Great Expectations

[cro_Magnum]

I hesitate to write this as it may bring bad karma, but it's impossible to ignore opinions on the main board and in the media, mainly Victorian opinions no less, that the Crows are one of, if not the, flag favourites. We're often rated as the best non-Victorian team too (mainly because West Coast appear to have shot themselves in the foot, although I think they'll bounce back).

The question is, how will NC and the club handle this new found fame and respect? Does he rein in the hype or use it as one of his "fantastic learning opportunities". We're constantly being told we're now the hunted not the hunter, but we may also be the feared to some extent, and if opposition teams expect to lose against us they may often fulfill their own prophecy.

 

[- PC -]

I really cant contain myself somedays. I have this sense of excitement about a new season , one that I havent had for a long time. But bottom line is that things can happen within and outside the club that will derail a season...look at West Coast???? Gone from premiership favourites and if they lose some early games will be hard pressed to get back in the hunt

Yes like Dickens I have Great Expectations but I understand it only takes some close losses to put us back in the pack

 

[cro_Magnum]

I really cant contain myself somedays. I have this sense of excitement about a new season , one that I havent had for a long time. But bottom line is that things can happen within and outside the club that will derail a season...look at West Coast???? Gone from premiership favourites and if they lose some early games will be hard pressed to get back in the hunt

Yes like Dickens I have Great Expectations but I understand it only takes some close losses to put us back in the pack

At least we're starting off in a good frame of mind. Better than the Bleak House predictions of last season, but as you say early wins are the key to maintaining the momentum. I still shudder at those 0-5 starts of not that long ago.

 

[rayven]

I have followed us since inception and before that SOG
the victorians well most of them see us in black or white
When they see us in black it is a ego trip to bag us and not rate us
When they see us in white they overate us in the hope that if we fall they can ego trip on how far they have helped us fall by overating us.If we dont fall they say I told you so
there is no shades of grey with most.
At the moment we are white and I detest it, hey I know how ffing good this season could be but I remember this time last year, we had made the finals three years out of four had had no major list changes and most people enjoyed slagging us off. Now these very same idiots are talking us up and I detest their feebleness

 

[Damp Squarie]

the victorians well most of them see us in black or white

They will in Rnd 1 when we tear Collingwood a newy
All NC can do is take it a few weeks at a time and portray the one week line.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

I too have great expectations, although a closer look at our injury list worries me.

 

[Handyandy]

The crows should have high expectations for this season but its one thing to get to the top its another thing to stay there.
Injuries & reports will play a role. The attitude of the team must be significantly different too. Last season no one rated the crows so they were playing for respect. Now they have been accorded some respect how will they respond?

 

[Vader]

I don't think we have too much to worry about with suspensions.

Historically, Adelaide has been one of the least suspended teams since Blight took over and instilled some serious discipline into the group. Last year we only lost one player to suspension, for only one match, pity it was Roo for a final.

Injuries on the other hand, roll the dice and see what numbers come up....

 

[MongolianHorse]

IMHO Our strength lies in the fact we have a surplus of good players, with not too many great players and very few bad players.

This is good because quite often we get underestimated.

 

[spice18]

I have followed us since inception and before that SOG
the victorians well most of them see us in black or white
When they see us in black it is a ego trip to bag us and not rate us
When they see us in white they overate us in the hope that if we fall they can ego trip on how far they have helped us fall by overating us.If we dont fall they say I told you so
there is no shades of grey with most.
At the moment we are white and I detest it, hey I know how ffing good this season could be but I remember this time last year, we had made the finals three years out of four had had no major list changes and most people enjoyed slagging us off. Now these very same idiots are talking us up and I detest their feebleness

Best summation by far, and right on the mark Rayven. As much as I hate to say it, this year could turn out really sweet for you guys: win the ultimate and even bring Charlie home. But on the flip side, things could go horribly wrong when it matters and you could finish well inside the pack with everybody else and see very little september action. IMO, your list is not head and shoulders above everyone else in terms of talent, but it is in terms of BALANCE. This is one area most teams will struggle to match you which is why I too rate you as flag favourites.

Over 22 gruelling rounds of games, all it takes is 3 or 4 close games: win those you are home; lose them and you are locked with everyone else. For example, Port drew 1 and lost 3 games by a kick in 2005. win all four (with a lucky bounce here and there) and we could have finished top 4. Tha'ts how close the competition is.

My objective sense wish you guys luck but the hardcore Port in me hopes you trip and we actually finish above you by season's end (do I hear you say 'in your dreams'?) - unlikely but very possible.

[P/S don't twist this into a Port Vs Crows thread - stick to the core issue]

 

[- PC -]

Over 22 gruelling rounds of games, all it takes is 3 or 4 close games: win those you are home; lose them and you are locked with everyone else. For example, Port drew 1 and lost 3 games by a kick in 2005. win all four (with a lucky bounce here and there) and we could have finished top 4. Tha'ts how close the competition is.

I did a rehash of games won and lost by under 15 points and found Adelaide won 8 out of 11 and from memory Port won 2 out of 6

As you rightly point out it only takes 3 of that 8 to put us back in the pack

 

[Stiffy_18]

[P/S don't twist this into a Port Vs Crows thread - stick to the core issue]

Oh yeah!!!!!

You started it!!!!!!

 

[Grimreepah]

Aim high Adelaide. You've got a great team and NC looks a great coach. Good luck!

 

[Cove Cobra]

TBH I don't like it when sides are 'talked up' at the start of a season.

I'd rather wait until 6 -8 Rounds into the REAL stuff; we can then get a gauge on where each Club is at and where we rank.

Footy is a funny game, remember? A lot of variables in it.