Senior Coach Don Pyke answered a series of fan questions on the AFL’s official Facebook account on Friday, see our recap below.

Jack McGowan: Are you confident Hampton is ready to fire in the midfield? is it a battle between him, knight and Ellis-Yolmen for Lyons’ spot?
Don Pyke: Really excited and keen to see how Curtly performs during the JLT series. He has had a great pre-season and has given himself every chance to push for a regular spot in the midfield.

Dongquan Van Nguyen: What do you think the Crows need to do to take that extra step forward? You must no doubt be frustrated at falling at the Semi-Final stage two years running.
Don Pyke: Whilst we were disappointed at not progressing further last year we took a number of positives away from the season. We also identified a number of areas to improve and have been working hard on these through the pre-season.

Matthew Bowman: Will you use Seedsman and Charlie on the wings more this year for outside speed? Also I reckon Brodie Smith would be great on wing!
Don Pyke: Yep keen for all the players you mentioned to spend some time through the wings.

James Peters: With how valuable Laird is down back do you really see him pinch hitting in the midfield this year?
Don Pyke: We are really happy with Lairdy's work down back, but also feel he can offer us something further up the ground. We will take a look at this during the JLT.

Zayd Evans: What rookies have been impressing in this pre-season and you'd say are the closest for Round One?
Don Pyke: A number of our 1-2 year players have impressed and we are keen to give them a run in the JLT. Poholke, Gallucci, Beech, Dear, Wigg, Greenwood, Hunter should all play in the next couple of weeks and be great to see who may put their hand up for early season action.

Fred Rubinstein: Who can you foresee playing inside midfield in the early part of the season (stepping in for Brad Crouch and potentially Sloane and Thommo). Last year you accurately predicted Matty Crouch's breakout year, is there anyone in particular who has been outstanding to you this preseason?
Don Pyke: We will give an opportunity for a number of guys through the midfield during the JLT series. Most had great seasons in the SANFL last year, but did not get a chance at AFL level. Guys like Ellis Yolmen, Hampton and Wigg are keen to impress.

Troy Marshall: How is Brad Crouch's recovery coming along?
Don Pyke: Brad is progressing well and we remain positive he will be around the mark for Round One.