The Crows have quality established players on all lines, but there appears a distinct lack of depth overall.
The defence has some potential in the key position areas with the promising Jordon Butts, as well as Nick Murray and first-round draft prospect Fischer McAsey seen as the future. They will be supported by the intercepting prowess of Tom Doedee with rebounding drive from Brodie Smith (who can also play on the wing) and the much anticipated return of Wayne Milera. The depth in defence did take a hit when Jake Kelly departed for Essendon, while the club also lost veteran Daniel Talia.
The inclusion of Jordan Dawson further adds to defensive depth, but will he spend most of his time up the ground? If he does move through the wings, as has been floated, it certainly adds another dimension to Matthew Nicks’ midfield.
Reigning best and fairest Rory Laird is the key pillar in the engine room, ably supported by Ben Keays who has proved to be a clever recruit. Paul Seedsman will need to back up his career-best year if the Crows are to improve and captain Rory Sloane will be eager to show he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
Reilly O’Brien will be forced to shoulder the ruck load once again. The Crows have Kieran Strachan waiting in the wings, but he is largely untried having played only two games. That pair aside, there is only ruck assistance in the form of forwards who can pinch-hit like Billy Frampton, Riley Thilthorpe and Elliott Himmelberg, to a lesser degree. If O’Brien goes down, it could create some serious headaches.
With the other end of the ground seemingly under control, it is the forward line that is lacking with Taylor Walker the only consistent goalkicker. The promising Thilthorpe is the heir apparent, but it is unfair to expect him to deliver each week. He’ll certainly have his moments though. Shane McAdam must bridge the gap between his best and worst and the time is now for Darcy Fogarty, who enters his fifth season. There is some talent there, but the Crows may just struggle to score enough to trouble most sides.
The list still possesses top quality experience, but there seems to be a gap in that sweet spot of 24 to 27 year olds, with Crouch the only one in that category over 70 games.
The Crows do have some promising youth, with key pillars at either end of the ground to start building around, but they will need that group of players in their early 20s to come through and take responsibility if the rebuild is to continue successfully.
DEFENDERS
Tom Doedee, Jordan Dawson, Jordon Butts, Nick Murray, Wayne Milera, Brodie Smith, Luke Brown, Andrew McPherson, Will Hamill, Chayce Jones, Fischer McAsey, Mitchell Hinge, Lachlan Gollant, Josh Worrell, James Borlase, Patrick Parnell.
MIDFIELDERS
Rory Laird, Rory Sloane, Ben Keays, Paul Seedsman, Matt Crouch, Lachlan Sholl, Jackson Hately, Harry Schoenberg, Sam Berry, Luke Pedlar, Brayden Cook, Jake Soligo, Zac Taylor.
RUCKS
Reilly O’Brien, Kieran Strachan.
FORWARDS
Taylor Walker, Shane McAdam, Darcy Fogarty, Riley Thilthorpe, Ned McHenry, Lachlan Murphy, James Rowe, Billy Frampton, Elliott Himmelberg, Ben Davis, Josh Rachele, Luke Nankervis, Tariek Newchurch,