Top vs bottom. Yes, we're the bottom, and we're about to receive a pounding.
Adelaide have rested Taylor Walker, who kicked 19 goals against a similarly undermanned backline across two games in 2023. But we all know someone else will step up to take his place: Riley Thilthorpe, Darcy Fogarty. Maybe even (checks notes) Chris Burgess; it's that sort of a year.
In preparation for this preview, I flew to Adelaide this week and interviewed some locals. They were generally sympathetic.
Jodie (43, teacher, from Unley) said "We've been there. You'll be back before long." But she had the same look of pity on her face as you might when you tell your child that Rover has gone to live happily on the farm. Rover has not, in fact, gone to live on the farm, and at times it feels like we may never be back.
Ryan (22, barista, from Elizabeth) said "We probably won't beat you by 100 points. We don't really need the percentage anyway." But he only said that to make me feel better about paying $6.50 for a flat white on Rundle St. I watched the SA news later, and everyone thinks Adelaide will win by one zillion points, even the dude doing the weather, and nobody even asked him.
Fortunately, we have a secret weapon - this guy:
Apparently, he has variously been in charge of development, the WAFL side, the defence, the forward line. All of these are currently in a very poor state - and no, I'm not allowing him the excuse of injury - so Luke Webster's departure is a masterstroke which will instantly restore our club's fortunes. As soon as we also sack the midfield coach. And the ruck coach, I guess.
After capitulating to Melbourne last week, we have revitalised our team by including Flynn, Graham and Brock.
My confidence is unbounded. Adelaide by 99.
Adelaide have rested Taylor Walker, who kicked 19 goals against a similarly undermanned backline across two games in 2023. But we all know someone else will step up to take his place: Riley Thilthorpe, Darcy Fogarty. Maybe even (checks notes) Chris Burgess; it's that sort of a year.
In preparation for this preview, I flew to Adelaide this week and interviewed some locals. They were generally sympathetic.
Jodie (43, teacher, from Unley) said "We've been there. You'll be back before long." But she had the same look of pity on her face as you might when you tell your child that Rover has gone to live happily on the farm. Rover has not, in fact, gone to live on the farm, and at times it feels like we may never be back.
Ryan (22, barista, from Elizabeth) said "We probably won't beat you by 100 points. We don't really need the percentage anyway." But he only said that to make me feel better about paying $6.50 for a flat white on Rundle St. I watched the SA news later, and everyone thinks Adelaide will win by one zillion points, even the dude doing the weather, and nobody even asked him.
Fortunately, we have a secret weapon - this guy:
Apparently, he has variously been in charge of development, the WAFL side, the defence, the forward line. All of these are currently in a very poor state - and no, I'm not allowing him the excuse of injury - so Luke Webster's departure is a masterstroke which will instantly restore our club's fortunes. As soon as we also sack the midfield coach. And the ruck coach, I guess.
After capitulating to Melbourne last week, we have revitalised our team by including Flynn, Graham and Brock.
My confidence is unbounded. Adelaide by 99.
