Adelaide Crows Coach Praises Team’s Progress and Sets Sights on Free Agent Tom Doedee for Next Season’s Finals Bid
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks has hailed his team’s remarkable improvement during the 2023 AFL season and expressed his desire to have free agent Tom Doedee be part of the club’s finals campaign in the upcoming year. After finishing their season on a high note with a convincing 45-point victory over West Coast, the Crows secured a 10th place finish on the ladder.
Nicks believes that it was the recent controversial goal umpiring decision that cost the Crows a win against Sydney last week that prevented them from sneaking into the finals. Additionally, close defeats throughout the season against Collingwood, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney have further dented Adelaide’s chances of playing in September. Furthermore, the Crows’ subpar record of 2-8 on the road was a significant factor in their failure to secure a spot in the finals.
While the team is not expected to undergo major changes during the off-season, the future of defender Tom Doedee remains uncertain. Doedee suffered an ACL injury in his right knee in June but has expressed his desire to stay with the club. However, reports suggest that Adelaide’s offer to the 26-year-old falls short of his expectations.
Coach Nicks is eager to retain Doedee, emphasizing that he is a player the Crows want to have in their ranks. Nicks acknowledged the complex nature of list management and expressed his desire to keep every player who has contributed to the club. As the off-season approaches, the coach and the club will work closely with Doedee to secure his future at Adelaide.
On the other hand, it is expected that unrestricted free agent Matt Crouch will depart the Crows, with several clubs from Victoria and New South Wales expressing interest in the experienced midfielder. Despite this potential loss, Adelaide remains optimistic about their prospects for the upcoming season.
Adelaide’s on-field performances in 2022 have shown significant progress, evident in their 8-14 record and an improved percentage of 86.7. The team’s performances this year with a percentage of 116.8 have fueled hopes of a resurgence and a return to finals next season. Nicks emphasized the team’s offensive capabilities, reflecting their top-ranking offense but acknowledged the need for defensive improvement.
As the Crows enter the off-season, they will focus on enhancing their defensive strategies in order to secure a place in the finals. Nicks sees qualifying for the finals as a great outcome and will put in the necessary work to achieve that goal.
In conclusion, Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks has praised his team for their remarkable improvement during the 2023 season and expressed his desire to have Tom Doedee stay with the club. Despite missing out on the finals by a narrow margin, the Crows are optimistic about their future prospects and aim to build on their offensive strength while addressing their defensive shortcomings. The upcoming off-season will be crucial for Adelaide as they work towards achieving their objective of returning to finals contention in the following year.
