B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Scott Stevens
HB: Brodie Martin, Phil Davis, Michael Doughty
C: David Mackay, Scott Thompson, Nathan van Berlo
HF: Jason Porplyzia, Taylor Walker, Chris Knights
F: Ricky Henderson, Kurt Tippett, Patrick Dangerfield
FOLL: Sam Jacobs, Bernie Vince, Brent Reilly
I/C: Richard Douglas, Andy Otten, Rory Sloane
SUB: Brad Symes
Injury list
Ian Callinan (bicep) - indefinite
James Craig (hamstring) - indefinite
Sam Jacobs (hamstring) - test
Jared Petrenko (abdominal strain) - 1 week
Sam Shaw (back) - indefinite
Kurt Tippet (ankle) - 1 week
Most valuable player
Kurt Tippett might not be Adelaide's best player (yet), but he's vital to the forward line structure. The Crows appeared to lose their way when the big guy succumbed to an ankle injury against Carlton in round three of the NAB Challenge. Tippett always provides a contest, and his teammates aren't afraid to kick long to him.
Track specialist
Jason Porplyzia was dropped twice last season because of inconsistent form, but is primed for a return to his match-winning best after completing his first injury-free pre-season in recent memory. The one-time club leading goalkicker is likely to rotate more through the midfield this year with the changes to the AFL's interchange rules.
Dream Team special
Defender Andy Otten enjoyed a breakout season in 2009, playing 24 games and finishing second in the NAB Rising Star award, but his third season at West Lakes was derailed by injury. Otten was preparing for a move into the midfield before he wrecked his knee, and is a must-have this year at only $142,400.
Pivotal match View the full Crows fixture here
Every club will be aiming to win in round one having spent the entire pre-season preparing for the first game, but a win over Hawthorn in the season opener is particularly important for Adelaide. The Crows got off to a disastrous start last season, losing their opening six games, and will be keen to record a win before the bye in round two. The clash with the Hawks also marks the 20-year anniversary of the club's first-ever game.
Draftee watch
Mature-age rookie Ian Callinan was on the verge of being promoted to the senior list when he injured his arm. First-round draft pick Brodie Smith has also impressed, and while it's hard to see him playing in round one if the team remains relatively injury-free, Smith is certain to break into the side at some stage.
The Crows will have a good year if…
They convert more scoring opportunities. Adelaide had the fifth-most forward 50 entries in the competition in 2010, but ranked last in percentage of goals scored once inside 50m and last in scoring accuracy. They also need a bit more luck on the injury front.
The big issues
Was last season an aberration? The Crows set their sights on the top four but fell well short, slumping to 11th place on the AFL ladder. Injuries were partly to blame, but a similar result this year won't be tolerated.
How will the club cover the loss of retired champions Simon Goodwin, Tyson Edwards, Andrew McLeod and Brett Burton? Rory Sloane, Phil Davis and Ricky Henderson stepped up when the injuries mounted last season, but the challenge will be for those young players to take another step in 2011.
How will the club hierarchy handle the new arrangement with coach Neil Craig? In an AFL coaching first, the Crows ripped up Craig's contract and made him a member of staff, meaning there's no end-date for his term of employment at the club. Adelaide expects Craig to coach beyond 2011, but it'll be interesting to see how the situation plays out if the Crows suffer another form slump this season.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
