Crows' flag form guide - afl.com.au

[KUNG FU]

http://afl.com.au/News/NewsArticle/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=56340

Flag form guide: Adelaide
Author: Matt Burgan 5:34 PM Thu 13 March, 2008

The Crows may yet give the 2008 premiership a serious shake

BEST 25
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Scott Stevens
HB: Nathan Bassett, Nathan Bock, Andrew McLeod
C: Chris Knights, Simon Goodwin, Nathan van Berlo
HF: Brett Burton, Nick Gill, Brent Reilly
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Ken McGregor
FOLL: Jonathon Griffin, Scott Thompson, Tyson Edwards
I/C: Richard Douglas, Brad Symes, Robert Shirley, Ivan Maric
EMG: Trent Hentschel, Kris Massie, James Sellar

The rest of the squad:
Tony Armstrong, Rhett Biglands, Bryce Campbell, Myke Cook, Patrick Dangerfield, Michael Doughty, Greg Gallman, Jarrhan Jacky, Luke Jericho, Aaron Kite, David Mackay, Brad Moran, Andy Otten, Bernie Vince, Taylor Walker, Ed Curnow (rookie), Brodie Martin (rookie), James Moss (rookie), Jared Petrenko (rookie)

Despite the fact that players such as Mark Ricciuto, Scott Welsh and Ben Hudson are no longer at the club, Adelaide's best 25 remains an experienced unit. An exception is its developing ruck division of Griffin, Maric and Tippett, who can also play up forward. The return of Hentschel from a knee injury and the emergence of Sellar allow Bock to return to a key defensive post and strengthen Adelaide's backline.

AGE (As at March 20, 2008)
* 21 years and under: (19)
* 22-25: (14)
* 26-29: (6)
* 30+: (5)

Adelaide enters 2008 with considerably more youth than last season – almost half of its list is 21 years or under – but its best 25 is still vastly experienced, which ensures the Crows will remain in premiership contention for the year ahead.

MATCHES (As at March 20, 2008)
* 0 matches: (15)
* 1-25: (8)
* 26-50: (3)
* 51-100: (6)
* 101-200: (9)
* 200: (3)

A third of Adelaide's list is yet to debut. With the likes of McLeod, Edwards and Goodwin at the top end, it needs to get greater experience into its middle tier of players –around the 26-100-game bracket – to firmly stamp its authority in September.

HEIGHT (As at March 20, 2008)

* 184cm and under: (16)
* 185-190cm: (15)
* 191-199cm: (10)
* 200cm+: (3)

The Crows measure up well in height for a crack at this year's title, although they lack a little in the 191-199cm range. In 2007, Geelong had four more players on its list last season in this height category.

POSITIONS
* Defenders: (12)
Smalls: (3)
Mediums: (5)
Talls: (4)
* Midfielders: (19)
Smalls: (8)
Mediums: (10)
Talls: (1)
* Forwards: (9)
Smalls: (2)
Mediums: (3)
Talls: (4)
* Rucks: (4)

Adelaide has the right numbers in defence and in its ruck stocks, although the latter is an emerging group, plus it has an abundance of midfielders. While there is a good range of forward options, there is a question mark over the experience of the group.

SUMMARY
Despite the perception the Crows were on the slide, they hit back strongly with an impressive NAB Cup. While this is not a clear indication of the year ahead, Adelaide still has enough maturity and match experience to have a genuine crack at the title. But does Adelaide's top-end of older players suggest its premiership window is still open – as with Port Adelaide in 2004 – or does it mean it has just missed out?

NUTSHELL
Right on the cusp – either a premiership threat or may have just missed the boat.

Pretty spot on. Good broad summary of the club. Vince & Moran would be the most notable absentees from the best 25, but I'm sure we' say the same if Hentschel or Massie were out.

 

[FlyingCrow]

missed the boat for mine...

But I would love to be wrong

 

[Crow-mo]

Interesting. I don't really think he or anyone really believes we are a shot in 2008.

what I do believe, is that they respect us too much as an organisation to write us off. having been bitten so many times recently, they are just giving us credit maybe we don't really deserve.

that's a sign of our maturing as a formidable outfit imo.

 

[ams4crows]

Interesting. I don't really think he or anyone really believes we are a shot in 2008.

what I do believe, is that they respect us too much as an organisation to write us off. having been bitten so many times recently, they are just giving us credit maybe we don't really deserve.

that's a sign of our maturing as a formidable outfit imo.

well we've ernt that respect over the years you can not underestimate the Crows we've proved time and time again we've never been a team that's ....tanked we try to win at all costs!

 

[pjcrows]

"NUTSHELL
Right on the cusp – either a premiership threat or may have just missed the boat."

Good to see they went out on a limb with the prediction

 

[cammo84]

I don't mind their best 22, but I think if Hentschel is fit & ready enough to be named as an emergency, he should be in the 22.

 

[Mismatched]

"NUTSHELL
Right on the cusp – either a premiership threat or may have just missed the boat."

Good to see they went out on a limb with the prediction

Yep, I think thats what we call:

Other than that, I thought it was a pretty decent summary of our position, I'd maybe go a Vince or a Mackay at this stage over Douglas, but really couldn't argue with too much that was said, figures though that it was Burgan and not some victorian hack know name who has absolutely no idea, like what normally happens with these predictions.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Crows flying to next era
Rohan Connolly | March 16, 2008 - 1:40AM

What's in their favour? Experience, strong bodies, watertight defence and shrewd coaching by Neil Craig are the Crows' calling cards. Now comes a commitment to loosen the shackles and play a more free-flowing, attacking brand of football. Adelaide's forward set-up will look a lot different also, with stars Andrew McLeod, new skipper Simon Goodwin and fellow veteran Tyson Edwards likely to spend plenty of time forward, a move that could both rejuvenate the Crows' scoring power and prolong further three great careers.

What's not? The retirement of Mark Ricciuto leaves an enormous vacuum in terms of leadership, leading goalkicker for 2007 Scott Welsh is gone, as is No. 1 ruckman Ben Hudson and defensive runner Martin Mattner. With a season-ending knee injury to Rhett Biglands, the most experienced of the Crows' remaining four potential ruckmen, Jonathon Griffin, has just 16 games to his name. McLeod, Goodwin and Edwards filled three of the top four spots in last year's best and fairest. Adelaide desperately needs a younger face to find similar levels of performance.

Stepping into the spotlight? Nathan van Berlo is the pick of Adelaide's young brigade, a hard-working, disciplined midfielder now in the Crows' leadership group. Chris Knights already has made an impact in the middle, but has the potential to improve several levels yet, while Jason Porplyzia is smart near goal but could play more in the engine room this season. Kangaroo recruit Brad Moran will have to get over his finger injury but could occupy a key spot in defence and Kurt Tippett looks a likely prospect either in ruck or a key position.

In their wildest dreams? The old war horses stay injury-free and provide their usual brilliance, the raw ruck contingent holds its ground, and the Crows are able to "soup up" a game style that was beginning to look outdated. A lot has to go right for Adelaide to make a fourth straight finals series.

The reality? As close as Adelaide was to premierships in 2005-06, rebuilding is now clearly the name of the game, the pressure right on the younger faces to reach the stellar heights of McLeod, Goodwin and Co post haste. Finals don't look a realistic goal.

ROBERT WALLS 10th The Crows blew a chance to win a flag in recent years by not being attacking enough. With a big list turnover headed by the retirement of former skipper Mark Ricciuto, indications are coach Craig will encourage his players to take more risks, to kick more goals. Let's hope so.

ROHAN CONNOLLY 12th A handful of greats remain, but this year is about building the next era for the Crows - the game plan refined and with a new-look midfield and very raw ruck division feeling their way.

IMO ....7th or 8th if we have a good run with injuries

10th - 12th if have a bad run with injuries

 

[*PAF]

IMO ....7th or 8th if we have a good run with injuries

10th - 12th if have a bad run with injuries

IMO anything is possible with you lot this year and not just what you mentioned.
Whilst it is true you have lost some prime movers, the reality is some of your youngsters are potentially superior to the ones that have moved on.
Apart from Ricciuto who hasn't given as much in recent times as when he was in his prime the others are/were middle of the road players whereas some of the players replacing them are potentially top shelf or near top shelf.
It will all come down to what kind of a season your youngsters have, and that includes players who have been on the list for a couple of seasons.
Very best: Top 4
Very worst: Top of the bottom 4.
That is not sitting on the fence but the reality and not just a punt.

What you need to see in 2008: The emergence of 4 big fellas, 1 ruck and 3 spare ones, a rebounding HBF that can play tight when needed and a natural small forward.
Currently the rebounding HBF and crumbing forward roles are covered by older players that if released from these roles could run amok in cameo roles, namely McLeod, Goodwin and Johncock, although Stiffy is not exactly what one would call old.

Haven't followed the NAB cup much, but so far you lot should be happy enough with the big fella department, but the new smaller players used in the other two roles IMO are more your flexible/adaptable whatever other *able midfielder types that reallly natural HBFs or HFFs.

 

[macca23]

For sheer entertaianment alone you must have a look at this video of 7 local alleged experts giving their views on many aspects of the coming season.

Just follow the link below and click on the play symbol on the top right screen.

Enjoy!!

http://www.fiveaa.com.au/site/programs/the_fiveaa_sports_show/fiveaa_football_launch_2008.aspx

 

[jo172]

Honestly should we have a fairytale season such as Paps last year i don't see any reason why we can't take home the flag.

However should we have any run with injuries, suspension or just bad luck we could slide to as low as 13th

 

[*PAF]

For sheer entertaianment alone you must have a look at this video of 7 local alleged experts giving their views on many aspects of the coming season.

Just follow the link below and click on the play symbol on the top right screen.

Enjoy!!

http://www.fiveaa.com.au/site/programs/the_fiveaa_sports_show/fiveaa_football_launch_2008.aspx

Papa Cornes and Francou are ok aren't they?

Two bits of thinking both in the interviews and here on BF that I find difficult to agree with even remotely are Port's defence and The Crows doom and gloom.
On Port's defence, IMO the only areas not 100% covered are Pettigrew and Surjan. They both have admirers but IMO neither has secured their spot, however the other spots are covered as well as could be expected and performed quite well in the GF considering the lack of support they got.
Our midfield is the key as we have talented players capable of great performances but also shockers, there is no in between and that is a problem.
Like Francou I too think that until the midfield performs well in ugly games it cannot be considered in the top few.

wrt the Crows, one thing about Craig is that he will always get the team to play to a high minimum standard. If he can get a bit of cream on top of that people will be surprised. Don't know why they will be surprised
(again) for the umpteenth time since Craig took over, but it is guaranteed.

 

[noddy]

Papa Cornes and Francou are ok aren't they?

Two bits of thinking both in the interviews and here on BF that I find difficult to agree with even remotely are Port's defence and The Crows doom and gloom.
On Port's defence, IMO the only areas not 100% covered are Pettigrew and Surjan. They both have admirers but IMO neither has secured their spot, however the other spots are covered as well as could be expected and performed quite well in the GF considering the lack of support they got.
Our midfield is the key as we have talented players capable of great performances but also shockers, there is no in between and that is a problem.
Like Francou I too think that until the midfield performs well in ugly games it cannot be considered in the top few.

wrt the Crows, one thing about Craig is that he will always get the team to play to a high minimum standard. If he can get a bit of cream on top of that people will be surprised. Don't know why they will be surprised
(again) for the umpteenth time since Craig took over, but it is guaranteed.

Long time no read PAF old boy

I go along with your most of your thoughts on the Crows & we could finish anywhere between 6 & 10 just depends on a bit of luck & whether as you say Craig can get enough lift & improvement from the next bunch of leaders, we will get enough out of our established old guard to be competitive against all sides but not a good start to 08 with the loss of 2 more ruckmen in regards to Biglands & Moran.

Still think Port could have a bit of a downer this year after last years shenanagins but will still make the 8 & possibly top four depending on how much you get out of Tredrea.

 

[RoosterLad]

Crows will win the flag.

 

[Mismatched]

Papa Cornes and Francou are ok aren't they?

Two bits of thinking both in the interviews and here on BF that I find difficult to agree with even remotely are Port's defence and The Crows doom and gloom.
On Port's defence, IMO the only areas not 100% covered are Pettigrew and Surjan. They both have admirers but IMO neither has secured their spot, however the other spots are covered as well as could be expected and performed quite well in the GF considering the lack of support they got.
Our midfield is the key as we have talented players capable of great performances but also shockers, there is no in between and that is a problem.
Like Francou I too think that until the midfield performs well in ugly games it cannot be considered in the top few.

wrt the Crows, one thing about Craig is that he will always get the team to play to a high minimum standard. If he can get a bit of cream on top of that people will be surprised. Don't know why they will be surprised
(again) for the umpteenth time since Craig took over, but it is guaranteed.

That and your other one are pretty good summarys of where we are at, couldn't really comment on Port at this stage, but yeah, I don't see us dropping much at all as long as we have a relatively good run with injuries, if the injuries start piling up, then it may get difficult and our lack of experience in our list will show through.

 

[pjcrows]

ROBERT WALLS 10th The Crows blew a chance to win a flag in recent years by not being attacking enough.


What a knobjockey. 2005 and 2006 weren't attacking enough for you, Wallsy? The bloke has lost the plot.

 

[smoovy]

ROBERT WALLS 10th The Crows blew a chance to win a flag in recent years by not being attacking enough. With a big list turnover headed by the retirement of former skipper Mark Ricciuto, indications are coach Craig will encourage his players to take more risks, to kick more goals. Let's hope so.

Obviously in 06 being only the second most attacking side (trailing first by just 14 points) in the competition was the reason we blew it.

 

[Mismatched]

For sheer entertaianment alone you must have a look at this video of 7 local alleged experts giving their views on many aspects of the coming season.

Just follow the link below and click on the play symbol on the top right screen.

Enjoy!!

http://www.fiveaa.com.au/site/programs/the_fiveaa_sports_show/fiveaa_football_launch_2008.aspx

Since when did 5AA start doing comedy shows? Talk about losing the plot! Oh well, just a bunch of old farts trying to be relevant, makes for a good laugh, oh and I'm sorry, Port by no stretch of the imagination have the best list in the AFL.

Geez that was bad, had a few mates watch Jonno Brown play against Carlton I think, they reckon he's lost too much weight and that he's going to struggle to out body his opponents this year, so I don't know what Bone was going on about, but then who does

 

[Markthirtytwo]

For sheer entertaianment alone you must have a look at this video of 7 local alleged experts giving their views on many aspects of the coming season.

Just follow the link below and click on the play symbol on the top right screen.

Enjoy!!

http://www.fiveaa.com.au/site/programs/the_fiveaa_sports_show/fiveaa_football_launch_2008.aspx

I'm not feeling well. I've completely agreed with the ferret head.

 

[crowsup]

I'm not feeling well. I've completely agreed with the ferret head.

I'm with you on Ferret head. Except I don't believe him when he says he does not hate the A.F.C. He is a DH as well as a ferret head.