The team at AFL.com.au has ranked each club line-by-line ahead of the 2016 season.
According to AFL Media’s ratings, the Crows have a top-four attack and top-eight defence, but they have a question mark over who will step up in the midfield this year.
Did they get it right?
Read the explanations below and click on the links to read the full articles.
FORWARD
3rd – Adelaide
Boasting two genuine power forwards in Taylor Walker and Josh Jenkins, as well as one of the very best small forwards in the AFL in Eddie Betts, the Crows are well equipped to tear opposition sides apart up forward. Throw in Charlie Cameron, Troy Menzel and Tom Lynch and the club has serious depth and versatility. The Crows take 13.7 marks a game inside 50, the second most of any club in the competition and rank highly for most other key statistics. Read the full comparison
MIDFIELD
12th – Adelaide
Although the Crows salvaged a fair trade for Dangerfield, the midfield star's exit will hurt in the short-term. Adelaide was ranked third in the AFL for clearances last season, with Dangerfield the fifth-ranked player in the competition. For the Crows to remain strong at stoppages in 2016, veteran Thompson will have to stay fit and in form, and Brad Crouch will have to overcome his recent injury woes. Adelaide also needs to lift its midfield pressure acts, having been ranked 12th in this area in 2015. See where the other clubs ranked
DEFENCE
7th – Adelaide
Adelaide has an understated and unheralded backline that is superbly led by 2014 best and fairest winner Daniel Talia. Last year the Crows were difficult to overcome: they were ranked sixth in the competition for points conceded. They are steady in most key defensive areas, showing an evenness in their approach and set-up. Find out where AFL.com.au rated each club’s backline
Average Club Rankings (across all lines)
Hawthorn (1.3)
Sydney Swans (3.3)
West Coast (4.3)
Fremantle (4.6)
Geelong (6)
Adelaide (7.3)
Richmond (7.3)
Port Adelaide (7.6)
North Melbourne (8.6)
Collingwood (9.6)
GWS Giants (9.6)
Western Bulldogs (9.6)
Essendon (13)
Melbourne (14.6)
Gold Coast (15)
St Kilda (15)
Brisbane Lions (16)
Carlton (17.6)
