PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Darcy Tucker of the Dockers tackles Sydney Stack of the Tigers during the round eight AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Richmond Tigers at Optus Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
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Adelaide (8-5, 4th)

What's gone right: The Crows find themselves in the top four after a questionable start to their 2019 campaign. Adelaide have begun to show their capabilities over the last month, notching up wins against worthy opposition in both Richmond and GWS and placing themselves where many expected them to be pre-season. The Crouch brothers have been at their brilliant best, while Rory Laird's precision and consistency out of defence has been a major strong point as well.

What's gone wrong: When you're fighting for a top-four spot every match counts, and the Crows have certainly been on the losing end of a couple of matches they wouldn't be pleased about. A bad loss to start the year against Hawthorn, as well as a defeat at the hands of North Melbourne a few weeks later, are both matches that the Crows would look at retrospectively and wonder how they couldn't pick up the eight points. Bryce Gibbs has been another major talking point, with his place in the senior side under serious question after a number of omissions already this year. Not what the Crows would want having secured Gibbs with two first-round picks.

Best and fairest: The Crows have been fortunate to have a number of reliable customers so far this season. Alex Keath has been massive while Rory Sloane has been imposing through the midfield, but Brad Crouch would perhaps be best placed to win Adelaide's best and fairest as things stand. The 25-year-old is averaging just under 32 disposals a game and constantly produces for the Crows.

Season grade: B

The Crows have managed to turn a corner and are justifying why they deserve a top-four place come the end of the season. It's been a far from perfect season and they have had a couple of issues, but the sky could very well be the limit for this Adelaide outfit, who could grow stronger come the second half of the season.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: The Crows walk through their banner during the round 12 AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Adelaide Oval on June 08, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
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