In the first of a two-part series, we rewind through some of the most read stories and topics on afc.com.au in 2016.
Among all the summer stories about players hoping to have big seasons, the elevation of ruckman Sam Jacobs and forward Richard Douglas into the leadership group showed football season was getting closer. The experienced pair joined captain Taylor Walker, Rory Sloane, Scott Thompson, Nathan van Berlo and Daniel Talia in a seven-man leadership group.
Crows fans were keen to see who new coach Don Pyke selected in the Club’s first game of the 2016 campaign. And draftee Wayne Milera jnr, Paul Seedsman, Mitch McGovern, Dean Gore and Harry Dear all made their Crows debut in a big win over West Coast at Unley Oval.
A few days later, however, defender Matthew Jaensch announced his retirement from the AFL. Jaensch was in the final stages of returning from a knee reconstruction.
Our ‘Where Are They Now’ interviews are always popular and the standout piece this year was with fan favourite Graham Johncock, who reflected on his decorated career.
Adelaide’s joint bid with the AFLNT to form an AFL women’s team proved successful with the Club granted entry into the inaugural AFL’s National Women’s League. The Crows were among the eight successful applicants recognised by the AFL at an official ceremony at the MCG in June. Then the news kept coming, from the announcement of marquee players Chelsea Randall and Kellie Gibson, appointment of coach Bec Goddard, signing of basketball star Erin Phillips and the first women’s draft.
Interestingly, the post-match words of the opposition coaches proved popular with Crows fans this year and it was North Melbourne’s Brad Scott who led the way after the Round 14 Thursday night game at Adelaide Oval.
Contract announcements are always a hit with Crows fans and after lots of external speculation forward Josh Jenkins signed a new five-year deal with Adelaide. Three weeks later the Crows also secured the prized signature of midfielder Brad Crouch.
Stay tuned for Part Two
