The Adelaide Crows are gearing up for what they hope will be a significant turnaround as they kick off their 2025 AFL season ready to break their eight-year finals drought. With coach Matthew Nicks at the helm, the team is invigorated and determined to rise from the challenges of past seasons. After finishing 15th on the ladder last season, the Crows are entering this year with renewed focus and ambition.
Nicks has made it clear: it's crunch time for the Crows. This sentiment is backed by some key player acquisitions aimed at transforming the team’s fortunes. Among these additions are former Melbourne player Alex Neal-Bullen and Giants duo Isaac Cumming and James Peatling. These new recruits join existing talents like Izak Rankine, Riley Thilthorpe, and Sid Draper, who are all expected to step up significantly this season.
Rankine, who has been building momentum since his move from Gold Coast, is particularly exciting for Adelaide fans. Heading toward his third season as a Crow, his versatility and dynamism on the field could make him invaluable to the squad. "Since he’s come across from the Gold Coast, I think he’s taken his game to a whole new level," said teammate Ben Keays, expressing his optimism about Rankine’s growth. This year, Rankine is set to play more midfield, allowing him to leverage his strengths and goal-scoring ability.
The potential of Riley Thilthorpe cannot be overlooked. The 201cm full forward is eager to prove himself after injury struggles plagued much of his previous seasons under Nicks. The West Adelaide product wrapped up last season on fire, scoring at least two goals across six of his last seven games. His development is key, as he and Rankine could form a potent attacking duo when combined with the likes of Darcy Fogarty, who has established himself as integral to Adelaide's forward setup.
There’s also talk about the fresh talent of Sid Draper, who was recently drafted. Just 18 years old, Draper has quickly found his footing at the club and is anticipated to earn his debut this coming Round 1 against St Kilda. The depth of talent within the Crows' midfield is formidable, and Draper's swift adaptation is commendable.
One of Adelaide's strongest attributes heading to 2025 is their forward power. Players like Thilthorpe and veteran Taylor Walker are expected to combine efforts, supported by the new arrival of Neal-Bullen alongside consistent performers like Ben Keays and youthful stalwarts such as Josh Rachele. This dynamic forward line, teeming with skill and potential, could become the nightmare scenario for opposition coaches and defenders alike.
Despite these upward trends, the Crows have not escaped scrutiny. Consistency remains their Achilles' heel, particularly when it matters most. Poor results in close games have haunted them for the past two seasons, where they have achieved only three wins from 15 matches decided by two goals or less. Their 2024 record showcased just two wins out of nine close-game scenarios, drawing stark contrasts with rivals like Port Adelaide, who boasted admirable statistics with seven wins out of eight.
Yet, the core belief is firmly rooted within the club. They know the lessons learned from last season's near misses can pave the way for future successes. The patience shown by coaching staff and the front office as they build their squad should pay dividends, especially with the recent acquisitions and another fruitful pre-season behind them.
With the season drawing near, Adelaide's premiership clock is visibly ticking upwards. The expectations are mounting, with hopes back on the rise after what seems like years of struggle. Competing fiercely for a spot within the top eight, which is notorious for its competitive nature, means the Crows must find their rhythm quickly. The added depth through new signings pushes their stocks higher, setting the stage for what could be one of their most promising seasons since making their last grand final appearance.
The anticipated ladder range for the Crows this season lies between 7th and 10th, according to pundits. Building off recent performances and aiming for play-off contention hinges on collective performances from both seasoned names and fresh talents. If they capitalize on their forward firepower and find ways to win those nail-biting matches, supporters may yet see their team return to the finals.
With the excitement running high, all eyes will be on the Adelaide Crows as they step onto the field for their first game and the promises of what this season may hold. There is optimism, fresh talent, and determination weaving through the fabric of this team as they take aim at their long-awaited quest for finals football.