Adelaide Crows’ Richard Douglas says 2017 squad is better than 2016

KNOCK down one, another stands up is top ranked Adelaide’s 2017 resolution behind a compelling premiership assault that Richard Douglas believes is superior to last year’s campaign.

KNOCK down one, another stands up is top ranked Adelaide’s 2017 resolution behind a compelling premiership assault that Richard Douglas believes is superior to last year’s campaign.

Josh Jenkins, Mitch McGovern, Brad Crouch and Cam Ellis-Yolmen have filled the Crows’ casualty ward but Don Pyke’s unit has shot to a 3-0 break on AFL rivals.

If you were picking vintages, Adelaide’s current crop has the edge over its 2016 predecessor for balance and finish notes 198-game veteran Douglas.

“The consistency over the lines and all the players has gone to a new level,” said Douglas who excelled with 29 touches in Adelaide’s 17-point win against Port Adelaide on Saturday night.

“We have got some guys playing good footy in the SANFL adding to depth.

“The confidence is building no doubt, we have had three really good wins but won differently each time. It is really exciting for us.

“We showed ability to hold strong and maturity for a few weeks. I am sure Pykey is pleased with that.”

Modest midfield grunt and resources were tipped to hold Adelaide back in pursuit of a third flag this winter.

Douglas, 30, says the Crows never bought into the gloom.

“We were confident going into the season we had the players in our footy club that could take us to the next level,” said Douglas with Adelaide targeting a 5-0 start to the season in clashes against Essendon and Gold Coast.

“We understand it’s early in the season but we have been able to play some really good footy and hold our own.
“We have got better each game so we have an opportunity Saturday night to play against the Bombers who have a good, young midfield who really crack in.”

Crows player Richard Douglas with Nitro Circus performers Bruce Cook and Zac 'Catfish' Yankush.

Midfielder Brad Crouch’s 40-touch display against Sturt in the SANFL last Sunday adds to competition for spots in an Adelaide engine winning now dominating contested ball and ground-ball gets.

“He was like a caged lion trying to get on the ground, blew the game open with 14 touches in the third term” Douglas said of Crouch, who returned in style from a three-month hamstring injury.

Troy Menzel is poised for a swift recall against Essendon on Saturday night at Adelaide Oval with Jenkins still dealing with a rib injury. A “sore” “McGovern is hobbled by a right, hamstring seriously torn in Showdown 42.

“He was stiff to miss out in round two, played well in the SANFL so if he gets his opportunity I am sure he will take it,” said Douglas of Menzel, who featured in the Crows’ season opening thrashing of Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval.

“We know we have a potent forward line there with some depth and if one slips out of the team then someone else can come in and play that role.”

Aggressive runner Charlie Cameron will face Essendon after being fined $1500 and offered a reprimand for rough conduct against Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston.