Adelaide is prioritizing player health over the allure of securing the minor premiership as the AFL finals race intensifies. The Crows edged out West Coast by nine points on Sunday, moving a game clear at the top of the ladder.
With a record of 16-5, Adelaide is set to face off against third-placed Collingwood (15-6) in a highly anticipated home clash on Saturday night, before concluding their regular season against North Melbourne. The team has already secured a finals spot for the first time since 2017, positioning themselves well to finish at the top of the ladder.
Adelaide’s Strategic Focus
Despite their strong position, Adelaide’s head coach Matthew Nicks insists that the team is not fixated on the minor premiership. “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) victory over West Coast.
Nicks emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on upcoming matches, particularly against formidable opponents like Collingwood. “It’s great to hear that officially we’ve qualified for finals. I think the reality is that our state knows that, and they’ve known we sit on top of the ladder. Let them enjoy it. Our guys are locked in on next week against Collingwood,” he added.
Managing Player Health
Adelaide’s strategy includes resting key players to ensure a healthy lineup for the finals. Veteran forward Taylor Walker was rested for the Perth trip, and further player rotations may occur in the remaining rounds. Nicks highlighted the challenge of managing player rest effectively, noting, “I think it’s always difficult to and it’s not an exact science on when you should manage players.”
Rory Laird, another seasoned player, benefited from a week’s rest prior, a move Nicks hopes will pay dividends. “These are guys who are 30-plus who we hope will benefit from taking that rest. We’ll look at the next few weeks and look at players who might be a little bit sore,” Nicks explained.
Injury Concerns
Star forward Riley Thilthorpe’s recent neck injury after a collision with West Coast’s Liam Duggan adds to Adelaide’s health concerns. Thilthorpe managed to return and contribute three crucial second-half goals, but the team remains cautious. “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.”
Implications for the Finals
As the finals approach, the health of Adelaide’s roster could be a decisive factor. The team faces potential challenges from rivals like Collingwood, Geelong, Fremantle, Brisbane, and Gold Coast, all poised to capitalize on any slip-up.
“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.” — Matthew Nicks
This focus on health underscores a broader trend in the AFL, where player well-being is increasingly seen as critical to success. As the finals draw near, Adelaide’s approach may serve as a blueprint for other teams navigating the pressures of the season’s climax.
Looking ahead, the Crows’ ability to maintain their form and fitness will be crucial as they aim to capitalize on their strong position and make a deep finals run. With the competition heating up, every decision could have significant ramifications for Adelaide’s quest for AFL glory.
