Summary
Season 2013 began with almost unlimited promise for the Crows, even with the departure of key forward Kurt Tippett months before. Taylor Walker's season-ending knee injury in round five crippled their forward line though and the absence of Dean Bailey from the coaches' box through suspension was a serious hindrance. A year to forget in many ways, but in others it was a season that saw the emergence of some genuine young talent. There was enough to suggest a significant turnaround next year is quite achievable.
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What worked
The club's most inexperienced players stood up under huge pressure this season, at times even carrying the senior players. Each of the side's four debutants in Kyle Hartigan, Mitch Grigg, Brad Crouch and Rory Laird look serious future prospects and the team's four NAB AFL Rising Star nominees (Crouch, Laird, Sam Kerridge and Luke Brown) bear testament to the quality coming through. As well as the debutants, Tom Lynch and Lewis Johnston both showed plenty in attack while Daniel Talia and Brown furthered their defensive relationship with Laird.
What failed
The loss of Tippett hurt Adelaide's ruck stocks just as badly as it did the forward line. Sam Jacobs was on the cusp of All Australian selection last season, but shouldering almost the entire burden of the role in 2013, he struggled mightily. As Jacobs' supply of hitouts dropped, the midfielders' form also dipped. Consequently the club fell from being the second best clearance side in the competition last year to 11th in 2013.
Surprise packet
One midfielder who managed to increase their output was Richard Douglas. The 2010 club champion had struggled to find the stunning form that delivered him the Malcolm Blight Medal, but he was at his best in 2013, averaging a career-high 23 disposals, five marks and four tackles a game. Douglas is a class player and told AFL.com.au earlier in the season his improved form came on the back of some blunt feedback after his 2012 campaign and his response was impressive.
Disappointment
The club's midfield was arguably the best in the AFL at times last year but it really failed to live up to expectation this season. Douglas was consistently good, as was Patrick Dangerfield and for a first-year player, Brad Crouch was sensational. While at times the group's class was undeniable, too many players had inconsistent seasons. Scott Thompson wasn't at his best for long enough, and neither were Bernie Vince or Rory Sloane. The quality remains in place but the engine room needs to bring it every week.
Jared Petrenko snatched a miracle win for the Crows over North Melbourne in round nine. Picture: AFL Media
MVP: Patrick Dangerfield
Best rookie/first year player: Brad Crouch
Best win: versus Geelong in round 17
Low point
After being embarrassed by the Sydney Swans at home in round 11, coach Brenton Sanderson demanded a response. He didn't get it and his side fell to Richmond by 38 points at the MCG, effectively ending their hopes of playing finals.
What needs to improve
Lack tackling pressure has been Sanderson's number one annoyance since he arrived at West Lakes, but it still remains an issue. It's obviously linked to form all over the field, but Adelaide's tackling pressure must rise significantly if the club is to feature in the finals next season. Adelaide finished as the 16th-ranked tackling side for the second year in a row this with 59 a game.
Who's done: Graham Johncock.
What they need
The club is heavily linked to Carlton forward Eddie Betts and it's easy to see how valuable such a player would be in amongst the likes of Walker and Josh Jenkins once they're back up and running. Adelaide needs more outside class and has also been reportedly linked to Hawthorn's Xavier Ellis. Luring former top-five draft pick Jared Polec home from Brisbane is another option – the speedy left-footer would fit in nicely if he can remain injury-free.
Luke Darcy says
"The Crows fate rests on the back of Tex Walker alone. Even if he gets back to 70 per cent next year, he'll improve the year after. I think the Crows will improve and move up the ladder."
