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The year ahead: Dockers & Crows |
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by Jason Czorny and Thomas Grant | behindthegame.com.au
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BehindTheGame previews the season ahead of clubs Fremantle and Adelaide. The Crows had an up-and-down year in 2007, as Fremantle coach Chris Connolly was sacked.
Note: For season previews of all other clubs, please see 'Columnists'.
FREMANTLE
Last year
In a season which revolved around Dockers boss Chris Connolly departing, Fremantle finished in 11th position - two and a half games short from finals footy.
After playing off in a preliminary final the season previous, expectations were high. Connolly was expected to lead his side at least one step further. But he didn't, and was dealt with accordingly by a no-nonense Fremantle board.
In stepped former Essendon premiership player and assistant coach, Mark Harvey. The ex-Don made an immediate impact, notably adding feirce determination and a bully-like attitude to his players, best exemplified in the Dockers' demolition of 2006 premiers West Coast in the local derby clash.
Harvey was on the cusp of a senior coaching role for a span reaching nearly a decade, and was certainly making an impact on the Dockers after they took to his tough game-plan and finished the season with a three-game winning streak.
Strengths
- Hardness
Definitely Harvey's most significant impact has been on tough-nut brothers Josh & Matthew Carr, and the team's courage in the clinches. The Carr boys ruffled the feathers of Eagles duo Kerr and Cousins during last year's derby, which went a long way to taking the four points.
- Experience
With eleven players who have played over 150 games, the Dockers are primed and ready for an assault on the holy grail. Peter Bell, the ex-Roos veteran whom boasts masses of invaluable experience, grasped the glory of a premiership medallion with North Melbourne in the 90s. Bell was convinced to not retire by the new man Harvey . And with fellow ex-premiership players Dean Solomon and Mark Johnson, along with a host of other top mid-teer players, the Dockers are targeting the near future for ultimate success.
Weaknesses
- Speed
With a very mature list that does not see a lot of youth, the Dockers' main flaw is their dash and carry through the middle. The loss of Byron Schammer - for the most part of the season - in 2007 hurt significantly, particularly after Schammer's top year in 2006 in which the Dockers became reliant on the new-age rover.
Another dasher whom had a brilliant season before last is Brett Peake. The talented back flanker was pushed further into the midfield under Connolly in 2007, where he was found out of his league and unable to cope in heavier traffic.
If the Dockers are to excel they need the under-rated pair fit and firing.
- Consistency
The side's most visible weakness under Connolly was their inconsistency over two or three seasons, let alone within a month of footy. Perhaps strenious travel is a contributing factor to mid-season slumps, but Harvey must turn such up-and-down form around if the club is to meet it's long-term expectations.
Key Players
- Matthew Pavlich
The captain is clearly his team's most important and pivotal cog. Pavlich creates an ominous target for his midfielders, carries the burden of kicking 50+ goals per season and producing 50 for his teammates, and stepping up at the vital moments. Thus far in his decorated career that includes an incredible All-Australian full-back selection, he's yet to carry his team over the line when the match is there for the taking. If he can take that final step, the athletic forward will become a premier player in the competition.
- Aaron Sandilands
Standing at 211cm, Sandilands gets his palm to the ball before his direct opponent more times than not. And, following a rather disappointing year in 07, the giant ruckman will want to turn it around with a more convincing season. Yet to fulfill his potential.
Rookie to watch
- Rhys Palmer
Prolific in last year's national under-18 championships, Palmer is a true midfielder but one with plenty of versatility. Look for Harvey to give the youngster a debut once he impresses in the WAFL.
Verdict
New coach Harvey will have worked on new strategies over pre-season, and will be keen to try, test and innovate them throughout the year. But will the rookie senior coach be too busy developing his senior coaching techniques, instead of thinking a step ahead of his opponents?
ADELAIDE
Last year
An up and down 2007 for the Crows saw them sneak inside the top eight after defeating Collingwood in round 22, before bowing out in a tight knock-out final at the Telstra Dome against Hawthorn. The game would be veteran Mark Riccutio’s last.
Mercurial talent Andrew McLeod took out the club's best and fairest, whilst now ex-Crow Scott Welsh topped the goal-kicking table.
Strength
- Shutting down
Adelaide is undoubtedly one of the best clubs at shutting down opposition midfields and forward lines. The Crows in season 2007 conceded the third least amount of points – and for them to be successful in 2008, they will need to reproduce some of their defensive work of the past while incorporating further inovations of attack.
Weakness
- Kicking goals
The forward line of Adelaide struggled in 2007 and without the emergence of Tippet and Sellar, it may struggle again. Losing leading goal-kicker Welsh to the Bulldogs will put immense strain on Trent Hentschel, who is coming back from a season ending injury. They have found some light with exciting talents Tippet and Sellar – but to suggest they are ready to dominate the competition would be unfair.
Key Players
- Andrew McLeod
Best and fairest winner, Norm Smith medallist and all-round superstar McLeod will have another major role to play. Thrown around the ground in the pre season competition, McLeod excelled as a half forward but is expected to return to defense during the home & away season.
- Ben Rutten
Sturdy defender Rutten is a brute-force shield to Adelaide’s defence. The well-built 24-year-old is coming off the back of three impressive seasons and if he continues his form, the competition's best forwards will continue to struggle against the top-class full back.
Rookie to watch
- Tippet, Sellar and more
20-year-old forward Kurt Tippett will be one to watch for the Crows in season 2007, with the youngster impressing many with his performances in the pre-season competition. He nailed 4 majors in the final, and has brilliant athleticism. Others to keep a keen eye on will be forward James Sellar, ruckman Brad Moran and future superstar midfielder Chris Knights.
Verdict
With champion and captain Mark Riccutio gone and veterans Tyson Edwards, Simon Goodwin and Andrew McLeod getting older it is hard to see the side as a genuine premiership threat. However, with developing tools such as Van Berlo, Knights and Bock taking the next steps the South Australians could push for a surprising finals berth. |
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