Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks believes no wholesale changes to squad and coaching group required at the Crows

While Adelaide are looking at ways to improve after a disastrous 2024 season so far, coach Matthew Nicks doesn’t believe drastic change to the squad or coaching group is needed.

Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks does not believe the Crows need to make wholesale changes around the team at the end of the season.

Amid debate about the quality of Adelaide’s list and reports the club will boost coaching support around the fifth-year mentor, Nicks remained positive about the group he had.

“I have a belief in what we’re doing,” Nicks said.

“I’m really confident in where the footy club’s heading.

“I don’t believe we need wholesale changes but we’ll keep looking internally.

Matthew Nicks is under the pump. Picture: Getty Images

“We’re looking at ourselves as a coaching group at what we can do and how we can be better.

“We’ll continue to look outside too at what makes us better.

“I’ve got the highest level of support from the group I’m working with at the moment but unfortunately when results aren’t going that way, that can be questioned.

“We understand that and talk openly as a coaching group that we need to improve.”

Adelaide entered the bye after a 42-point home loss to ladder leader Sydney – the Crows’ third successive defeat.

It left Adelaide 15th on the ladder with a 4-1-8 record.

“We got a week to freshen up mentally and physically for the back half of the year,” Nicks said.

“The key now for us is looking to finish strong … and get back to our best footy.”

Nicks confirmed key forward Riley Thilthorpe would return via the SANFL, almost four months on from his pre-season knee injury, so long as there were no hiccups this week.

“He’s ticked every box and is the ultimate pro when it comes to his rehab,” he said.

Nicks was confident veteran Taylor Walker would be available after missing the past two matches with a back issue but the club would not make a call until Friday.

The Crows play the Giants on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

Adelaide has debuted two players this year – midfielder Billy Dowling and defender Dan Curtin.

The coach said there was a high chance other youngsters would get opportunities during the back half of the season.

“If we’re going to bring a guy in for a debut, we need to make sure he’s ready,” he said.

“When you’re not performing and it’s three losses in a row, there’s a possibility we’ll make a change in that space and say ‘maybe it’s time for a young guy to get that chance.

“We’re looking short-term, long-term and medium term.”

Nicks hinted that Max Michalanney would return to defence to stand GWS captain Toby Greene, rather than play in the midfield again as he had against Sydney’s Chad Warner.