Adelaide Coach Don Pyke sees reasons to be excited in 2019 after strong finish to season
ADELAIDE Crows coach Don Pyke believes he has the ammunition for a counter attack next season after 104-point demolition of Carlton to end season 2018.
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ADELAIDE’S end to 2018 as American rocker John Mellencamp sung, “hurt so good” for coach Don Pyke.
The Crows’ 12 wins were well short of predictions after last year’s grand final loss to Richmond but Pyke believes he has the ammunition for a counter attack next season.
“There was a lot of positives for us and lot for me to look forward to, really excited about next year,” said Pyke.
“The growth in our players has been significant, guys like Wayne Milera for the whole season. Hugh Greenwood has played 22 games as a genuine mid. Tom Doedee has had a fantastic year, Jordan Gallucci hit the board but is looking more and more comfortable at the level.”
The Crows’ 104-point demolition of hapless Carlton at Etihad Stadium wasn’t fool’s gold insists Pyke.
“The quality of players we know we have got makes me want to get onto 2019 to be honest,” he said.
Imposing forward Elliott Himmelberg’s goal in an encouraging debut was important with fans clinging to hope of salvation in the club’s first finals miss for four seasons.
“He performed really well, didn’t look out of place,” said Pyke of 198cm Himmelberg.
Adelaide’s uncompromising win — bankrolled by seven Josh Jenkins goals — showed the resilience in his men.
“It is always a challenge when you are playing for nothing in a result sense but they are a proud group and wanted to finish the year strongly,” said Pyke, adding there was “nothing further” on whether Mitch McGovern had played his last game for the club.
Pyke, while optimistic, said Adelaide would be forced to live with its under-par campaign for the next six months
“You end up where you are for a reason. Unfortunately for us we bow out and eight teams go on,” he said.