The Crows are anticipated to climb further up the ladder this year.
The conclusion of the 2023 season brought both agony and controversy for Adelaide, as they missed September for the sixth consecutive year. Despite the disappointment, many within the Crows’ community sought to deflect blame away from the playing group.
Under the guidance of Matthew Nicks in his fourth season, Adelaide showed improvement, finishing with an 11-12 record and claiming the tenth spot on the ladder. Notably, the team secured victories over finalists Brisbane, Carlton, and Port Adelaide (twice), showcasing positive developments with emerging young talent.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, while it may not be a “September or bust” scenario, success for the Crows would likely entail a return to the finals. Despite maintaining a youthful side, Nicks has cultivated talent across all three lines, even after the departure of Tom Doedee to Brisbane. The team faces a reasonably challenging fixture list, but the expectations are high for Nicks to lead them back into contention.
The star player for Adelaide is Jordan Dawson, who earned All-Australian honors and the Crows’ best and fairest in his first season as captain. Dawson, a former Swan, showcased his leadership by consistently delivering impressive stats, averaging 17.4 kicks, 6.7 tackles, and 5 marks per game in 2023. At just 27 years old, Dawson is poised to continue his prime years, presenting a formidable challenge for any midfielder facing Adelaide.