The Crows were flying high and mighty going into the 2017 AFL Grand Final but little did they know that the events that unfolded that day would put in motion the sinking of the club into mediocrity for the foreseeable future.
Fast forward to the present, and Adelaide have been through the wringer since that fateful final Saturday in September, however, things are now looking up ahead of what could potentially unfold over the coming years.
With a series of promising youngsters and a few elite stars in their ranks, the Crows are now primed for improvement in 2022 and with a few additions over the off-season to facilitate their rise, it should be feeling optimistic about the future.
Off-season moves
Ins
Jordan Dawsonย (Sydney Swans, 2026),ย Luke Nankervisย (2022),ย Josh Racheleย (2023),ย Jake Soligoย (2023),ย Zac Taylorย (2022)
Outs
Ben Davisย (delisted),ย Bryce Gibbsย (retired),ย Jake Kellyย (Essendon Bombers),ย Tom Lynchย (delisted),ย David Mackayย (retired),ย Ronin O'Connorย (delisted),ย Daniel Taliaย (delisted)
Star Player
It's no doubt that 2021 best-and-fairest Rory Laird is the Crows star man heading into this year, with the 28-year-old proving to be an imperious presence in the engine room for Matthew Nicks.
His transition from half-back to an inside midfielder was seamless, averaging a whopping 32 disposals, 6.9 clearances and six tackles per game - huge numbers for a man playing for a side usually on the receiving end of some shellackings.
The efficiency of his disposals means that he constantly puts his side on the front foot, and with a long time still to go in his career Laird could be the heart and soul of Adelaide's side for years to come.
