 4 goals short of Modra's record. Tex will go down as one of the greats of the Crows, no questions
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Tex is an 8 tonne rigid in amongst WRXs
13th Man
Roar Rookie
I don't really see what Tex adds to your side anymore. He's slowed right up. Time to go play SANFL.
Fairsuckofthesav
Roar Rookie
Don't agree with much of this, unfortunately. Hartigan and McKay were two of the Crows best players against Geelong. The Crouch brothers provide invaluable experience in the middle. They need to recruit a couple of quick midfielders, ruckman and high flying forward.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
They certainly played with some heart but they lack skill and a decent forward setup (as well as the X-Factor). I am also not sure that the Sydney style of defensive play that Nicks is trying to establish is the right style. You won't win many matches kicking 5 or 6 goals, but I guess time will tell if a forward structure develops!
Russ
Roar Rookie
Agree there are some issues there that need to be looked at in the recruitment/development which will come to a head at the end of this year. Not sure about half of the list though however time will tell. I liked the game today they played with heart havent seen that in nearly 2 years.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
No idea apparently he loathes the spotlight.