Dual AFL premiership player Ben Hart says Crows are stronger because of the tough times

WHY dual premiership player Ben Hart believes the Crows are ready to win a flag.

The late Phil Walsh announcing Taylor Walker as captain of the Crows. Photo: Sarah Reed.

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ADELAIDE premiership player Ben Hart believes resilience developed through traumatic times has galvanised the Crows this season and helped turn them into the premiership favourites.

The club’s players went through the tragedy of losing late coach, Phil Walsh, and the core group of players have also had to come to grips with losing best and fairest Patrick Dangerfield to Geelong, Kurt Tippett to Sydney, Phil Davis to GWS, Nathan Bock to the Gold Coast and Jack Gunston to Hawthorn.

But Hart said the setbacks had hardened the Crows to be in a position to break a 19-year premiership drought.

“What I do like about them is that they’re an even side,” Hart said. “I think back in the day, and that’s a long time ago, we had a few stars but it was an even contribution week in, week out.

“That’s what they’re getting now, Adelaide, and I think they just look hungry.

“They’ve been through their tough times but they’re coming out the other end of it.”

Hart, who was a one of Adelaide’s best intercept markers in defence in 1997 and 1998, also praised the backline, which had found another level of maturity.

The former Crows assistant coach put it down to having a settled squad that had been together for several seasons.

“They’re playing really good footy,” Hart said. “I’ve been impressed.

“The things that they had to add at the end of last year and they spoke about a lot — their contested footy and their ability to spread the load — I think they’ve added that to their game.

“We all know about their scoring power once they get it up to the forward line but the other side of it; their defence has really come together.

“They’ve been together for a long time now and playing some really strong footy.”

Road To Glory 2017

Hart believes a mid-season slump had added to the Crows’ versatility.

The club had been forced to deal with being bullied in the middle, have its avenues to goals restricted and been made to tweak the way it plays.

“When they came out and started tagging Rory (Sloane) and getting on top in the midfield ... they also weren’t allowing our forwards to get out the back and get those easy goals,” Hart said. “A lot of teams did that.

“But I think they’ve managed to find a different way around that.

“Now they’re happy to start inside 50 and come at the ball a bit more as much as getting it out the back.

“The Crouch brothers (Matt and Brad) have been enormous, (Hugh) Greenwood through that midfield, Richard Douglas has had a great season so they’ve really strengthened up that area.

“There’s always a weakness; no one’s ever perfect. But if they keep bringing the intensity that they’ve shown in the last couple of games they’ll be OK.

“They’re tough to win (premierships) but they’ve got the game style that can definitely take it out.”