Andrew McLeod says this season’s Adelaide Crows remind him of premiership-winning teams from 1997-98

DUAL Norm Smith Medallist Andrew McLeod has likened the Crows’ versatility and scoring power to that of the premiership teams in the 1990s.

DUAL Norm Smith Medallist Andrew McLeod has likened the Crows’ versatility and scoring power to that of the premiership teams in the 1990s.

McLeod, who remains close to the club, said it was the ability of players to play a range of roles that meant they could create mismatches for the opposition.

He also believed the depth of goalkickers would be a key to playing deep into September in Adelaide’s tilt for a flag.

Back in 1997 and 1998, Adelaide had players such as McLeod, Mark Ricciuto, Tyson Edwards, Shane Ellen and Darren Jarman who could play more than one role.

Today, the versatile players include Josh Jenkins, Richard Douglas, Eddie Betts and Rory Sloane.

The predictability of the Crows has previously been a knock on the club, which was seen as having few players who ventured from their area of the ground. McLeod felt the change in thinking had added a dangerous air of unpredictability to Adelaide, much like the sides coaches by dual premiership mentor Malcolm Blight.

“If you go back to the 90s ... we could throw blokes forward and that’s the beauty that they’ve got,” McLeod said. “They’ve got a number of players who can push forward, even Mitch McGovern, Rory Sloane, ‘Thommo’ (Scott Thompson).

“There are so many options they have and I think that’s the beauty of the list they have.

“It doesn’t matter who’s there — they all play their role.

“And having a healthy list with no injuries helps as well — there’s a bit of luck involved there.

“Pykey (senior coach Don Pyke) has got them playing a really attractive brand of footy.

“They’re able to score and score lots and that’s probably something they’ve shown potential of doing (before) but this year they’ve been able to put it together. I think they’ve got the most dangerous forward line in the competition, offensively and defensively, being able to turn the ball over a lot higher.”

Former glamour forward Tony Modra agreed with McLeod’s thoughts on the forward line.

There was no longer any one player — like Modra for parts of his career — who had to carry too much of a load.

“I think it’s just good for state football in general the way we’re playing,” Modra said. “The way the forward line is operating at the moment is unbelievable.

“They’ve got that many opportunities up there — if one player is down, another one steps up.

“All they’ve really got to do is get it down there, which they’ve been able to do this year.”