David King says Adelaide is “sneaking up” on rivals and critics after being written off for 2019 flag

The Crows are running into form as a top-four threat and, under the on-field leadership of Taylor Walker, are 2019’s premiership sleeper, says leading football analyst David King.

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Adelaide is AFL’s premiership “sleeper” — spurred by an underrated midfield and hardline defence preparing to send Richmond’s season beyond ‘tipping point’ says premiership legend David King.

Adelaide is gaining serious cachet as a top four factor in September given its form, healthy list and favourable draw says King.

“I think they will come with a run. It is going to be hard to argue. If you are Don Pyke this is the perfect scenario,” said King of fifth-placed Adelaide who could win five of six games after the bye against Geelong, Port Adelaide, Gold Coast, Essendon, Carlton and St Kilda.

“They have got to round 12 before we even have a conversation about them.

“They are going to be there when the whips are cracking. They are a sleeper. They are sneaking up on us.”

GWS coach Leon Cameron lamented how Adelaide’s midfield — led by Matt Crouch, Brad Crouch and Rory Sloane’s two final term goals — overran his lauded engine room in a 21-point victory last Saturday night.

Richmond will be significantly weakened by Cotchin’s absence with a hamstring injury. Adelaide has the Crouch brothers ranked elite for disposals this season.

“When was the last time someone said the Adelaide Crows midfield got hold of them? I can’t recall it,” said King.

“I am not being disrespectful to the high quality players they have in there, Sloane and the Crouch brothers.

“It is a while since we heard an opposition say ‘we were brained by them’. That last 15 minutes of footy, +20 contested possessions — most of that in the absolute midfield — is an absolute smashing.

Rory Sloane of the Crows, Matt De Boer of the Giants and Brad Crouch of the Crows battle for the ball last weekend. Picture: AAP Image/Sam Wundke

“That is alarming, the way Reilly O’Brien was able to do what he did as a young ruckman.”

Taylor Walker’s contested mark in the final term against GWS started a four-goal rampage that secured victory. King says Adelaide’s co-captain deserved credit for inspiring his side.

“There was a such a powerful moment that started the avalanche for Adelaide. We are quick to go after Taylor Walker when he doesn’t perform at his best,” said King.

“That pack mark that he took gave them the lead, all the momentum. One statement that the co-captain had to make and he did.

“If was I Tex I would be putting that on loop for the next month. This is how important individual moments are for the Adelaide Crows.”

Dylan Grimes has been “sensational” holding Richmond’s defence together in superstar Alex Rance’s year-long recovery from a knee reconstruction. However King says Rance is effectively irreplaceable given the Tigers game-plan revolved around his dash, dare, athleticism and match-day instinct.

Adelaide, Brisbane and Richmond share 7-5 win-loss records but it is Damien Hardwick’s unit under pressure following a 67-point thrashing against Geelong.

“At what point is tipping point? The man who is the system is Alex Rance,” King told SEN Radio.

“Richmond are getting exposed in too many areas now and it is a difficult task for them.”

Walker and Josh Jenkins will relish a night without Rance’s intercept dominance.

“Richmond went 18-4 and 17-5 the last two seasons so this is a bit of a drop off. Injuries are a reason but they are not as powerful as they were the previous 18 months.”