In the next few weeks until the start of the 2010 season on 25th March 2010 we will review in depth every 16 clubs. We started off with Fremantle, then the Bulldogs, the Kangaroos and Collingwood. Last week we have looked at Richmond, Sydney, the West Coast Eagles, the Essendon and Melbourne. This week we start off with Geelong and on Tuesday we looked at St Kilda. Now we look at another serious challenger in Adelaide

After Kick2Kick reviews each club, we will give their full season 2010 predictions like we did last year. If you would like to review a team or something else, please contact us.

What Happened Last Year

Adelaide finished strongly after 22 rounds again going into a finals campaign nicely positioned in 5th place. But yet again, Neil Craig’s boys stumbled, fumbled and tripped up with another disappointing finals series.

The Crows were expected to win over an injury ravaged Essendon side that just made the eight, but fell on their sword blowing a 30 point lead to lose to Collingwood the following game.

It’s all looking a bit like Groundhog day for the Crows as Bill Murray..I mean Neil Craig tries to conjure up another scientific training method that might give them ‘the edge’ come finals time.

Bernie Vince will be a player to watch for the Crows, in 2010.

The New Season

Already there are injury clouds looming over some key players for the start of the season proper- Jason Porplyzia (pelvis), Brett Burton (knee), Chris Knights (foot), Nathan van Berlo (back), Brad Symes (knee) and Brad Moran (knee).

Scotty Thompson and Kurt Tippett are also looking to be a 50/50 chance of being fit for the Crows round 1 clash against Fremantle.

Neil Craig might have to look at his younger playing stocks for the earlier rounds as Adelaide tread water until the experienced players can be added.

There has even been talk of playing Andrew McLeod up forward in a rotational roll just to help out.

Don’t be decieved though into thinking the Crows might struggle up forward with players like  Taylor Walker, Trent Hentschel and Richard Douglas still around to contribute for them.

If they can get through this first period reasonably unscathed, I think the Crows are looking good for back to back top 5 finishes.

Likely Finish:  top 5

Players to Watch

Bernie Vince – Had a standout season last year and had he been playing for a Victorian team, would of got a whole lot of attention from the opposition. As mentioned in our Dreamteam preview was an absolute ball magnet for the Crows. He’s still only 24 years old and should develop into a fine player, but the question is how will he handle the extra attention this year…..

Jared Petrenko – Has been showing solid pre season form to demand Neil Craig’s attention and although only played a few games last season (8) but could be versatile enough to play up front or down back. With the amount of injuries to key players in the opening rounds Petrenko could force his way into a regular start with some valuable contributions.

Jason Porplyzia – ‘The Porpoise’ had a breakout year in 2009 to be Adelaide’s leading forward with 57 goals. If he remains fit and gets over his little niggles, Porplyzia has the mobility and smarts to trouble any opponent.

Bench Warmers

With the number of injuries early in the season, Neil Craig will be tempted to try his playing list’s depth and giving the less experienced players some much needed game-time to prove their worth.

It is a hotly contested spot to break into the Crows forward line and when the Birdman Brett Burton (knee) makes a recovery usually he slots in easily and someone like a Taylor Walker unfortunately becomes a bit part player.

But I’ve just got the feeling one of these younger player will step up and if if Burton struggles with his recuperation or suffers a soft tissue injury it could be his last year of football.

The two Brads – Brad Symes (knee) and Brad Moran (knee) are talented young players but have been unlucky with major knee injuries and it is not looking good as they are still listed with related injuries.

Need to Improve

Brent Reilly – Had a great start to 2009, then got dropped before returning with purple patch of form, to finish off the year solidly. Reilly‘s ‘radar’ has seemed off in recent years but injuries haven’t helped either in that regards.  After 113 games and being spotted as an early talent for the Crows, this should be the year Brent Reilly steps up.

Ivan Maric – A talented bigman and latestarter to the game, Maric has the potential to develop into one of the best ruckmen in the AFL. Needs to be more consistent and find that mongrel when it comes to contested marks and physical presence.

Your thoughts

Why haven’t Adelaide been able to at least star in one Grand Final campaign under Neil Craig?  If they are seen to fail come finals time again, is the writing on the wall for the coach or some of the more experienced players in the team?

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