A grand final loss was the beginning of a horror 12 months for the Crows, who have a sizeable task regaining lost momentum in 2019. Photo: AFL MEDIA

ADELAIDE 2018 record: 12 wins, 10 (12th).

THE INS
Tyson Stengle (Richmond), Shane McAdam (Sturt via Carlton pre-selection), Chayce Jones (Launceston), Ned McHenry (Geelong Falcons), William Hamill (Dandenong Stingrays), Lachlan Sholl (Calder Cannons), Kieran Strachan (Port Melbourne), Jordon Butts (Murray Bushrangers).

THE OUTS
Mitch McGovern (Carlton), Curtly Hampton (retired), Sam Gibson (retired), Harry Dear (delisted), Jackson Edwards (delisted), Ben Jarman (delisted), Matthew Signorello (delisted), Kyle Cheney (delisted).

THE STRENGTHS
The Crows did make the grand final 14 months ago so it shouldn’t surprise that they still have quality players on every line. Their backline is rock solid with Daniel Talia, Kyle Hartigan, Jake Kelly and the emerging Tom Doedee coupled with the attacking flair of Smith, Rory Laird, Paul Seedsman and Rory Atkins. Their midfield has the potential to still be dangerous with the class of Bryce Gibbs and Richard Douglas combining with the uncompromising toughness of Rory Sloane and the Crouch brothers, while ruckman Sam Jacobs is still a force to be reckoned with. And with a fully fit Taylor Walker, Eddie Betts, Tom Lynch and Josh Jenkins as a nucleus in attack, high-scoring is a possibility again for Don Pyke’s team next year. In terms of average differentials per game in 2018, the Crows were ranked fifth for marks, which indicates they were still capable of controlling play, and eighth for contested possession. In terms of totals, they ranked eighth for scores, seventh for goals per inside 50 and eighth for fewest inside 50s conceded.

THE WEAKNESSES
Club culture. The question has to be asked how strong it really is. Adelaide more or less self-imploded in the wake of their 2017 grand final defeat, and the effects of the ill-fated ‘Collective Mind’ training camp dragged on throughout the season, railroading their hopes of a meaningful tilt at a flag in the process. A chunk of the playing group reportedly still remained disgruntled about the pre-season camp until very late into the season. Can the club recover from such a setback? It remains to be seen. There seems to be a deeper issue at the club, though, with McGovern becoming the latest player to join the cavalcade of stars who have departed the Crows over the years. On the field, in terms of average differentials per game in 2018, the Crows ranked 17th for tackles, 16th for clearances, 13th for marks inside 50 and 10th for disposals. In terms of totals, they ranked 10th for inside 50s. That is not exactly the recipe for success. Clearly they have a lot to work on over the summer.

ONE TO WATCH
Darcy Fogarty might have been dropped a few times in his debut season, but the kid looks like an absolute beauty already. The 19-year-old is built like the proverbial brick outhouse and his tree-trunk legs have blessed him with a booming kick. He could be anything, and they don’t give No.32 to just anyone down at West Lakes. With 10 games under his belt already, it wouldn’t be at all surprising if the promising forward explodes in 2019 to become one of the game’s brightest young stars.

UNDER THE PUMP
We saw glimpses of Walker at his best in 2018, but those glimpses were too few and far between by the Adelaide captain’s lofty standards. Of course his season was hampered by injuries, but even still, Walker would want to forget 2018 quick smart. In the eight out of 10 seasons in which he has played at least 14 games, big Tex only kicked fewer goals in his debut 2009 year (23) than he did last season (26). Walker is the leader of the Crows and if they are to make it back to the last Saturday in September, they need their star spearhead recapturing his spark and firing on all cylinders.

RONNY LERNER’S BEST 22
B: Jake Kelly, Daniel Talia, Tom Doedee
HB: Brodie Smith, Kyle Hartigan, Rory Laird
C: Bryce Gibbs, Brad Crouch, Richard Douglas
HF: Darcy Fogarty, Tom Lynch, Hugh Greenwood
F: Eddie Betts, Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Rory Sloane, Matt Crouch
Inter: Paul Seedsman, Luke Brown, Rory Atkins, Wayne Milera
Emerg: Riley Knight, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Jordan Gallucci, David Mackay

After failing to back up a grand final appearance with a top-eight finish in 2018, the Crows will be rapt to welcome back star midfielder Brad Crouch, who didn’t play a game this year due to a groin injury, and dashing defender Smith who only played two games due to a knee injury. New recruit Shane McAdam might not be in the squad of 28 at the moment, but don’t be surprised if that changes as 2019 progresses.