Read AFL Media’s player-by-player preview of the Crows’ defensive group as we approach Season 2015.
Brodie Smith
With his penetrating kick Smith is one of the key members of Adelaide's squad. Last year’s All-Australian selection will launch many of the Crows' attacking drives.
Luke Brown
Now a regular in the back half, Brown has done well to fill the void left by retired veteran Michael Doughty. An important small defender who can work off his opponent and attack.
Kyle Cheney
Crossed to West Lakes in search of opportunity and with a fan in coach Phil Walsh he will probably find it. An irregular heartbeat ruled him out for a few days in February but has trained fully since.
Kyle Hartigan
Will look to fill the shoes of the retired Ben Rutten as Adelaide's big-bodied key defender. With just 10 games to his name Hartigan will shoulder far more responsibility this year.
Ricky Henderson
Surgery limited his training last summer before that horrific broken leg, but has had a clear run since late in the 2014 season. Such an important player when firing, Henderson hopes to cement his place back in the starting 22 across half-back.
Matthew Jaensch
Along with Brodie Smith, Jaensch is one of the club's main attacking weapons in defence. Aggressive, strong and reads the ball well. Said to have been battling with Harrison Wigg about who has the best kick at West Lakes.
Jake Kelly
Yet to debut, but his attack on the football has impressed coaching staff. A strong and uncompromising player who has shown good signs during the NAB Challenge, Kelly still needs to gain more experience at SANFL level before pushing for a senior spot.
Rory Laird
Fighting to lock his name on the team sheet among substantial pressure as a small defender. Laird played well against the Kangaroos and Geelong, taking some strong marks and attacking the football with his usual vigour.
Jake Lever
The Crows will take a conservative approach to its No. 14 draft pick and he will come up through the SANFL. But the key defender has shown his the ability that had him so highly touted before his 2013 knee reconstruction and could still make his debut this year.
Andy Otten
The talented defender was beginning to hit his straps last year when he suffered a knee injury that required a reconstruction. Otten’s 2015 will be spent mostly in rehabilitation with an eye on 2016.
Sam Shaw
Had a piece of bone removed from the back of his leg last year in the hope of fixing his persistent hamstring issues. If it works Shaw's athleticism could quickly turn him into an asset either in defence or attack.
Sam Siggins
Developed well last year in the SANFL and will have to do so again this year if he is to make his senior debut. Siggins is a tall defender with long arms and sound skills.
Daniel Talia
The reigning club champion is the Club's most important player and leads a young and inexperienced defensive unit. The Crows need him at his best in 2015 and signs so far suggest he will be.
Brent Reilly
The veteran was training well ahead of what loomed a crucial season if his contract was to be extended before fracturing his skull at training.
Harrison Wigg
Drafted to West Lakes with huge raps on his left-foot kick and has impressed teammates with his approach to training. Got a taste of AFL football against North Melbourne and with SANFL form could push for a senior debut.
