2nds 2026 Adelaide Crows SANFL thread

[Daniel6]

With this new guy, are we actually fit enough?

Surely an idiot would not continue with the slow and negative tactics we use week after week if our fitness was at the right level.

 

[Golumless]

Mate I can’t believe you’re still going with this even after what we see.

Surely you can see now Riley will be all time great hall of fame. These types can control momentum - be up forward and using it when the crows have it - be up the ground and getting it back when they don’t. Gifted, special players do this.

He’s not sitting around the goal square all match - what a waste that would be.

My dude, you have literally no idea what a key forward does if this is your complaint. There are no key forward that sits in the goal square all match. Those types of players died out 10+ years ago. Key forwards have been expected for a long while to get up the ground and be the outlet when we don't have the ball, alongside being an offensive producer.

Riley will be a hall of fame footballer if he keeps up his production, and he'll do it as a key forward. As he was meant to. We're just in a phase where people are deluding themselves on how good our list is, and want to use a superstar as a luxury player instead of someone you actually build around.

 

[spenze]

At what stage do we need to get to before we admit we aren't developing our kids well?

Draper should be killing it at this level but he isn't getting 20 touches,

People complain about our youngsters not putting their hand up but they won't whilst we are holding both their arms

 

[Trigger13]

For those watching

Is it time to start worrying about Sid Draper becoming the next generation Midfielder we thought he was going to be? I fear yet again we have been lured by extreme pace.

Draper is a bull in a china shop. Kills me watching guys like Reid and Langford cruising around for other clubs. We lack midfield class and Draper is the anti-class.

 

[WeeBlake]

Don't forget Draper also had one of the most decorated junior careers and his U17 year was phenomenal - SANFL form, U18 All-Australian, U18 SA MVP as a bottom-ager, BOG in SANFL U18 GF as well.

Just had a bad run of injuries since then and obviously a very interrupted pre-season

Get him some continuity and he'll be fine.

I have hope but not confidence

 

[spenze]

I mean the best thing is when a player does come through, the usual suspects say " see, he needed three years" and not acknowledge that he made it in spite of the lack lustre development.

How in gods name is all the players in the top 6 from Drapers draft year kicking huge goals...and he is languishing on a god damned ****ing HFF in the SANFL.

Every other business in the world, the executive would be sacked but not here, he has "lessons to be learned" "he doesn't understand the gameplan" whilst ****ing top ups play key midfield roles.

It'd be funny if we weren't crying out for midfielders

 

[Afcprophet]

I mean the best thing is when a player does come through, the usual suspects say " see, he needed three years" and not acknowledge that he made it in spite of the lack lustre development.

How in gods name is all the players in the top 6 from Drapers draft year kicking huge goals...and he is languishing on a god damned ****ing HFF in the SANFL.

Every other business in the world, the executive would be sacked but not here, he has "lessons to be learned" "he doesn't understand the gameplan" whilst ****ing top ups play key midfield roles.

It'd be funny if we weren't crying out for midfielders

Gotta fit Rob in the team somehow. Draper should be in the ones. Playing in the middle.

 

[spenze]

Money well spent

 

[Golumless]

I mean the best thing is when a player does come through, the usual suspects say " see, he needed three years" and not acknowledge that he made it in spite of the lack lustre development.

How in gods name is all the players in the top 6 from Drapers draft year kicking huge goals...and he is languishing on a god damned ****ing HFF in the SANFL.

Every other business in the world, the executive would be sacked but not here, he has "lessons to be learned" "he doesn't understand the gameplan" whilst ****ing top ups play key midfield roles.

It'd be funny if we weren't crying out for midfielders

Shock horror, missing most of the preseason due to a groin injury will do that to a player.

 

[Golumless]

Well, that was certainly a game. Adelaide tried to play a fast paced, aggressive ball movement game but did not have the across-squad skill to pull it off without a lot of skill errors. They were the difference in the end as the Eagles were able to capitalise on the mistakes.

Player notes:

Draper gets through another one unscathed which is the big thing. Played much better this week, despite similar stats and had a lot more standout moments where his ability to create space with his leg speed is a weapon. One to watch in the next few weeks, seeing he's starting to ramp up.

Edwards had a very solid game. I imagine the kicking efficiency isn't crash hot, but really, did his job as a crash and bash midfielder. I dunno how close he's to a debut, but did himself no harm there at all.

Dowling is really not going quietly in the night. Excellent game and a well deserved 30 and 2. Whilst I don't know where he fits in the best 23, he's really forcing the issue.

Cotton has some serious moments every now and then. Very raw and sometimes looks like he's barely played the sport in a few years as well.

Ludowyke had one of those games a young key forward has where you get a glimpse into their character. Lots of yeoman's work, no real rewards. Still, he competed hard, kept fronting up and crashing packs and even got a free kick for a gut-busting chase through the midfield. The kid is truly made of the right stuff.

Ryan plays like someone who knows he's going to be delisted.

Murray was pretty anonymous. Tough day for the forwards with how many skill errors though in defense/midfield. I would be curious to see how he goes as a full time ruck.

Bell had a much better game then last week. Even got some solid ball use out of him. I'd have no issue throwing him a rookie list spot at the end of the year.

Marsh had a mare. Just could not get into it in the first three quarters before a switch to wing in the fourth. Did alright there, but that's a low bar. Should be moved away from the forward line, it's not working at all.

Drury came crashing back to earth.

Welsh looks a much better footballer this year. Dunno if it will save him, but he's a lot more present n around-ground plays.

Hinge got through. Had some moments where he was a class above but also looked short of a gallop.

Lachlan Sholl is still Lachlan Sholl.

 

[Tarasque36]

He started on a wing. Assuming the seconds play the same as the A’s, we don’t use the wing as an avenue from defence to attack. Awesome development from a high draft pick.

No he didn't. Lets not be mis-leading to those posters who couldn't watch the game.
Our wings were Sholl and Haines. Then Coleman got some wing time, and then Marsh got some wing late 3rd and 4th qtr.
Mostly Marsh was forward and couldn't get near it. Didn't present to the right areas, couldn't win a contested possession, he is far far away from any AFL level. Young kid, time on his side, but lets not fool our fellow posters, he had 1 touch in 3 quarters.

 

[Golumless]

No he didn't. Lets not be mis-leading to those posters who couldn't watch the game.
Our wings were Sholl and Haines. Then Coleman got some wing time, and then Marsh got some wing late 3rd and 4th qtr.
Mostly Marsh was forward and couldn't get near it. Didn't present to the right areas, couldn't win a contested possession, he is far far away from any AFL level. Young kid, time on his side, but lets not fool our fellow posters, he had 1 touch in 3 quarters.

I think we did rotate Marsh to the wings once or twice early, but yeah, mostly a half forward. Absolute nothing burger of a game.

I want to see the kid at half back flank (and notwithstanding that's our big problem position at the moment).

 

[Tarasque36]

For those watching

Is it time to start worrying about Sid Draper becoming the next generation Midfielder we thought he was going to be? I fear yet again we have been lured by extreme pace.

No. Not yet.
The basics are there for something.
He is quick, agile, hyper, we need this... but what I see that I want him to identify is not to give off to the nearest options or call, like a cat on a hot tin roof.... There was one CB clearance he had, where he was running to the right wing, but handballed to Dowling 1m away from him. Firstly - Dowling why are you calling for it? Secondly, Draper, be the man, you were clear enough keep going forward, find yur own target downfield.
It's like he feels a need to give it off. Is it an instinct of panic or passing of responsibility, or a coached philosophy of using the senior players? I enjoy what he brings, but it's like he's bringing a trailer, not the whole movie.

 

[Mutineer]

Well, that was certainly a game. Adelaide tried to play a fast paced, aggressive ball movement game but did not have the across-squad skill to pull it off without a lot of skill errors. They were the difference in the end as the Eagles were able to capitalise on the mistakes.

Player notes:

Draper gets through another one unscathed which is the big thing. Played much better this week, despite similar stats and had a lot more standout moments where his ability to create space with his leg speed is a weapon. One to watch in the next few weeks, seeing he's starting to ramp up.

Edwards had a very solid game. I imagine the kicking efficiency isn't crash hot, but really, did his job as a crash and bash midfielder. I dunno how close he's to a debut, but did himself no harm there at all.

Dowling is really not going quietly in the night. Excellent game and a well deserved 30 and 2. Whilst I don't know where he fits in the best 23, he's really forcing the issue.

Cotton has some serious moments every now and then. Very raw and sometimes looks like he's barely played the sport in a few years as well.

Ludowyke had one of those games a young key forward has where you get a glimpse into their character. Lots of yeoman's work, no real rewards. Still, he competed hard, kept fronting up and crashing packs and even got a free kick for a gut-busting chase through the midfield. The kid is truly made of the right stuff.

Ryan plays like someone who knows he's going to be delisted.

Murray was pretty anonymous. Tough day for the forwards with how many skill errors though in defense/midfield. I would be curious to see how he goes as a full time ruck.

Bell had a much better game then last week. Even got some solid ball use out of him. I'd have no issue throwing him a rookie list spot at the end of the year.

Marsh had a mare. Just could not get into it in the first three quarters before a switch to wing in the fourth. Did alright there, but that's a low bar. Should be moved away from the forward line, it's not working at all.

Drury came crashing back to earth.

Welsh looks a much better footballer this year. Dunno if it will save him, but he's a lot more present n around-ground plays.

Hinge got through. Had some moments where he was a class above but also looked short of a gallop.

Lachlan Sholl is still Lachlan Sholl.

What!!!!

Edwards kicking was a feature of a well rounded and first class game!!!

 

[Tarasque36]

Draper is a bull in a china shop. Kills me watching guys like Reid and Langford cruising around for other clubs. We lack midfield class and Draper is the anti-class.

He's the bull like Dangerfield once was. Less bull and more gazelle at times, but under Nicks structured positional defensive areas of where to be, it feels like he gets the ball and just wants to get rid of it. I feel like he needs an injection of arrogance and he'll become a gun. JHF and H Reid cockiness pumped into him so he can use his weapons, not be worried about negative outcomes.

 

[Tarasque36]

He's just not coming on as hoped.

He was always a poor draft selection.
No weapons.
Maybe it was an ability to be a lock down defender...but we've never used him as that.
It seems he was quick, so a rebound defender, maybe? But he's not that quick.
He has no penetration with his kicks. He's Milera style 20m hit up target only.
He's also Jones-like where it's straight line pace only, no agility or ability to get around opponents.
Bad call Hamish. Easy delist.

 

[adelaidecrows]

He was always a poor draft selection.
No weapons.
Maybe it was an ability to be a lock down defender...but we've never used him as that.
It seems he was quick, so a rebound defender, maybe? But he's not that quick.
He has no penetration with his kicks. He's Milera style 20m hit up target only.
He's also Jones-like where it's straight line pace only, no agility or ability to get around opponents.
Bad call Hamish. Easy delist.

He got high wraps in hist first full sanfl season and looked to be on track. So thats not true he is a poor selection. Where I think he has fallen away is merely not possessing anything we dont have in spades. Combined that with Nicks who needs to be dragged kicking and screaming into playing kids, it makes it hard for him to be selected.

 

[Tarasque36]

He got high wraps in hist first full sanfl season and looked to be on track. So thats not true he is a poor selection. Where I think he has fallen away is merely not possessing anything we dont have in spades. Combined that with Nicks who needs to be dragged kicking and screaming into playing kids, it makes it hard for him to be selected.

Nuh, I also watch every single Sanfl game.
No high wraps, nothing special. Who was saying that? Not close to selection or AFL standard.
Sure, young kid, give them time, be excited for small things, potential you can hope for... But never showed anything really to be an AFL player. Almost a sanfl player at best.
I'm happy to hang shooooooot on Nicks and selections, I still want him sacked in truth.... but Ryan is not part of his issues

 

[adelaidecrows]

Nuh, I also watch every single Sanfl game.
No high wraps, nothing special. Who was saying that? Not close to selection or AFL standard.
Sure, young kid, give them time, be excited for small things, potential you can hope for... But never showed anything really to be an AFL player. Almost a sanfl player at best.
I'm happy to hang shooooooot on Nicks and selections, I still want him sacked in truth.... but Ryan is not part of his issues

You are entitled to your opinion but he was definitely rated and finished 3rd in the Sanfl best and Fairest. Its ok to not rate him now but dont pretend his entire output was crap from day one.

 

[conVINCEd]

No. Not yet.
The basics are there for something.
He is quick, agile, hyper, we need this... but what I see that I want him to identify is not to give off to the nearest options or call, like a cat on a hot tin roof.... There was one CB clearance he had, where he was running to the right wing, but handballed to Dowling 1m away from him. Firstly - Dowling why are you calling for it? Secondly, Draper, be the man, you were clear enough keep going forward, find yur own target downfield.
It's like he feels a need to give it off. Is it an instinct of panic or passing of responsibility, or a coached philosophy of using the senior players? I enjoy what he brings, but it's like he's bringing a trailer, not the whole movie.

This is the way Draper plays I reckon; I’m worried.

(The dream in that draft would’ve been North pulling the trigger on Tauru to get a tall, Blues still taking Jagger and us landing FOS).

 

[Cromulant]

My dude, you have literally no idea what a key forward does if this is your complaint. There are no key forward that sits in the goal square all match. Those types of players died out 10+ years ago. Key forwards have been expected for a long while to get up the ground and be the outlet when we don't have the ball, alongside being an offensive producer.

Riley will be a hall of fame footballer if he keeps up his production, and he'll do it as a key forward. As he was meant to. We're just in a phase where people are deluding themselves on how good our list is, and want to use a superstar as a luxury player instead of someone you actually build around.

Another weird theory from yourself

 

[Cromulant]

He was always a poor draft selection.
No weapons.
Maybe it was an ability to be a lock down defender...but we've never used him as that.
It seems he was quick, so a rebound defender, maybe? But he's not that quick.
He has no penetration with his kicks. He's Milera style 20m hit up target only.
He's also Jones-like where it's straight line pace only, no agility or ability to get around opponents.
Bad call Hamish. Easy delist.

What a load of absolute garbage

 

[Cromulant]

Nuh, I also watch every single Sanfl game.
No high wraps, nothing special. Who was saying that? Not close to selection or AFL standard.
Sure, young kid, give them time, be excited for small things, potential you can hope for... But never showed anything really to be an AFL player. Almost a sanfl player at best.
I'm happy to hang shooooooot on Nicks and selections, I still want him sacked in truth.... but Ryan is not part of his issues

Nothing like doubling down on stupid

 

[Daniel6]

No he didn't. Lets not be mis-leading to those posters who couldn't watch the game.
Our wings were Sholl and Haines. Then Coleman got some wing time, and then Marsh got some wing late 3rd and 4th qtr.
Mostly Marsh was forward and couldn't get near it. Didn't present to the right areas, couldn't win a contested possession, he is far far away from any AFL level. Young kid, time on his side, but lets not fool our fellow posters, he had 1 touch in 3 quarters.

C: Mitchell Marsh

He was listed to start on the wing. Thank you.

 

[Cromulant]

View attachment 2570120

C: Mitchell Marsh

He was listed to start on the wing. Thank you.

To be fair, teamsheets dont mean a huge amount.

Clubs do it because they have to