The club: Adelaide Crows
Formed: 1990
Joined AFL: 1991

Premierships: Two – 1997, 1998
Last finals appearance: 2007, Elimination Final (v Hawthorn)

2007 at a glance
Adelaide endured a less consistent campaign in 2007 than in the two previous years, but significant September success might still have awaited were it not for the magic of Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin. After finishing the home-and-away season in eighth place, the Crows looked set for an elimination final victory against Hawthorn, before seven-goal hero Franklin produced a match-winning set shot from beyond 50m.

2008 to date
There has been plenty to cheer about for Crows fans in 2008, Neil Craig’s side having compiled an 8-4 record – good enough for fifth spot. Adelaide was excellent in a narrow loss to Hawthorn in round 12 and will look to sustain that form. The next six weeks contain five clashes with fellow top-eight sides and a showdown meeting with Port Adelaide.

The coach
Regarded as one of the competition’s most tactically astute coaches, Craig has won 63 per cent of his games at Adelaide and taken the club to two preliminary finals. This year he has helped the Crows re-invent their offensive game. After scoring the second-least points in the league last year, Adelaide ranks sixth in that category in 2008.

Missing in action
Emerging midfielder Brent Reilly (adductor) and important backman Nathan Bassett (neck) are listed for tests this week, while Kris Massie and Brad Moran (both hamstrings) are expected to be available. High-flying Brett Burton will return after a two-week suspension. The Crows suffered a significant loss in the pre-season, when returning ruckman Rhett Biglands re-injured a knee – requiring a second knee reconstruction.

The gun
Like many Crows - with the notable exception of Andrew McLeod - Scott Thompson won’t arrive at the Gabba with a particularly big national profile. But a quick look at Adelaide’s stats chart shows why he’s considered a front runner for club best-and-fairest honours and a likely All-Australian selection. He leads the Crows in possessions (almost 27 per game) and tackles (62) and booted a career-best six goals against Richmond in round 11. Plays taller than his height (185cm).

The bolter
Honourable mention to Queensland product Kurt Tippett, but Jason Porplyzia has been Adelaide’s biggest surprise packet this year. To an extent the West Adelaide lad showed promise with some eye-catching efforts in 2006 and 2007. However, in 2008, Porplyzia has put it all together consistently, averaging 20 possessions-per-game and kicking multiple goals on eight occasions. A tough match-up for the Lions defence.

Strengths
Plenty. Adelaide is extremely well-drilled and disciplined across the park. Through the midfield Simon Goodwin and McLeod are multiple All-Australians, Tyson Edwards is perpetually underrated and Nathan Van Berlo, Chris Knights and Bernie Vince are developing young talents. In defence, likely All-Australian centre-half-back Nathan Bock leads a hard-working and enterprising crew that also includes Ben Rutten, Bassett, Graham Johncock and Scott Stevens. As above, Tippett and Porplyzia are emerging into quality forwards, while Burton gives the Crows a player capable of almost anything. The Crows have won their last two visits to the Gabba.

Weaknesses
Adelaide’s strong team ethic tends to make up for any potential individual weaknesses. However, the Crows are still a work-in-progress in the ruck department, where the likes of Ivan Maric and Jonathon Griffin can match the Lions’ Jamie Charman for size but certainly not for experience. It’s a similar story in the Adelaide forward line, which is still without a key forward capable of regularly kicking a bag. The Crows share the load scoring-wise but Burton is their leading goal-kicker with only 28 for the season.

Running hot
Bock had a career-high 35 possessions, to go with 16 marks against Hawthorn – outplaying Coleman Medal favourite Buddy Franklin. Edwards has averaged more than 26 disposals, 11 marks and two goals in his past two outings. Thompson has failed to reach 20 touches in a game only once this season, topping the 30-mark on four occasions.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club