Adelaide Crows are prioritizing player health over the allure of a minor premiership as the AFL finals race intensifies. The Crows secured a narrow nine-point victory against West Coast on Sunday, propelling them to the top of the ladder with a 16-5 record.
With a pivotal match against third-placed Collingwood (15-6) looming on Saturday night, followed by a final round against North Melbourne, Adelaide’s focus remains steadfast on maintaining a healthy squad. The Crows have already secured a finals berth for the first time since 2017, yet their position at the top remains precarious with several contenders close behind.
Adelaide’s Strategic Focus
Despite the potential to finish the season as minor premiers, Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks remains unfazed by the prospect. “We haven’t even talked about it, and I probably won’t go there at all,” Nicks stated following their 13.9 (87) to 12.6 (78) win over West Coast.
The Crows’ strategy emphasizes readiness for the finals rather than ladder standings. “At the moment, we’re not looking necessarily at the ladder. It’s great to hear that officially we’ve qualified for finals,” Nicks added. “Our guys are locked in on next week against Collingwood.”
Player Management and Health
Adelaide’s approach includes strategic player rest, as seen with veteran forward Taylor Walker’s absence in Perth. Nicks highlights the importance of player health, especially as the finals approach. “It’s always difficult and it’s not an exact science on when you should manage players,” Nicks explained.
Rory Laird, another key player, benefited from a recent rest, a decision Nicks believes will pay dividends. “These are guys who are 30-plus who we hope will benefit from taking that rest,” he noted. The Crows are carefully monitoring players for signs of fatigue or injury.
The Impact of Injuries
Star forward Riley Thilthorpe’s recent neck injury, sustained from a high bump by West Coast’s Liam Duggan, underscores the physical toll of the season. Despite the injury, Thilthorpe returned to contribute significantly, scoring three crucial goals in the second half.
“I think he jarred his neck, which might have then shot some nerve pain down his arm,” Nicks reported. “After a minute or so recovering, he was fine.” The team will closely monitor Thilthorpe’s recovery in the coming days.
Looking Ahead
The Crows’ immediate challenge is their upcoming clash with Collingwood, a match that could solidify their top position or see them slip in the rankings. With Geelong, Fremantle, Brisbane, and Gold Coast all within striking distance, the pressure is on.
“The whole league across the board right now, it’s who can stay healthy. We’re seeing that with some of the results, and that’s what we’re trying to achieve — a healthy list so we can compete for the next month or more,” Nicks emphasized.
As the AFL finals race heats up, Adelaide’s focus on health and strategic player management may prove decisive. The next fortnight will be crucial in determining their path forward, with the potential for both triumph and disappointment.
