There’s plenty of reasons not to write off the Crows, says ruckman Sam Jacobs
It’s not all doom and gloom at Adelaide, says veteran ruckman Sam Jacobs, who runs the rule over some of the Crows’ exciting youngsters in this exclusive column.
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Talk of Adelaide’s rapid demise and inability to bring along its kids has reached fever pitch but couldn’t be further off the mark.
The statistics don’t lie and the team the Crows rolled out in the loss to Essendon last week was the oldest in the competition.
But to write the club off as a flag chance for the next few years and suggest that there are no good young players coming through is wrong.
Time will tell how the club fares as far as ladder position is concerned — both this year and in the immediate future — but, having seen them first hand both at training and in games, I have no doubt there are a terrific bunch of young players being developed at the club and that they will form the nucleus of our next generation team.
For a start, last year’s AFL Rising Star runner-up Tom Doedee, who was cruelly ruled out for the year after undergoing a knee reconstruction following the round one loss to Hawthorn, is just 22.
Wayne Milera — an excitement machine who some pundits already are saying could develop into one of Adelaide’s greatest players — is only 21.
Reilly O’Brien, who has kept me out of the AFL team after starring since being given an opportunity in round three, is 23 and just a baby in terms of ruck experience.
That’s three players right there — men that play in pivotal positions — that the Crows can build around.
The Crouch boys, Brad and Matt — our midfield ball magnets — are aged just 25 and 24 respectively, All-Australian half-back Rory Laird is 25 and yet to hit his prime and most of our other key players are 27 or under.
So forget the gloom and doom.
Sure, there are a few older boys — Eddie Betts (32), Josh Jenkins and Bryce Gibbs (30) and Taylor Walker and Rory Sloane (29) — but they still have some good footy left in them and will play key roles in helping the younger players develop.
Here are eight Crows aged 21 or under who have played 10 or fewer AFL games who I have had the pleasure of watching develop during the year who I think have very bright futures.
I have not included the highly-rated Andrew McPherson, who unfortunately has had a wretched run with injury which has stalled his development.
Throw in other youngsters like Jordan Gallucci, Lachlan Murphy, Myles Poholke, Ben Davis and Shane McAdam, who are just a touch older or who have broken the 10-game barrier, and there is plenty of reason for optimism at Adelaide.
And don’t forget the three top-30 draft selections the club currently owns at this year’s national draft, which will bring in some more top-line talent.
CHAYCE JONES
Age 19, midfielder, pick 9, 2018 national draft.
An ultra-professional footballer who is really coachable and has an insatiable appetite to learn. The thing I love most about Chayce is his explosiveness, which has been compared to Patrick Dangerfield, although he does not possess my former teammate’s brute size. His running power is really impressive. He can really break the lines and while he played in the AFL team earlier in the season as a defensive forward, I think he will develop into an attacking, goalkicking midfielder. This will be important because the Crows don't have a lot of them. He’s quiet off the field but he’s an incredibly switched on kid who just wants to learn about the requirements of what it takes to play consistent, high quality AFL football.
NED McHENRY
Age 19, midfielder/forward, pick 16, 2018 national draft.
Unfortunately he’s been injured a lot in his first year but he’s a super competitor and high-energy player who loves tackling. He’s a dangerous small forward who has some tricks but he will develop into a midfielder. Is lightly built at the moment but is super courageous and probably played his best game against big-bodied Norwood midfielders Mitch Grigg and Matt Panos. Has great work ethic and is terrific for team morale because of the energy and happiness he brings. Just loves life and being outdoors and has an infectious personality that inspires his teammates.
DARCY FOGARTY
Age 19, key utility, pick 12, 2017 national draft.
Had a taste of AFL last year but is starting to really learn about the requirements of an AFL player. We've seen flashes at SANFL level this year of what he could do at the next level and I’m really excited by what he offers. When he’s in the midfield there is some Nat Fyfe about him because of the way he is built and physically attacks the contest. While Fyfe is a midfielder who can be a damaging forward, I think ‘Fog’ is more of a forward who can pinch-hit in the middle and create some havoc for the opposition because some of his midfield stuff — his explosiveness and penetrating kick — can be a real weapon at centre bounces. Off the field, Fogarty is a real character and very popular team member. He was very quiet when he arrived at the club, similar to Brodie Smith, but now his personality is starting to come out. He’s your typical country lad, very funny and likeable.
ELLIOTT HIMMELBERG
Age 21, key forward, pick 51, 2016 national draft.
Comes across as being laconic but he’s a smooth mover who knows how to get to really good positions as a key forward. Has strong hands and is a good kick for goal and can play an important role as a back-up ruckman. For a guy who is just 21, he’s strong and will develop into a powerful key forward. After getting a good taste of AFL earlier this year, he’s starting to come out of his shell and be more vocal and demanding on the field which can only be good for his continued development. Is a really funny guy who is good mates with Darcy Fogarty, so hopefully they can form a dynamic one-two key forward punch moving forward.
TYSON STENGLE
Age 20, small forward, traded from Richmond for pick 62 at 2018 national draft.
Has had a taste of AFL for us this year, playing against Gold Coast in round 17. He’s been mentored by Eddie Betts, living with Eddie and his family, and is a really popular teammate. Was in the mix for the Ken Farmer Medal (as the SANFL’s leading goalkicker) a few weeks ago, with 26, and has the uncanny ability to get four-to-six shots at goal a game. He bagged three in his only AFL game for us and has a really good goal sense. He’s one of those guys who doesn’t get a lot of possessions but when he does they usually result in shots on goal. His pressure is really improving, which is an important part of his game going forward.
WILL HAMILL
Age 18, half-back, pick 30 2018 national draft.
A real competitor who is super fast. Has been doing a fantastic job as primarily a lockdown small defender for the Crows in the SANFL but down the track will develop into an attacking half-back who will provide great drive with his run and carry. He’s quiet off the field but I love the tools he has to be a modern-day, long-term half-back flanker for us. Is one of those players who has great defensive qualities to go with his offence.
LACHY SHOLL
Age 19, half-back/wingman, pick 64 2018 national draft.
Very skilful player who has been playing half-back in the SANFL but I think has the ability to go into the midfield. Can kick very well both left and right foot. Is a footy-head, being the son of former Carlton player Brett Sholl, whose cousins Craig and Brad had distinguished careers with North Melbourne and Geelong respectively. Lachy was a big Blues fan growing up and is a really funny, quick-witted young man. For a first-year guys he’s equally happy to have a laugh with ‘Tex’ (captain Taylor Walker) as he is with the other first-year players. He’s a great character and I've really enjoyed watching his development on and off the field.
JORDON BUTTS
Age 19, key defender, pick 34 2019 rookie draft.
Has the potential to develop into a top-line key defender for us for a long time. ‘Buttsy’s’ a country lad who has already played in a country premiership with Shepparton, so he is used to playing against men and came in ready to go. He was picked in the rookie draft but marks the ball really well and uses it with precision. Credit goes to (veteran) Andy Otten for doing a lot of work with him and helping him to develop so well this year. Like most of the young bucks, he’s quiet but has started to come out of his shell as the season has gone on.