4. Defining Period

It will be early for the Crows, as they won't play finals and they probably won't win more than half-a-dozen games for the season. But just how dark the year will be can be defined very early. Are they competitive? Are they going to be in games? Or will they be the easy-beats as seen in 2020?

Adelaide fans will be looking for something to pin their hopes to, they will want to see some signs of improvement and some direction as to where this club is going under the guidance of Matthew Nicks.

AFL Rd 17 - Carlton v Adelaide
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Lachlan Sholl of the Crows celebrates kicking a goal during the round 17 AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Adelaide Crows at Metricon Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

If they can snare a win in the first month it will help release pressure on the Crows early and allow them to focus on development a tad more than clawing for that breakthrough win as they did last year.