Crows Senior Coach Don Pyke took over the AFL's official Twitter and Facebook accounts on Thursday to answer a series of fan questions ahead of his first season in charge.
Pyke provided a quick update on the progress of several young players, revealed areas where the team needs to improve, and named several coaches that have inspired him throughout his career in the sport.
Read the best bits from the Q&A session below:
Slam Duncan: How has Matt Crouch's pre-season gone? Do you see him as an important part of your centre bounce setup in 2016?
Don Pyke: Matt has had a really solid pre-season and has not missed a session to date and is keen to improve on 2015 season.
Jonathan Crockett: Where do you best see Curtly Hampton playing in 2016?
DP: He has played his best footy off half-back, but he has history as a mid and forward. So plenty of options.
Megan Fairey: How have you settled into your new position so far?
DP: Really enjoying the role and love working with an engaged and committed playing group.
Gary Maundrill: Who are the coaches that have inspired you, you admire most and have influenced your coaching career. Who is in your opinion is the greatest coach of all time including current AFL coaches?
DP: I have been really fortunate to play under and work alongside some great coaches (Neesham, Malthouse, Craig and Simpson) and all have had a degree of influence on how I see and coach the game.
Biig Thommo: Hi Don. Which young Crows do you think are in line to make their debut this season? Our recent debutants have been able to make an impact straight away and I'm really excited to see what guys like young Harrison Wigg and Mitch McGovern can do!
DP: Thanks for the question Biig Thommo. Really excited to see what our new players can bring to the club and not only the two you mention, but also all our draftees and traded players are working hard to give themselves every chance of selection. No cap on anyone - if they work hard and earn a spot they will play regardless of age.
Adrian M Hunt: Who are you looking at to replace Patty D?! I've always considered Brad Crouch a classier player, but injuries haven't allowed us to see how good he really is!! Is his foot issue a constant, ongoing concern?!
DP: We are really fortunate to have a number of players ready to grab a spot in our midfield. We are about building a strong and deep midfield that does not rely on one player - about an even spread of contribution. Brad Crouch (happy birthday to him today) is progressing really well from his foot problem.
David Hoh: Which areas do you think the Crows need to improve this year?
DP: Hi David. We are looking to improve in a number of areas, starting with the basics or fundamentals of the game - for example our skill efficiency which we have had a focus on since day 1 of pre-season. We are also working on the areas of our Team Defence regarding both our approach and execution.
