In a nutshell
Over-achievers. Doom and gloom surrounded the Crows after they lost Patrick Dangerfield, but emerged as a genuine premiership contender. The round 23 loss to West Coast was costly. 

What we said in the pre-season 
The majority of AFL.com.au experts had the Crows slipping down the ladder after Patrick Dangerfield's defection to Geelong. The potent forward line lived up to its billing and Eddie Betts was again a leading contender for goal of the year. But not many would have picked rookie forward Mitch McGovern to become a part of the club's best 22. 

What worked
Adelaide's multi-pronged forward line was outstanding. Betts (a career-high 75 goals), Josh Jenkins (62), Taylor Walker (47) and Tom Lynch (42) were the focal points while Charlie Cameron and McGovern provided great support. Rory Laird had a brilliant season in defence while Daniel Talia shut down the opposition's best forward week after week.

What failed
Outside of Rory Sloane, Adelaide's midfield looked slow at times and lacked genuine pace. Brad Crouch needs to bring his best on a more consistent basis rather than go missing at times. Carlton recruit Troy Menzel didn't live up to expectations and failed to play a single game. 

Overall rating
B+. Positive steps in a number of areas from last season, but still room for improvement. 

The coach
Don Pyke did an impressive job in his first senior coaching role taking over after the tragic death of Phil Walsh. Pyke brought a hard-nosed defensive focus to the role, while also encouraging the Crows to take risks and play attacking football. Has two years remaining of his three-year deal. 

The leaders 
Crows skipper Taylor Walker enhanced his reputation as one of the best leaders in the competition. Was voted as the captain of the year at the AFL Players' Association awards. Plays with toughness and leads by example. Still only 26, Walker will be the skipper for the foreseeable future. 

MVP
Rory Sloane: The tenacious midfielder was outstanding around the contests, winning the hard ball through sheer determination and getting it to his outside men. Can impact a game with a limited amount of possessions given his quality ball usage. 

Surprise packet
Mitch McGovern: Played 23 out of a possible 24 games in his rookie season. The mobile forward kicked 32 goals and became an important part of the Crows' multi-pronged forward line. 

Get excited
Charlie Cameron: Impressed with his lightning speed and tackling pressure in the forward line. A strong off-season could see Cameron spend more time in the midfield next year. 

Disappointment
Troy Menzel: Came across from Carlton with the potential to be a nice piece to the Crows forward line. Struggled with his fitness and didn't stand out in the reserves. 

Best win
Round four: Adelaide 16.17 (113) def Sydney 15.13 (103) at Adelaide Oval.

With 11 lead changes, the Crows went toe to toe with the Swans as neither side gave way. Eddie Betts sealed the win with his fourth goal 31 minutes into the last quarter.

Low point
A win over West Coast in round 23 would have delivered the Crows a top-two berth. But they choked under the pressure to slip all the way down to fifth heading into the finals. 

The big questions

·      Can the Crows land a big fish during the trade period to boost their midfield?

·      Will veteran midfielder Scott Thompson be offered a new contract?

·      Are the Crows making up the numbers in the top eight, or are they a genuine premiership contender?

Season in a song

So Ambitious, Jay Z 

Premiership window

What we say: On the verge of greatness 

Who's done?
Retirements: Nathan Van Berlo, Matthew Jaensch
Delistings: None yet
Unsigned free agents: Ricky Henderson, Scott Thompson 

How should they approach trade and draft period?
The Crows should be aggressive with their premiership window open. They have been linked to Brisbane Lions skipper Tom Rockliff to boost their midfield. Richmond star Dustin Martin would be an incredible pick-up if he is available. 

Early call for 2017
A preliminary final should be the pass mark for the Crows. Have plenty of players yet to reach their potential.