Adelaide’s senior players running out of time to atone for 2019

Adelaide is keen to revamp and ageing and underperforming list, but big contracts to players stuck in the SANFL are set to hamstring the Crows’ rebuild.

Eddie Betts was dropped because of his plummeting pressure levels. Picture: AAP

Adelaide will be saddled with $1 million-plus contracts for Eddie Betts and Bryce Gibbs next year, despite its ­determination to revamp an ageing list.

Betts’ plummeting pressure levels have led to him being dumped to the SANFL this weekend.

But the 32-year-old is determined to play on in the last year of a lucrative deal.

ROBBO: LETHAL SAYS ‘UNBELIEVABLE’ HODGE AN EXCEPTION

STAR SWAN: ALL AUSTRALIAN? RAMPE GIVING IT A SHAKE

Hugh Greenwood was also dropped because of poor pressure skills in a team that bled end-to-end goals against ­Essendon last week.

Crows players worth more than $2 million a season in total — Betts, Gibbs, Sam Jacobs, Richard Douglas and Greenwood — will line up in the reserves this weekend.

The senior players continue to let the club down with their on-field efforts.

But coach Don Pyke said captain Taylor Walker had not been a contender for demotion, despite inconsistent form and poor ­attack on the ball.

Adelaide’s issues come despite a non-existent injury list.

The Crows have dropped Eddie Betts. Picture: AAP

Club chiefs will overhaul the list after giving the team that lost the 2017 premiership multiple chances to atone.

Greenwood has been linked to Hawthorn; Alex Keath has multiple Victorian suitors; and Jacobs, David McKay, Andy Otten, Jake Kelly and Cameron Ellis-Yolmen are out of contract.

It gives a club that, on current ladder positions, has draft picks three and 21 this year — as well as good youngsters — a chance to make immediate change, but Betts and Gibbs will stay on.

Live stream the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on KAYO SPORTS. Every match of every round. Live & anytime on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14 day free trial >

Key-position forward Darcy Fogarty, a No.12 draft selection, was seen as Walker’s heir apparent, but his form has been mediocre this year.

Pyke said he could see Betts playing on in the manner of Luke Hodge or Shaun Burgoyne.

“It seems that 30 almost seems to be the barrier,” Pyke said.

“But there is Roger Federer at 38 still competing and winning grand slam titles.

Bryce Gibbs has spent large chunks of the year in the SANFL. Picture: Sarah Reed

“Age is just a number. It is about how they are able to manage their performance, their speed, their ability and love for the game, their commitment to maintain that high performance.

“I’m seeing still good footy left in Eddie Betts.”

Gibbs has two years left on his deal, but a lack of pace and defence presents challenges.

However, Crows aged 25 and under such as Matt and Brad Crouch, Reilly O’Brien, Tom Doedee, Elliott Himmelberg, Wayne Milera and Rory Laird negates the need for a total rebuild.