How Low Can They Crow: Adelaide’s run home and predicted finish
It’s been a rough season for Adelaide, but the bye is a chance to reset and attack the second half of the season. But is there any relief on the horizon? Here’s how the Crows’ run home could play out.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
When will be the next time Adelaide fans can celebrate a win?
The Crows are on a three-match losing run and have copped it from all angles as their pre-season goals of playing finals has fallen by the wayside.
Matthew Nicks’ side had the bye this weekend as Crows chief executive Tim Silvers ran the rule over the club during the break, looking at just what has gone wrong at West Lakes and what needs to be addressed.
Before their mid-season bye the Crows showed plenty of fight against ladder-leading Sydney for just under three-quarters, but were then blown away by the potent Swans – with their inability to stop sides from slamming on the goals again hurting them.
Finals is out of the question but can the Crows regain some pride when they resume their season?
Here’s what the run home looks like for the Crows and while it has been a tipping has been a complicated game in 2024, how Nicks’ side should fare.
Round 16 v GWS @ Adelaide Oval
The Giants have been a bogey side for the Crows in recent years, especially at Adelaide Oval so the home ground advantage for Nicks side isn’t as big as it could be. GWS will likely be without star defender Sam Taylor, but the Giants did get back to winning ways against Port Adelaide and will be hoping it restarts their campaign.
OUR VERDICT: Loss
Round 17 v Brisbane @ Gabba
The Lions at the Gabba isn’t the daunting task it was last year, but it is still a tough place to go to and win. The Crows and Lions played out a draw in Adelaide earlier this year, but Brisbane are set to get some reinforcements back and have built up some momentum in previous weeks.
OUR VERDICT: Loss
Round 18 v St Kilda @ Adelaide Oval
Mark this one in Crows fans, this looks to be the best chance of Nicks’ side singing the song post match. The Saints have been just as disappointing as the Crows this year and outside of the last quarter against Brisbane at the Gabba have been extremely dour of late. With home ground advantage the Crows will really fancy this one.
OUR VERDICT: Win
Round 19 v Essendon @ Marvel Stadium
Another fixture that hasn’t been a kind one to the Crows, and that hasn’t been with the Bombers flying like they have been in 2024. It is the kind of the game the Crows can come out and get a surprise win from, but Essendon will start as red-hot favourites with the bookies.
OUR VERDICT: Loss
Round 20 v Hawthorn @ Adelaide Oval
Before the season started Crows fans would have probably been happy about playing Hawthorn twice. Well that sentiment would have changed significantly with the Hawks captivating the footy world as a young and exciting team on the rise – which is what the Crows were being touted as last year. The Hawks have been oh so close to winning in their two games at Adelaide Oval this year against Collingwood and Port Adelaide. They will be confident that third time will be the charm.
OUR VERDICT: Loss
Round 21 v Geelong @ GMHBA Stadium
The Crows haven’t won in Geelong since 2003. The Cats have looked vulnerable this year at home but would still be quite confident about their chances against Adelaide.
OUR VERDICT: Loss
Round 22 v Western Bulldogs @ Adelaide Oval
It is hard to know what Bulldogs side will turn up. But Luke Beveridge’s side has shown enough this year to suggest they should be able to account for the Crows – especially if they are still in the finals race.
OUR VERDICT: Loss
Round 23 v Port Adelaide @ Adelaide Oval
Logic says the Crows’ winning run over their fierce rivals should end soon, given the nature of the Showdown. But Adelaide just seems to have the Power’s number when the two clash. What will hurt is being without prolific midfielder Matt Crouch, who has been instrumental in the last two wins over the Power.
OUR VERDICT: Win
Round 24 v Sydney @ SCG
While the Swans will be preparing for finals, the Crows will be looking forward to putting 2024 behind them and hoping to bounce back in 2025. Maybe with Sydney’s eyes on a much bigger prize Adelaide could take advantage of complacency but the Swans have been just so impressive this year.
OUR VERDICT: Loss
OUR END-OF-SEASON VERDICT: 15th, 6 wins, 16 losses, 1 draw
More Coverage
Originally published as How Low Can They Crow: Adelaide’s run home and predicted finish
The elephant Port must still get out of the room
Port Adelaide planning to confirm its succession plan from Ken Hinkley to Josh Carr before round 1 is odd timing. This could and should have been done by now, as MATT TURNER writes.
Top 25: Who took the mark of the century?
There’s nothing like a high-flying grab in Australian rules. But who flew highest this century? Josh Barnes picks the greatest 25 marks of the last 25 years. HAVE YOUR SAY.