DEES, CROWS COMING

IN every season each club is under pressure. For those at the top, it is about a top-four finish, for teams in the middle, it’s about the opportunity to play finals. Clubs struggling near the bottom are dealing with the scrutiny and disappointment of a season slipping away and seemingly a lack of progression.

Adelaide and Melbourne are teams having much said and written about them. The Crows are winless and struggling, possibly a by-product of the upheaval and a new senior coach finding his feet.

Melbourne is being challenged based on results and the perception it would rebound from a disappointing 2019.

Both clubs have an essential ingredient, a host of young players with character, competitiveness and talent.

What will define their immediate future is how they manage these tough periods. The club will maintain its messaging to do the best to endure supporter and media feedback.

Inside the club, the footy department is where the most important work is taking place. Ensuring relationships are healthy, there is a connection to the cause, and communication is clear and consistent.

A crisis can create opportunities to thrive; team selection gives new players a chance to play, game plans simplify. Individual vulnerabilities can bring people closer together, optimism built through keeping a positive growth mindset.

Coaching groups maintaining respect and encouragement for their players and being positive role models can help create resilient and durable young people.

Both teams have upside and will start to win games soon.

Adelaide and Melbourne are coached by people of high character and built around the basics of the game.

Much of the criticism is an issue of chemistry, cohesion and confidence.

All three are usually shortterm, fixable problems.

If Adelaide and Melbourne stay true, remain dedicated and empathetic to their people and view this time as an opportunity to thrive, they will climb the ladder.

For obvious reasons, this is a very different season, but the same ups and downs remain — injuries, form, of-field issues and more.

The strong and committed teams and clubs will find a way through turbulence.

They always do.