Last Season
The consequences of the well-publicised preseason camp continued for Adelaide last season as they again failed to deliver in expectations. Four wins on the trot between rounds 5-8 saw the Crows with a 5-3 record to start the season.
Despite their early promise, things took a turn for the worst as the Crows won five of their last 14 games of the season. The abysmal season had it's consequences - Don Pyke was sacked as coach, fan favourites Eddie Betts, Sam Jacobs and Hugh Greenwood left the club and Alex Keath and Josh Jenkins found new homes in Victoria.
Off-season
In: Billy Frampton (Port Adelaide), Fischer McAsey (Pick 6, Sandringham Dragons), Harry Schoenberg (Pick 24, Woodville-West Torrens), Josh Worrell (Pick 28, Sandringham Dragons), Ronin O'Connor (Pick 42, Claremont), Lachlan Gollant (Pick 48, Calder Cannons), Ben Keays (Rookie draft pick 7, Brisbane Lions), Ben Crocker (Rookie draft pick 21, Collingwood).
Out: Richard Douglas (delisted), Andy Otten (retired), Paul Hunter (delisted), Cam Ellis-Yolmen (Brisbane Lions), Eddie Betts (Carlton), Sam Jacobs (GWS Giants), Hugh Greenwood (Gold Coast Suns), Alex Keath (Western Bulldogs), Josh Jenkins (Geelong Cats).
Off-season grade: C+
The Crows invested heavily in the draft, using the trade period to accumulate draft picks and recruit highly-rated youngster Fisher McAsey. The Crows allowed plenty of their experienced players to leave in the off-season, which will give their youngsters plenty of game time in the senior lineup.
Former GWS assistant coach Matthew Nicks takes the reigns at the Crows in 2020 and will aim to implement the attacking football that has made the Giants one of the most exciting teams in the comp.
Defining Period
The first five weeks of the season will be crucial for the Crows aspirations for the 2020 season. Adelaide don't travel for the first three weeks and face Sydney, Port Adelaide and Brisbane.
Win two of those games and the Crows will take a lot of confidence ahead of their clash against Richmond at the MCG in round 4. The Crows have a tendency to exceed expectations when they appoint a new coach and could continue that tradition with a strong start to Matthew Nick's reign.
Best 22
B: Luke Brown, Daniel Talia, Jake Kelly
HB: Rory Laird, Tom Doedee, Brodie Smith
C: Rory Atkins, Rory Sloane, Wayne Milera
HF: Tom Lynch, Taylor Walker, Chayce Jones
F: Lachie Murphy, Darcy Fogarty, Billy Frampton
R: Reilly O’Brien, Brad Crouch, Matt Crouch
I/C: Paul Seedsman, Bryce Gibbs, Ned McHenry, Fischer McAsey
Champion Data says:
"In the midfield, only Rory Sloane and Paul Seedsman rank in the top-200 players in the competition. They will be looking for the Crouch brothers to become more damaging, with Matt ranking 299th and Brad 314th. The scary thing for this group is that they are the oldest midfield in the game."
Strengths and weaknesses
The Crouch brothers, Rory Sloane and Brodie Smith look set to lead the Crows midfield this season. If Reilly O'Brien can provide first touch of the ball, the Crows could have one of the most damaging midfield's in the competition.
The Crows lack depth in the backline and will rely heavily on Daniel Talia to shore up their defence. Alex Keath's departure further weakens their defence, while question marks remain if Tom Doedoee will be the same player he was before his ACL injury.
Prediction: 16th
The Crows have a core group of players that can match any of the top teams. However, it is unclear whether the impact of the fatal preseason camp will continue to cloud club moral. Matthew Nicks will prioritise youth development and this might come to the expense of veterans such as Taylor Walker and Bryce Gibbs. A finish in the lower half of the table is likely for the Crows in 2020.
