EVEN without Patrick Dangerfield, Adelaide's midfield still has an imposing mix of youth and experience, headlined by trio Rory Sloane, Scott Thompson and Richard Douglas.
The development of Matt Crouch has excited the club's coaching panel, as has that of big-bodied midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen, whose combination of size and explosive pace offers match-winning potential.
Speaking to AFL.com.au, Douglas preached the idea that holistic performance would prevent the departure of Dangerfield from weakening the Crows' core.
The old heads would need stellar years, he said, but he also put it to the youngsters to take responsibility and lead their club from the front.
"A lot of guys have stood up vocally. 'Thommo' is the standout on the track with his voice but I think myself and Sloaney and Matt Crouch have really improved in that area," Douglas said.
"We've got some young guys who we're looking to fill that void; Cameron Ellis-Yolmen, Jarryd Lyons, Crouch – these sort of boys.
"If we can get some more out of them and then Brad Crouch, he's been talked about, he'll come back this year and hopefully play a role for us.
"If us older guys can have a good year, I'm sure we'll be able to fill the void.
"It's exciting that a young guy gets a chance that had probably been pushed out or been the sub in previous years."
No player on Adelaide's list fits Douglas' description quite like Jarryd Lyons.
The 23-year-old started nine of his career-best 13 games in 2015 as the sub.
He's proven himself time and time again as a contested ball winner at SANFL level and he's skillful enough around goal to play as a forward, but given the depth of the Crows' senior midfield he's struggled to break in.
"We had Kris Kringle and I think someone got him a sub's vest," Douglas joked.
"I think he (Lyons) wore it 12 times … it's hard for him to develop when he's playing probably a quarter, a quarter and a half max each week.
"He's been good around training and he's got to step up this year.
"He's got the talent, he's just missed the opportunity so this is his year, I'm sure."
With a new coach at the helm in Don Pyke and a mass of players looking to play their part of what looms a promising 2016 campaign, the club's NAB Challenge shapes as a telling lead-up.
Adelaide faces West Coast at Unley Oval on February 21 before taking on Fremantle a week later in Mount Barker and then Gold Coast on March 21 at Metricon Stadium.
