Adelaide’s left-field trade target, who deserves a pay rise and the big positional change for 2021
Graham Cornes has delivered his Unconventional Club Review of the Adelaide Crows for season 2020.
Cornes was asked to answer a list of questions about the Crows relating to their performance this year and what they need to improve in 2021.
“The last four weeks there has been some optimism and enthusiasm around the place,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“Even against Richmond on the weekend there were signs.
“We’re taking a positive outlook on it. Port Adelaide supporters are running around waving wooden spoons and all these wooden spoons are arriving in the mail. That’s ugly.”
Do the Crows have the right captain? If not, who?
They definitely have the right captain. Rory Sloane is inspirational. He was one of the reasons they struggled because he missed a bit of footy with injury. He is in the Joel Selwood mould - putting his body on the line. I’m not sure who else who could surpass him.
Who is the Crows’ next All-Australian?
Tom Doedee should be the next All-Australian.
Reilly O’Brien has had a great year, I wouldn’t write him off.
If “player x” plays well, the Crows are always a chance of winning?
Brodie Smith with that rebound, run and penetration from defence. That’s important. For them to play really well, Brodie Smith has to be running loose.
If Taylor Walker plays well it means they’re getting the ball down there often and they’re a chance.
Left-field trade option?
Darcy Fogarty is a talented youngster who hasn’t quite reached his potential. If he was given a chance at another club he could really shine. I don’t know what’s holding him back. He could be a real star, I’m hoping it’s here at Adelaide, but he’s been on the list a couple of years now and we see just glimpses.
Left-field trade target?
Bailey Smith, I want him. Offer him the world, stranger things have happened.
Tim Watson says: Justin McInerney. Exactly the type of player that the Crows need. A guy that can play on a wing, can run, he’s got great speed, he kicks the ball really well, he’s a really smart player. That’s the player I’d be targeting.
Which player is deserving of a pay rise?
Reilly O’Brien needs a massive pay rise. He’s carried that side through thick and thin. He wouldn’t be well paid.
Ben Keays has had a good year, he’s been a revelation for the Crows.
Tim Watson says: Tyson Stengle. He needs another pre-season, he needs to get fitter, but he’s got enormous potential and I would think he’d be on a pretty base type contract.
Who deserves a pay cut?
Taylor Walker hasn’t had a great year. He’s a whipping boy though.
Expect a big 2021 from?
Wayne Milera has teased us so far. He keeps getting injured. Ball in hand he is as good as any. We’ve seen glimpses but he just can’t get on the park. Lachlan Sholl has been really impressive.
Tim Watson says: Darcy Fogarty. He’s 20, his game sense is improving, he needs to be fitter, but I think he’s going to get more opportunities. Elliott Himmelberg as well. If he is going to break out and be what Adelaide expect him to be, I reckon 2021 is the year we’ll see that.
Big positional change in 2021?
I’m putting Tom Doedee in the middle. Big-bodied midfielder, they’re all the rage. I think he’s good enough.
The Crows finished 18th on the ladder with three wins in Matthew Nicks' first season at the helm.
Listen to Cornes' Unconventional Club Review of Adelaide below: