What worked
-The Crows were one of the League's leading clearance and stoppage sides this year. They ranked second for average contested possessions and fifth for clearances, and first for centre clearances.
-As well as dominating the clearances, Adelaide's midfield also gave their forwards plenty of opportunities inside 50 - the Crows were ranked second behind Hawthorn for average attacking entries.
-The forward line emerged as one of the competition's most dangerous. Eddie Betts, Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins, Charlie Cameron and Tom Lynch all combined to help the Crows rank third for goals per game.
What failed
-Tackling remains a weak point. Adelaide was ranked 16th in the AFL for average tackles this year.
-The Club's disposal efficiency needs drastic improvement. It was ranked second last in the competition – more than 5 per cent off the League benchmark Hawthorn.
-Adelaide's outside run lagged behind most of the competition. The Crows were ranked second last for handballs, 16th for team-to-opponent handball differential and 12th for team-to-opponent marks differential.
Overall rating: 8.5/10
The Club's performance in the wake of Phil Walsh's passing was nothing short of inspirational. The players rose to a new level to secure a finals berth, going on to win an Elimination Final in a thrilling contest against the Western Bulldogs, before falling to Hawthorn in a Semi-Final.
What we said in the pre-season
We expected the Crows to narrowly miss out on a finals appearance, so they exceeded expectation there. The Club's defence was tipped to struggle and although it actually held up really well, it needs improvement ahead of 2016.
The fans' rating
The coach
Despite entering the role under the most tragic of circumstances, Scott Camporeale was superb as interim Senior Coach. He helped galvanise the playing group and he delivered a consistent message that the squad was able to follow with ease. He put the best possible foot forward to secure the full-time position.
MVP: Patrick Dangerfield
An incredible season from Dangerfield, who could well claim Adelaide's Club Champion award and the Brownlow Medal in the next week. The 25-year-old put together his best and most consistent season to date, ranking second in the League for total contested possessions and third for inside 50s.
DANGERFIELD YOU FREAK! This is absolute magic! #AFLFinals #ohwhatafeeling http://t.co/hi0gYRLvou
— #AFLFinals (@AFL) September 18, 2015
Surprise packet: Rory Laird
The small defender was voted the most courageous player at West Lakes and was included in the All Australian squad of 40 for the first time. He uses the ball with precision and led the club for effective disposals. His run out of defence was brilliant, but he's versatile enough to play many different roles.
Get excited: Charlie Cameron
Lightning quick and with sublime evasive skills, Cameron found the confidence required to become a leading small forward at the elite level. Cameron hopes to build his fitness over the summer to try and push up onto a wing if required, but with Eddie Betts as his mentor, the 21-year-old looks set to take another leap forward next year.
Best win: Seven-point win over Western Bulldogs, Elimination Final, MCG. In a high-scoring shootout at the 'G, Adelaide appeared cooked in the final quarter when the Bulldogs wrestled back the lead and threatened to run away with it. But the Crows rallied and held on for one of their great finals victories.
Low point
The tragic passing of Walsh shook the sporting world and left the Adelaide Football Club in complete shock. Many players and coaches still haven't had adequate time to grieve and will do so in the coming months.
The big questions
-Who will coach the Crows from next year onwards? Camporeale did an admirable job in the second half of the season and the club is expected to announce a permanent coach in the coming weeks.
-How can Adelaide improve its outside class? They must do so, either through trading players in or improving players' ability to hit targets under pressure at training.
Season in a song
Heroes, by David Bowie
What they need
The Crows have a vast number of inside midfielders, but it's the outside where they'd like to boost their depth. The emergence of Riley Knight and Rory Atkins is a positive step in the Club's need for speed. They also need to add players with elite skills. Adelaide's disposal efficiency has been amongst the lowest in the competition this season and while coaching can help improve the side, natural skill is needed. Defensive and key-position stocks are another area requiring improvement.
Premiership clock: 9.30pm.
A great run home saw the Crows play finals this year, but they're still building towards their next premiership tilt.
Early call: 6-8th.
Adelaide can make the final eight again next year and build on a brave 2015.