Crow Paul Seedsman says Adelaide will surprise teams in 2020 after undergoing some drastic changes over summer
Gamebreaker Paul Seedsman says while the rest of the competition may have doubts over Adelaide’s credentials in 2020, following big changes during the off-season, he is confident the Crows will catch a few teams napping.
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Adelaide’s flag credentials have flown south, but Paul Seedsman believes critics will be caught napping this season as Matthew Nicks’ defensive doctrine takes hold at West Lakes.
The Crows’ overhauled list is ranked 15th for quality by Champion Data, while there have been sweeping football department changes headlined by Nicks succeeding Don Pyke.
“Some of the stuff we have done over the pre-season is exciting and I guess some people are sleeping on us and that is for them to do,” said Seedsman, with Adelaide seeking atonement for consecutive finals misses.
“We are putting in the work and know what we are doing.
“Everyone is looking forward to getting out this week and further to round one we think we will surprise people with the way that we will play.
“The most important thing is we play to how we want, and the fans are happy and the results will look after themselves.”
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Seedsman recalled how Adelaide wasn’t fancied on his arrival at West Lakes for season 2016.
“When I first came over we were supposedly going to finish between 10th and 12 and were in the top four with a round to go. We were right in the mix that year,” Seedsman said.
“People are entitled to their opinion and we’ll just go about our business.”
Adelaide is doubling down on defensive structure and accountability this pre-season, which gives Seedsman cause for optimism ahead of Friday’s final Marsh Community Series clash against Gold Coast at Noarlunga.
“The way we defend has changed a bit different to what we did in the past and signs of owning the ground better is what we are putting the most work into,” said Seedsman, adding the clash would serve as ‘dress rehearsal’ for Adelaide’s March 21 season opener against Sydney.
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Seedsman was restricted to 13 games last year by a knee injury, but believes he’s in mint condition after completing consecutive pre-seasons.
“I feel as good, the most I have done since being in the AFL system. I have been able to bank a couple of pre-seasons now and am looking forward to playing this week and getting going,” said Seedsman, who missed Adelaide’s 33-point Marsh Series loss to Melbourne at Casey Fields along with Taylor Walker to attend weddings.
Adelaide’s attack has lost Eddie Betts and Josh Jenkins, but Seedsman says Collingwood recruit Ben Crocker and maturing Darcy Fogarty will impact this season.
Crocker booted three goals in Adelaide’ under-23’s loss to Port Adelaide last Saturday.
“I thought Ben Crocker played a really good game,” Seedsman said.
“He (Fogarty) is a massive boy, he hits the contest as hard as anyone and hopefully he gets an opportunity this week.”