The line up
B: Kelly, Talia, Doedee
HB: Laird, Keath, Mackay
C: Milera, M.Crouch, Smith
HF: Lynch, Walker, Jones
F: Murphy, Jenkins, Betts
FOLL: Jacobs, Sloane, Gibbs
I/C: B.Crouch, Knight, Atkins, Douglas
New: Chayce Jones
What to expect
After a disappointing 2018 season in which they missed finals after being grand finalists the year previous, the Crows will be determined to hit the ground running on Saturday.
Adelaide looked promising throughout the JLT Series, being one of just six sides to win both games in their pre-season campaigns.
Despite missing finals last year, the Crows nevertheless maintained their standing as one of the best midfield brigades of the competition.
Don Pyke’s men ranked second league-wide for contested possessions and fifth for clearances.
Gun duo Rory Sloane (13 contested possessions and 3.9 clearances per game) and Matt Crouch (12.7 and 3.6) were among the game’s elite in these areas.
Another feature of the Crows’ game when in full flight is their ability to score.
Across the 2017 home and away season, they scored over 250 more points than the next highest scoring side in Port Adelaide.
If Adelaide are to rediscover similar form this season, they will certainly be a side to watch.
Player to watch
The Crows’ on-ball brigade is already a key strength of theirs, but the side is in for a massive boost again with the return of Brad Crouch.
Crouch missed the entire 2018 season with injury troubles, having not appeared for the Crows since the 2017 grand final.
In a positive JLT Series for the club, the 25-year-old was the highlight, averaging 30 possessions, 5.5 tackles and 5.5 marks.
The injection of Crouch back into this midfield group could be the catalyst for the Crows climbing back up the ladder in 2019.
