CROWS NEED MORE THAN TEX AT BEST
Can they break the drought?
The Crows haven’t tasted finals action since the infamous 2017 grand final, but there is an air of optimism around West Lakes that 2024 can be the year that Adelaide returns to September action. They got close in 2023 – don’t mention the goal review controversy against Sydney – so they should be in the mix for a top-eight spot. But with it so tight, does Nicks’ side have enough to take the next step and return to finals?
DOES TEX KEEP IT GOING?
In the aftermath of the end to 2023, there was a question asked among some people at the Crows, did they not fully take advantage of Taylor Walker’s incredible year? In his 15th season, the Crows talisman had a career-best year with 76 goals, which earned him AllAustralian honours for the first time. Turning
34 in April, the question on many Crows fans’ lips will be can Walker keep this up in 2024? So far, the signs have been promising, with the former captain having a stellar pre-season again. But age is undefeated and Adelaide coaches would love nothing more than Darcy Fogarty and Riley Thilthorpe to be stepping up and help ease the load on the star Crow.
CAN THE DEFENCE HOLD UP?
The Crows were the best offensive team in the competition in 2023 with their potent forward line. But whether the defence can hold up is set to be key in whether they can achieve a top-eight finish. On paper, it looks to be weaker with Tom Doedee going to Brisbane, but there has been a big focus on defence at West Lakes this pre-season. Before his concussion, Irishman Mark Keane was having an excellent pre-season, while Josh Worrell stepped into Doedee’s shoes and impressed when the now Lion suffered an ACL injury last year.
WILL IZAK RANKINE PLAY MORE MIDFIELD?
The Crows look set on throwing the star forward into the midfield a lot more in 2024. During pre-season the results have been impressive, with Rankine’s speed and class looking like it will give the Crows something different in the midfield. Rankine has also improved his running considerably, ahead of the potential move. But will it take away from the Crows’ potent forward line too much? And what does it mean for players such as Rory Laird and Matt Crouch?