LOSING six games by two goals or less, season 2014 was one of missed opportunity for the Crows. The young side lacked composure at critical times and paid the price as it too often gave up momentum after wrestling its way back into a contest. It was a year of further learning though for the club's young list, which will be better for the tough lessons it learned.
The coach
Brenton Sanderson has had one hand tied behind his back since his brilliant rookie 2012 season, with senior assistant Dean Bailey suspended last year before tragically passing away earlier in March this year. Sanderson would be the first to agree he needs help from a mature tactician in the coaches' box, and will receive that next year. He faced immense frustration in dealing with an inexperienced playing group, often cutting it slack when it perhaps deserved harsher public critique.
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What worked
Although its forward line entries appeared to lack conviction at times, Adelaide had no issue kicking goals in 2014. Only Hawthorn kicked more, highlighting just how damaging the Crows could be at their best. The team was the best centre clearance side in the League too, helped massively by Sam Jacobs in the ruck. Adelaide wasn't afraid to put its head over the ball either; the club finished second in contested possession, a hallmark of the way Sanderson would like his players to play.
What failed
For all the goals the Crows kicked, they were only 10th for marks inside 50. The team has some big weapons up forward but struggled to use them most effectively in 2014. Their clearance dominance fell away badly around the ground; they were ranked 13th for clearances at stoppages. Adelaide's defensive depth was also exposed on several occasions, and from a team sense, its defensive ability wasn't up to scratch.
MVP: Daniel Talia
It was a brilliant year for 22-year-old Talia, who became the club's second youngest best and fairest after legend Andrew McLeod, who claimed the award in 1997 at just 21 years of age. He kept superstars Nick Riewoldt, Jack Riewoldt and Jarryd Roughead goalless and was selected in the 2014 All Australian squad. Talia ranked eighth in the AFL for spoils (135) and also improved the attacking side of his game, averaging career-high disposals (11.8 a game), rebound 50s, intercept marks and inside 50s.
Surprise packet: Eddie Betts
The former Carlton star's class was well known before he joined the Crows, but few could have predicted he would have made the impact he did in his first season. Betts led Adelaide's goal kicking with 51 majors and led the AFL for goal assists (29). His contribution was recognised by Sanderson, with Betts taking out the coaches' award.
Best rookie/first-year player: Matt Crouch
Given his blistering SANFL form, the younger brother of Brad Crouch could easily have played more than eight games in his first season. He had no trouble finding the ball, averaging nearly 17 disposals a game, and appears set for a long and successful career.
Disappointment: Brent Reilly
The 30-year-old defender was keen to return to his stellar 2012 form after an indifferent 2013 campaign, but struggled to do so before being dropped on the eve of his 200th game. Reilly fought his way back into the side to reach his milestone, but finished the year with just 10 games to his name.
Best win: 23-point win over Port Adelaide, round 15, Adelaide Oval
The Power entered the game in top spot, on the back of a big win against the Western Bulldogs – the Crows languished in 11th. With key performances from Scott Thompson (34 disposals), Eddie Betts (four goals) and Sam Jacobs (three goals, 36 hit-outs), Adelaide overran Port in the second half in front of 50,552 roaring fans.
Low point
A win against Richmond in round 21 would have cemented the Crows' place in the eight, but in front of another 50,000-strong home crowd they choked when it mattered most. After trailing for most of the match the Crows hit the lead in final term only to surrender the momentum and the game.
What needs to improve?
Adelaide needs to be able to perform on a weekly basis. Its best in 2014 was good enough to trouble the League's best teams, but it also played football that was difficult to watch. The team's disposal efficiency needs to lift and it also needs to seriously pick up its game defensively, not just in the backline, but around the ground.
Who's done?
Retirements: Ben Rutten finished his career with a goal from his final kick in AFL football in round 23. Reilly is contracted next year, but after playing just 22 games in two seasons appears on the outer.
Delistings: Angus Graham, Shaun McKernan have both been culled.
Trades/free agents: Jason Porplyzia is highly unlikely to be offered a new contract, but at just 29 he could be of interest to a rival on the cusp of success. Jarryd Lyons has been starved of opportunity and is understood to have drawn attention from elsewhere. Lewis Johnston has been hit hard by injuries over the last two years and is also out of contract, but is only 23 and could attract interest elsewhere if not retained.
What they need
The Crows need players with elite disposal skills. They were found out too often during the season, with poor disposal resulting in crippling turnovers. A ruckman will be required given the departures of Graham and McKernan and the club is understood to be chasing another key defender.
What worked
Although its forward line entries appeared to lack conviction at times, Adelaide had no issue kicking goals in 2014. Only Hawthorn kicked more, highlighting just how damaging the Crows could be at their best. The team was the best centre clearance side in the League too, helped massively by Sam Jacobs in the ruck. Adelaide wasn't afraid to put its head over the ball either; the club finished second in contested possession, a hallmark of the way Sanderson would like his players to play.
What failed
For all the goals the Crows kicked, they were only 10th for marks inside 50. The team has some big weapons up forward but struggled to use them most effectively in 2014. Their clearance dominance fell away badly around the ground; they were ranked 13th for clearances at stoppages. Adelaide's defensive depth was also exposed on several occasions, and from a team sense, its defensive ability wasn't up to scratch.
MVP: Daniel Talia
It was a brilliant year for 22-year-old Talia, who became the club's second youngest best and fairest after legend Andrew McLeod, who claimed the award in 1997 at just 21 years of age. He kept superstars Nick Riewoldt, Jack Riewoldt and Jarryd Roughead goalless and was selected in the 2014 All Australian squad. Talia ranked eighth in the AFL for spoils (135) and also improved the attacking side of his game, averaging career-high disposals (11.8 a game), rebound 50s, intercept marks and inside 50s.
Surprise packet: Eddie Betts
The former Carlton star's class was well known before he joined the Crows, but few could have predicted he would have made the impact he did in his first season. Betts led Adelaide's goal kicking with 51 majors and led the AFL for goal assists (29). His contribution was recognised by Sanderson, with Betts taking out the coaches' award.
Best rookie/first-year player: Matt Crouch
Given his blistering SANFL form, the younger brother of Brad Crouch could easily have played more than eight games in his first season. He had no trouble finding the ball, averaging nearly 17 disposals a game, and appears set for a long and successful career.
Disappointment: Brent Reilly
The 30-year-old defender was keen to return to his stellar 2012 form after an indifferent 2013 campaign, but struggled to do so before being dropped on the eve of his 200th game. Reilly fought his way back into the side to reach his milestone, but finished the year with just 10 games to his name.
Best win: 23-point win over Port Adelaide, round 15, Adelaide Oval
The Power entered the game in top spot, on the back of a big win against the Western Bulldogs – the Crows languished in 11th. With key performances from Scott Thompson (34 disposals), Eddie Betts (four goals) and Sam Jacobs (three goals, 36 hit-outs), Adelaide overran Port in the second half in front of 50,552 roaring fans.
Low point
A win against Richmond in round 21 would have cemented the Crows' place in the eight, but in front of another 50,000-strong home crowd they choked when it mattered most. After trailing for most of the match the Crows hit the lead in final term only to surrender the momentum and the game.
What needs to improve?
Adelaide needs to be able to perform on a weekly basis. Its best in 2014 was good enough to trouble the League's best teams, but it also played football that was difficult to watch. The team's disposal efficiency needs to lift and it also needs to seriously pick up its game defensively, not just in the backline, but around the ground.
Who's done?
Retirements: Ben Rutten finished his career with a goal from his final kick in AFL football in round 23. Reilly is contracted next year, but after playing just 22 games in two seasons appears on the outer.
Delistings: Angus Graham, Shaun McKernan have both been culled.
Trades/free agents: Jason Porplyzia is highly unlikely to be offered a new contract, but at just 29 he could be of interest to a rival on the cusp of success. Jarryd Lyons has been starved of opportunity and is understood to have drawn attention from elsewhere. Lewis Johnston has been hit hard by injuries over the last two years and is also out of contract, but is only 23 and could attract interest elsewhere if not retained.
What they need
The Crows need players with elite disposal skills. They were found out too often during the season, with poor disposal resulting in crippling turnovers. A ruckman will be required given the departures of Graham and McKernan and the club is understood to be chasing another key defender.
