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Dangerfield’s exit has made Adelaide better

Sam Mitchell has been in outstanding form for Hawthorn. Photo: Getty

Sam Mitchell has been in outstanding form for Hawthorn. Photo: Getty

There was an air of uncertainty around Adelaide ahead of the 2016 season.

They lost their star player, Patrick Dangerfield, to Geelong, and had a new coach in Don Pyke.

How would the Crows cope without ‘Danger’? And would their new game style stand up under the pressure?

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Just four rounds in, the early answer is that the Crows are not only coping – they are thriving.

Dangerfield is a star but Rory Sloane has picked up the slack.

What he brings to the club’s midfield group is equal to anything the Cat previously brought.

Dangerfield’s departure has allowed for more diversity in Adelaide’s midfield – and given them a potentially better mix through the middle.

Sam Mitchell has been in outstanding form for Hawthorn. Photo: Getty

Sam Mitchell has been in outstanding form for Hawthorn. Photo: Getty

The evergreen Scott Thompson has continued his fine form but it’s the unheralded duo of Matt Crouch and Rory Atkins that have benefitted most from Dangerfield’s departure.

Adelaide’s depth is building every game, now they are not so reliant on Dangerfield, and they have the most potent forward line in the competition, led by Taylor Walker and Eddie Betts.

Their backline leads the league in Rebound 50’s, too, with 39.5 per game, and their clash against three-time defending premiers Hawthorn on Friday night should be an absolute beauty.

Must watch
Hawthorn v Adelaide. Is this the most-anticipated game of the season? The Hawks aren’t playing that well and would have lost to the Saints last week if it was not for Sam Mitchell. Adelaide are flying but this is their biggest test yet. A game fit for the Friday night stage.

Most at stake
Port Adelaide. If the Power give the same performance they dished up against GWS then it is going to be a long Saturday night at Adelaide Oval against Geelong. This isn’t the Power we expected in 2016.

Will happen
The Bulldogs will continue on their merry way at Docklands against Brisbane. A triple-figure win could be on the cards and Jake Stringer might kick 10.

Won’t happen
The Tigers won’t lose to Melbourne. They’re down on confidence but they will be too good for Melbourne – no matter how many backwards steps Damien Hardwick thinks they are taking.

One to watch
Lachie Whitfield. Remember him? The No.1 pick in the 2012 draft has taken a while to mature but with 55 games under his belt, the GWS man is now hitting his straps. Averaging 23.5 disposals per game this year – and he’s regularly driving the ball inside 50.

Trending
The Bulldogs play a ballistic brand of football but injuries are starting to occur. Is it the game plan or have they been unlucky? Will GWS and Adelaide start encountering injury concerns playing a similar brand?

Feeling the heat
Michael Barlow. Once a great success story, the prolific midfielder looks lost on the AFL field at the moment. His tackling might keep in the team this week – but his best days seem behind him.

Pick me
Dallas Willsmore. He’s tall but can play on a wing and 28 touches last week – after 24 the week before – helped Box Hill get over the line in the VFL. He’s a beautiful kick and seems like the latest talent on the Hawthorn production line just waiting for a chance.

The whisper
A couple of the prime midfielders in Western Australia are desperate to head East in 2017.

Don’t set the IQ
Fremantle v Carlton. 17th v 18th. At least one team gets to taste success this season but by Sunday afternoon, you’ve probably seen enough footy for the weekend anyway.

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Costa Nomikoudis also writes for footyprophet.com – footy and fantasy analysis unravelled.

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