An agonising and controversial end to the 2023 season saw Adelaide miss September for the sixth straight season, with plenty in the Crows' chorus content to deflect blame away from the playing group.
In his fourth season at the helm, Matthew Nicks once again eked improvement from his charges, finishing with an 11-12 record and on the ladder's tenth rung.
However, with wins over finalists in Brisbane, Carlton and Port Adelaide - twice - built off youngsters stepping up, there is plenty to be positive about at West Lakes.
While it isn't September or bust for the Crows in 2024, it will be tough to call this season successful without a return to the finals action. Though still a youthful side, Nicks has class on all three lines, including behind the ball; even after Tom Doedee's defection to Brisbane.
For the full preview download Zero Hanger's FREE 2024 AFL Season Guide.
While his murder hasn't achieved anything yet, Nicks' ability to continue to lead his side up the ladder will have Crows fans, players and staff confident of a return to the business end of the year, all despite their reasonably challenging fixture list.
After taking out All-Australian honours and the Crows' best and fairest during his first season as skipper, it is clear that Dawson is the main man at West Lakes.
Featuring in all 23 of Adelaide's outings in 2023, the former Swan led with aplomb, racking up an elite 17.4 kicks, 6.7 tackles and 5 marks each week. Set to turn 27 ahead of the Crows' Round 5 fixture with Carlton, Dawson still has years of his prime to run - a scary prospect for any midfielder facing off against Adelaide.