SEN SA’s Miles Pfitzner isn’t expecting Adelaide recruit Izak Rankine to change the Crows’ fortunes in 2023.
The former Gold Coast forward headed to West Lakes in the trade period, with huge hype surrounding the former No. 3 draft pick after he booted 29 goals from 18 games last season.
While Rankine is one of the competition’s premier small forwards, Pfitzner feels he isn’t the solution to Adelaide’s issues after they finished 14th last campaign.
Referencing the amount of hype the livewire is receiving from Adelaide-based media outlets, Pfitzner believes Crows fans should temper their expectations due to the other shortcomings on their list.
“I’m not sure about it,” Pfitzner told SEN Mornings.
“You would’ve heard me read the paragraph (in the Adelaide Advertiser) about how he was phenomenal, how he took a good mark and how he was in a link-up passage.
“It’s astounding, I’ve had a problem with the Crows for some time in regards to that they recruit the same sized players – they’re all sort of that 5”10 to 6 foot, lightly framed.
“They’ve got no size on their list, their midfield is one of the worst in the competition and they go and get a small forward hoping he’s going to kick 60 goals.
“Now, he’s the sort of guy that can, but to think he’s the answer to all of your problems – the problem is the delivery.”
Pfitzner even believes the Crows could slump further from last year’s poor finish, describing Matthew Nicks’ side as a potential bottom-two team and wooden spoon chance.
“It’s not great being in Adelaide and tipping Adelaide to win the wooden spoon, but I think they’re in the bottom one or two teams in the competition,” Pfitzner said.
“100 per cent.”
Pending fitness, Rankine’s first game for the Crows looks set to come in Round 1 of the 2023 season when Adelaide faces GWS in Sydney.