Coach: Neil Craig
Captain: Simon Goodwin
Finished 2009: 5th (15 wins, nine losses)
Best and fairest: Bernie Vince
Leading goalkicker: Jason Porplyzia (57 goals)
Leading possession winner: Bernie Vince (597)
NEW PERSONNEL
On-field: Daniel Talia, Jack Gunston, Sam Shaw, James Craig, (NAB AFL Draft), Luke Thompson, Matthew Wright, Matthew Jaensch (NAB AFL Rookie Draft), Aidan Riley (NSW Scholarship Program)
Off-field: Nil
BEST 22
B: Andy Otten, Ben Rutten, Graham Johncock
HB: Simon Goodwin, Nathan Bock, Andrew McLeod
C: David Mackay, Scott Thompson, Patrick Dangerfield
HF: Jason Porplyzia, Trent Hentschel, Chris Knights
F: Brett Burton, Kurt Tippett, Taylor Walker
Foll: Ivan Maric, Bernie Vince, Tyson Edwards
I/C: Michael Doughty, Brad Moran, Nathan van Berlo, Scott Stevens
MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER
The Crows were quick to re-sign the imposing Kurt Tippett after his breakout season. Tippett kicked 55 goals last year, including seven against Essendon in round 11, to finish second in the club’s goalkicking. The 201cm, former basketballer provides his teammates with a strong target in attack and is also Adelaide’s best ruck option.
UP AND COMER
Patrick Dangerfield, who has played 23 career games, is no stranger to the AFL scene but appears destined for bigger things in 2010. The highly-rated teenager has completed his first full pre-season since arriving at West Lakes as a top-10 draft pick in 2007 and looks set for a greater midfield role this year.
NEEDS A BIG YEAR
Richard Douglas has all the makings of a modern-day small forward, but for whatever reason has struggled to find any consistency during his five-year stay at the club. He has added 3kg of muscle this pre-season and needs to command a spot in Adelaide’s best 22.
CHANGING TACK
The Crows implemented a faster, more attacking style of play last season and have continued to develop their ball movement patterns over the summer. Coach Neil Craig planned to use several players, like Andy Otten, Andrew McLeod and Tyson Edwards, in different roles this year but injuries will see these swaps put on the back burner for at least the early part of the season.
INJURY LIST
Bernie Vince (glute) - 1 week
Andrew McLeod (back) - 1 week
Brett Burton (knee) - 3 weeks
Jason Porplyzia (pelvis) - 3 weeks
Chris Knights (foot) - 3 weeks
James Sellar (hand) - 3 weeks
Nathan van Berlo (back) - indefinite
Brad Symes (knee) - indefinite
Brad Moran (knee) - indefinite
Brodie Martin (knee) - round 17
Andy Otten (knee) - season
WHAT THE CLUB SAYS
"The feeling of our playing group is that first of all we improve on where we were last year . . . we need to keep pushing forward, and our group has the belief now that we need to be able to challenge sides that are in the top four.” - coach Neil Craig
CRYSTAL BALL
The injury-ravaged Crows have a favourable draw in the opening 10 rounds of the season and they’re going to need it, as they attempt to restore a full-strength line-up. Adelaide has a tough finish to the year with games against reigning top-four sides Collingwood, St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs scheduled in the last month. The Crows’ pre-season form hasn’t been earth shattering, but their performances late last year suggest they’re capable of a top-four finish.
SEASON OPENER
March 28 v Fremantle at Subiaco Oval.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
