Six rounds into 2017, Adelaide looked like an unstoppable force. They had destroyed Essendon, Gold Coast, GWS, the previously undefeated Tigers, and had stormed into premiership favouritism.
While they have exposed some chinks in their armour against North Melbourne, Melbourne and Geelong since, at the midway point of this season there’s no question that that the Crows are one of the teams to beat in 2017.
On top of the ladder after 12 rounds, Don Pyke has assembled perhaps the most lethal forward line combination since Essendon’s in 2000.
Their nine wins have come at an average margin of over 10 goals. Eddie Betts and Taylor Walker have been the best 1-2 goalkicking combination in the league while Tom Lynch, Josh Jenkins and Charlie Cameron have provided excellent support.
But while the forward line attracts the headlines, it is the improvement around the rest of the ground which has seen Adelaide’s flag hopes rise.
Sam Jacobs has re-emerged as one of the competition’s best ruckmen after a couple of leaner years and Rory Sloane is a serious chance to win the Crows’ first Brownlow Medal since 2003. Jake Lever, Rory Laird and Daniel Talia have been fantastic in defence as well.
The only question remaining on Adelaide is midfield depth. It is no coincidence that Rory Sloane has been tagged out of every one of his team’s losses this year. He’ll need more support from his teammates as the season continues.
Based on what we’ve seen, the Crows should have their sights on a top-two finish. If they can play a Qualifying Final and potentially a Preliminary Final in front of a ferocious South Australian crowd, a Grand Final berth is a big possibility.
A-
