Adelaide Crows Season Preview

Well, where to for the Adelaide Crows? The club has enjoyed a sustained period of reasonable success, without quite managing to take the final steps in reaching a Grand Final berth, or securing the Premiership Cup. They have consistently been one of the most disciplined and well structured organisations, both on and off the field. So what differences and improvements can propel the Crows forward in season 2010?


Forward Line:

Long considered a weakness - the Adelaide Crows look to finally have developed a promising mixture of forward-line players. The key forward that every club dreams of, Kurt Tippett, has arrived. After a few years of solid development, Tippett burst onto the wider-footballing public's radar last year - finishing the season with 55 goals to his name. He led the Crows for contested marks, and contest football, making him a deadly weapon both in the air, and at ground level. He's still a devloping player, so the Crows will be looking for further improvement from Tippett in 2010.

The older-brigade of Burton and Hentschel will be hoping for improved seasons, managing a mere 14 games between them during the 2009 AFL season. Patrick Dangerfield and Taylor Walker both look set for bigger years - and fringe players such as Douglas, Jacky an Petrenko will all be eyeing off a spot as a small forward. With McLeod, Goodwin and Edwards all likely to spend some of their rotations in the forward half, there is certainly the talent at their disposal.

Porplyzia, will again be a key component, and it looks as though he will he able to shake off his injury concerns and again play a key role in the forward line. His hands are amongst the best in the AFL, he demands and collects the ball, and his decision making in-close, and his goal sense make him a very dangerous player.

Key Player: Chris Knights

Knights is the bloke that has me genuinely excited about what he may achieve this season. After beginning his career as an outside runner with a penetrating, but inaccurate kicking style, he has transformed himself into a very complete player, being able to win contested ball more readily, and his penetrating boot is now capable of hurting sides regularly. He consistently kicks goals from outside 50m, and reminds this author of a slightly more inside, Nathan Eagleton. Just a very quick, very hard running player, who will hurt you time and time again in the forward half when given the space and time to create.

If Knights manages to take his game to another level this year, then watch out.


Midfield:

The Adelaide Crows midfield is looking very sharp too. Let's forget about the older brigade who'll still rotate through for a moment, and think about some other names. Scott Thompson, Bernie Vince and David McKay. These are 3 guys who are all capable of improving on their 2009 seasons, and all 3 are capable of becoming (or perhaps, continuing their stance as) A-grade midfielders. Thompson, the in and under player - but still capable in space, who'd I'd like to see spend more time resting forwards. Vince, the youngster whose comfortable in the thick of the action, or darting away outside and kicking a long 60m ball. McKay, the outside specialist, whose run and carry has been paramount to improving the speed of the Crows ball movement.

Dangerfield will be spending more time in the midfield, as potentially will Chris Knights. That's some more class. Then you have Doughty, Van Berlo, Symes, Cook, Sloane and Reilly as the working class midfielders who will come in, play their role with little fuss and generally just get the job done for the team. Every side needs these type of players, and in Cook and Sloane, the Crows have a couple of young guns who aren't afraid to work hard defensively and throw everything into the contest.

Key Player: Bernie Vince

Vince is just your atypical, inside-outside, modern day midfielder. He'll win the ball inside traffic, and create space through good hands, or quick acceleration. If he receives the ball in space, he'll use his pace to run and carry the ball, and end it with a penetrating kick. He's comfortable kicking goals from outside 50, and is also smart enough to play a role resting forward. He's the Crows answer to the your Judd's, Ablett's and Cooney's - however he probably has a more devastating field kick over distance than any of those guys.

Watch him continue to develop, and if you're a Super Coach fanatic, get on board.


Rucks:

So who is going to hold down the #1 and #2 ruck roles for the Crows in 2010? Ivan Maric has positioned himself well to make the #1 role his own, however he still probably hasn't quite come on as much as the Crows would have liked. Sure to be the conjecture of much debate over the 2010 season, is whether or not Kurt Tippett can spread his time between the F50, and in the ruck. His agility, contested ball work and skill level make him a tantalising prospect in the middle, but is his forward work more important to the Crows structure?

Sitting in the shed hoping to cement a place in the side are Brad Moran, Johnathon Griffin and James Sellar. Moran has shown some signs when he's been able to get on the park, but the fact remains that Griffin is still yet to arrive in any meaningful manner, and Sellar, whilst he played a role during the 2009 season, is probably going to be better suited elsewhere.

Shaun McKernan could be a wild card, but he probably lacks the height and body size to play a significant role, especially so early in his career.


Defenders:

The Adelaide Crows have been widely regarded as one of the better defensive units under coach Neil Craig, and having a look through their defensive options, it's no wonder why. Bock, arguably the best CHB the AFL has seen since the 90's who'll be hoping to overcome the shocking heel injury which cruelly ended his 2009 season. Rutten, the All Australian full back who is able to hold his own against the AFL's best power forwards. McLeod, Goodwin and Edwards - the old trio who will spend time in the back half, utilising their experience, decision making and skills. Johncock, who is coming off his best pre-season and looking in terrific shape.

Phil Davis and Shaun McKernan will be eyeing off a spot in the back line in place of the injured Andy Otten who has unfortunately suffered an ACL injury. Scott Stevens is another option, and could excel in this position, and it could also prove to be the role to revitalise Trent Hentschel's career. Locking down this position will be the key for the Crows, who have a terrific blend of tall and small defenders, ticking about every box you want from your back 6.

Key Player: Graham Johncock

Johncock is a very interesting player, a bit of an enigma if you will. He's played some great football over the years, both in the forward half and in the back line. He's a genuine talent, no doubt about it. He's also had his fair share of off-field issues, and after struggling at times over the past few years seems to have really matured and has prepared himself exceptionally well over the pre-season.

With McLeod aging, Johncock is the man to lead the run and carry and pin-point delivery from the back half. The Crows pride themselves of using quick ball movement, and if they are to again improve in this area, Johncock will be the key.


Conclusion:

It is an exciting year for all Adelaide Crows fans, but will they be able to take the next step? If they have a good run with injuries, and the old brigade can keep themselves on the park, in particular towards the business end of the season, they will be around the mark again. With AAMI Stadium providing significant home ground advantage, the Crows should be guaranteed another finals berth. How far they go may well depend greatly on the output of the 3 key players mentioned above. If Knights, Vince and Johncock can fire, if the Crows can find their ideal ruck combination, if the young guns in Dangerfield and Walker can come on.....

Finish: 3-6.

B & F Winner: Bernie Vince

NAB Rising Star Nominations: Shaun McKernan, Myke Cook.

Injured Players for Round 1: Brodie Martin - ACL, Andy Otten - ACL, Nathan Van Berlo - Back complaint (should be back by Rd 1 - monitor).

Brownlow Medal Hope: Bernie Vince

Leading Goal-kicker: Kurt Tippett