Adelaide is prioritizing player health over the allure of clinching the minor premiership as the AFL finals race intensifies. The Crows have surged to the top of the ladder, a game clear, following a hard-fought nine-point victory against West Coast on Sunday.
With a record of 16-5, Adelaide is set to face third-placed Collingwood (15-6) in a highly anticipated home clash on Saturday night. The team will then conclude their regular season against North Melbourne. This sequence of games could determine their final standings, as they aim to secure a top spot for the first time since 2017.
Adelaide’s Strategic Focus
Despite their advantageous position, Adelaide’s head coach Matthew Nicks is steering clear of discussions about the minor premiership. “We haven’t even talked about it, and I probably won’t go there at all,” Nicks stated after their 13.9 (87) to 12.6 (78) win over West Coast. “At the moment, we’re not looking necessarily at the ladder.”
The Crows are already assured a spot in the finals, marking their return after a six-year hiatus. However, they remain vigilant, as a slip in the next two weeks could see them fall out of the top four, with teams like Collingwood, Geelong, Fremantle, Brisbane, and Gold Coast poised to capitalize on any missteps.
Health Over Ladder Position
Nicks has emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy roster as they approach the finals. “It’s great to hear that officially we’ve qualified for finals,” he said. “Our guys are locked in on next week against Collingwood.”
Veteran forward Taylor Walker was rested for the trip to Perth, and Nicks has not ruled out further player rotations in the upcoming rounds. “I think it’s always difficult to and it’s not an exact science on when you should manage players,” Nicks explained. “Rory Laird was able to take a week off the week before. These are guys who are 30-plus who we hope will benefit from taking that rest.”
Injury Concerns
The team is also monitoring the condition of star forward Riley Thilthorpe, who suffered a neck injury following a high bump from West Coast’s Liam Duggan. Thilthorpe managed to return and score three crucial goals in the second half, but his recovery will be closely watched. “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 AFL finals race heats up, the Crows’ strategy underscores a broader trend across the league: the emphasis on player health. “The whole league across the board right now, it’s who can stay healthy,” Nicks noted. “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.”
This focus on health could prove pivotal as the finals approach, with Adelaide aiming to maintain their momentum and secure a strong position. The upcoming clash against Collingwood will be a critical test of their strategies and resilience.
As the season draws to a close, the Crows’ approach may set a precedent for other teams, emphasizing the importance of strategic player management in the pursuit of AFL glory.
