2013 LADDER FINISH: Eleventh

ARRIVALS: James Podsiadly, Eddie Betts, Matt Crouch, James Battersby, Alex Spina, Riley Knight, Charlie Cameron, Jake Kelly.

DEPARTURES: Ian Callinan, Ben Dowdell, Nick Joyce, Tim Klaosen, Tim McIntyre, Dylan Orval, Aidan Riley, Richard Tambling, Bernie Vince

BEST POSSIBLE 22

B: Luke Brown, Ben Rutten, Andy Otten

HB: Brodie Smith, Daniel Talia, Brent Reilly

C: David Mackay, Scott Thompson, Rory Sloane

HF: Tom Lynch, Taylor Walker, Richard Douglas

F:, Matthew Wright, James Podsiadly, Eddie Betts

FOLL: Sam Jacobs, Nathan van Berlo, Patrick Dangerfield

INT: Brad Crouch, Josh Jenkins, Rory Laird

SUB: Ricky Henderson

PASS MARK FOR 2014: After failing to back up its 2012 preliminary final appearance last year, the Crows need September action in 2014. More than that though, the side needs to stop the fadeouts and secure the points when its gets into a winning positions.

FIRST FIVE GAMES: Geelong (SS), Port Adelaide (AO), Sydney Swans (AO), St Kilda (ES), Greater Western Sydney (AO).

Click here to see Adelaide's entire 2014 fixture

PLAY TWICE: Port Adelaide, Greater Western Sydney, St Kilda, North Melbourne, Collingwood.

TOUGHEST RUN: In the seven weeks after their round-eight bye, the Crows face five sides predicted to finish in the top eight. They'll play Collingwood at home, Carlton (away), Gold Coast (home), Fremantle (away), North Melbourne (home), Essendon (away) and then Port (home). The mid-season stretch is a vital period in any side's season and if Adelaide slips, the quality of opposition here will ensure the club is right behind the eight ball as it enters the home straight.

DREAM SCENARIO: Taylor Walker boots six goals in his return to the senior side and becomes a vital component of the forward line, helping the Crows first make the eight and then win through to at least a semi-final.

WORST NIGHTMARE: While the success of Walker would prove a dream for fans, his failure or a re-injury, would prove devastating. The club's fortunes hinge on the fitness of its key players and it can't afford the horrific luck it had last year.