Boom recruit Bryce Gibbs will help launch Adelaide's shot at Grand Final redemption.
That's the prediction of Crows fans giving their take on their side's 2018 prospects in AFL Media's pre-season fan survey.
Gibbs, who starred in Sunday's JLT Community Series win over Fremantle in country South Australia, was Adelaide's prize catch in October's NAB AFL Trade Period.
Over 96 per cent of fans expect the Crows to again secure the double chance this season. Gibbs is considered the third most pivotal player for Adelaide's fortunes, behind Matt Crouch and Rory Sloane.
The departure of Jake Lever combined with Brodie Smith's knee injury has fans worried about Adelaide's new-look backline, along with the prospect of another Grand Final heartbreak, and lthe contract negotiations of prospective free agent Sloane.
Here are the pre-season survey results, plus a selection of Crows' fans responses.
Who is the Crows' key player in 2018?
Matt Crouch 24%
Rory Sloane 17%
Bryce Gibbs 15%
Brad Crouch 9%
Sam Jacobs 7%
Rory Laird 7%
*percentage of fan votes
Which arrival will make the biggest impact?
Bryce Gibbs 94%
Sam Gibson 4%
*percentage of fan votes
What's the Crows' weakest spot on the park?
There are questions over the back six after Brodie Smith's injury and Jake Lever's departure. However, Alex Keath and Tom Doedee have been strong in the SANFL for a long time and should fit in perfectly.
- Ralph Dibney, Port Noarlunga SA
A back-up for Sam Jacobs. We have Reilly O'Brien with only two games.
- Mark Needle, Lobethal SA
Fans are hoping to see more of Alex Keath in defence this year
It'll be a great year if ...
... we belt Richmond in round two and win the Grand Final
- Hamish Jones, Albury NSW
... Tex fires, Matt Crouch continues his improvement and Tom Doedee can take Jake Lever's vacant spot.
- John Spanos, Henley Beach SA
... Sloane signs on.
- Simon Bottomley, Plympton SA
What's your dream headline in 2018?
'Sloane inks five-year deal to remain a Crow for life'
- Ally Paone, Melbourne Vic
'Crows snap 20-year premiership hoodoo'
- Chris Peterson, Clarence Park SA
Where we'll finish the home and away season on the ladder
1 - 36%
2 - 35%
3 - 17%
4 - 8%
5 - 1%
*percentage of fan votes
