AFL Hall of Fame Terry Wallace suggests there will be enormous scrutiny on Adelaide if they fail to win one of their next two games.
The Crows currently sit eighth on the ladder ahead of Saturday’s MCG clash with Carlton and a loss would only heap additional pressure on a campaign that has begun to stutter with three defeats in their past four outings.
In response to last weekend’s second-half capitulation to Essendon, coach Don Pyke was ruthless at the selection table dropping Eddie Betts and Hugh Greenwood (with Alex Keath rested) in a bid to spark his side.
But if they go down to either the Blues this weekend or St Kilda at home in Round 20, it could be curtains according to Wallace.
“Players from the club have said they had their hardest training session that they’ve ever had (this week),” he said on SEN’s The Match Committee.
“I think Eddie got split open in that session.
“It just seems really interesting this time of year that that’s your approach. They are a fascinating watch.
“If they miss (finals) from here, I wouldn’t be surprised if all hell broke loose.”
The former Richmond and Western Bulldogs coach pointed to Adelaide’s experienced players not performing and lack of pace in the midfield as major reasons why the 2017 Grand Finalist are presently struggling.
“They are super experienced as well. They’re sending out the oldest and second oldest side on a weekly basis,” he added.
“There’s a couple of things. I don’t think they’ve got enough speed through the middle of the ground. Their midfield all are similar types.
“There are a few ageing bodies in there that are just not performing.
“They are as much an interesting watch as nearly another other side. If either Carlton or St Kilda get them over the next two weeks, they won’t play finals.
“That team should be good enough to win the next two games. If they don’t, the microscope will be well and truly on them.”
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