Mark Ricciuto says Adelaide’s list will be defined against West Coast, Richmond and Geelong
CROWS great and board member Mark Ricciuto says Adelaide’s playing group will be defined by a tripartite survival mission against West Coast, Richmond and Geelong.
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CROWS Brownlow Medallist and board member Mark Ricciuto says Adelaide’s playing group will be defined by a tripartite survival mission against West Coast, Richmond and Geelong where careers, reputations and September dreams are decided.
The Crows power broker will run the rule over who fires for coach Don Pyke, placing a premium on those who stand up in adversity rather than good times.
An “ugly” 56-point capitulation against Hawthorn on Saturday at the MCG means Adelaide will be two games out of the eight when it hosts top ranked West Coast after the bye.
“It is the first time they have been in this situation for a few years,” said Ricciuto of Adelaide’s four game losing stretch, its worst since 2011.
“It will sort out who you will want on your team and not. I like looking at times like this who plays well and who doesn’t.
“It is important to play well when the side is struggling.
“The Crows are under the pump let’s hope they can step up to the plate.”
Adelaide sits in 11th spot, a game and significant 100 to 118 percentage behind eighth-placed North Melbourne.
Ricciuto said there was no margin for error in a season where Adelaide was expected to be a title contender.
“They need to get their confidence and fitness up. They have to win six of nine to make finals which is not an easy task,” Ricciuto told Triple M.
“West Coast home, Richmond away and Geelong home so first, second and fourth on the ladder. You will get a really clear indication of where they are at after that next month. Let’s hope they can pull together and play some better footy because at the moment they look totally devoid of any confidence.”
Ricciuto believes post-bye returns from All Australian defender Rory Laird (hand), vice-captain Rory Sloane (Lisfranc), Luke Brown (ankle) and Tom Lynch (side strain) could transform Adelaide’s persona.
“If you get those four back it stiffens up the backline and adds a bit if grunt to the forwards and midfield area as well,” said Ricciuto.
“Over the bye they need to regroup, have a look where they are at, hopefully get Brown, Laird, Lynch and Sloane back but they are not guarantees.
“They need to get some players back to give them some confidence and leadership.”
Adelaide conceding 61-35 inside 50s and 18-1 clearances in a third quarter that haemorrhaged an unanswered 7.2 was a black night for the club. James Sicily’s three goals sunk the visitors while former Crow Jack Gunston’s 27 touches and goal also caught Ricciuto’s eye.
“They got smashed open in the third quarter, absolutely dominated, flogged around the clearances and contest. Their skills really came to the fore, blokes like Sicily and Gunston were smashing goals through from outside 50 and just doing as they pleased,” he said.
“It was a very ugly performance by the Crows, not feeling too good about themselves and Crows supporters wouldn’t be feeling too good about themselves.”