Following the conclusion of another hectic, fast-finishing home and away season, it's time to prepare for finals football once again.
While eight teams' hopes of holding this year's premiership cup aloft remain alive, ten clubs' seasons are officially over after failing to qualify for September football.
Despite all the attention rightly being on the contenders, each bottom-ten side faces pertinent list management decisions that will shape its future.
Taking into account draft hands and off-contract commodities, we explore those impending decisions facing 2023's bottom ten.
Adelaide
Indicative draft hand: 9, 20, 23, 47, 83
Whether it was the controversial non-goal call against the Swans in Round 23 or the plethora of close games the Crows lost due to inaccuracy, Adelaide missed the finals in 2023. With a talented young list, the Crows will be looking to bolster their youth through their draft hand.
Picks 9, 20 and 23 are all of significant value and could all be used as trade bait to target players that they need.
Off-contract players:ย
James Borlase,ย Tyler Brown,ย Matt Crouch,ย Tom Doedee,ย Jackson Hately,ย Shane McAdam,ย Andrew McPherson,ย Tariek Newchurch
Tom Doedee still remains without a contract despite his desire to remain at the club for the long term. The defender suffered a right ACL injury in June of 2023 whilst already rupturing his left ACL in 2019. It's unclear if the 26-year-old will be re-signed despite his genuine talent in the Crows backline.
James Borlase impressed in 2023, playing the final four rounds of the season. After being selected as a Category B rookie prior to the 2021 season, the 21-year-old put in great performances as a key defender. It's almost a certainty that the Crows would re-sign the youngster.
Ex-Magpie Tyler Brown played one game for the Crows in 2023, his only appearance coming as the sub in Round 1. The 23-year-old has averaged just over 21 disposals in the SANFL but still has not managed to make his way into the Crows midfield. Medium forward Shane McAdam has only managed seven games in 2023 after playing 15 in both 2022 and 2021. He missed three games early in the season due to suspension before suffering a quad injury in May during a SANFL game.
