WHILE we wait for play to resume, and with the little bit of knowledge we've gleaned from round one, we're taking this opportunity to put the microscope on every club.
THE PRESSURE GAUGE Which coach is under the most heat?
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The biggest lesson from round one was …
Good names on paper don't always equal results. Despite lining up with skipper Rory Sloane, Brodie Smith and Brad and Matt Crouch in the midfield, the Crows were smashed 20-5 by Sydney in the centre clearances. After trading Hugh Greenwood and Cam Ellis-Yolmen at the end of last season, the Crows are attempting a different midfield mix that clearly remains a work in progress.
What’s their weapon in 2020?
They've identified speed as the biggest change from last season. Brodie Smith has been added to the onball unit for another dimension at stoppages, while Matthew Nicks is keen to increase Wayne Milera's midfield minutes when he's not at half-back. Tyson Stengle, Lachlan Murphy and Shane McAdam will get plenty of opportunity in the front half.
What could be their downfall?
Following Sam Jacobs' departure for Greater Western Sydney, it leaves a heavy burden on the shoulders of Reilly O'Brien off the back of one full season at the top level. While he showed plenty in 18 games last year, the 24-year-old was beaten by Sydney's Sam Naismith in round one.
Who missed out on round one and what does it mean for them?
Jordan Gallucci's omission comes after a summer where he was asked to become more consistent. Now into his fourth year, it will be a season of reckoning for the 2016 first-round draftee with a long list of midfield-forward options at Matthew Nicks' disposal that includes Shane McAdam who was also left out. With no SANFL form, Elliott Himmelberg will need to light up the track to get ahead of Billy Frampton.
Which players could benefit from the break between games?
Key defender Tom Doedee will be desperate to return and play his first game back from an ACL after hyperextending his knee late in the pre-season. Kyle Hartigan's ankle held back his match-conditioning during the pre-season, while Riley Knight will have plenty of time to overcome his minor Achilles concern.
Who looked set for a breakout season?
Small forward Tyson Stengle showed glimpses of the package Crows fans can expect to fill the void left by Eddie Betts. Limited to one game last year, the former Tiger was the Crows' small forward of choice during the pre-season and will have ample chance to make the role his own.
The market place
Free agent Brad Crouch was due to get contract talks underway early in the season, but they'll be put on hold with the delay of the season. After strong interest from Gold Coast last October, the Suns' needs may have changed given their haul at last year's NAB AFL Draft. Kyle Hartigan, 28, will be out to prove he fits in the long-term back six that already includes Tom Doedee, Daniel Talia and impressive first-round draft pick Fischer McAsey. Jordan Gallucci will want games under his belt before beginning negotiations.
