Communications coordinator David Burtenshaw posts the third of five mid-season reports on every player on the Crows' senior list.

The final two reports will be on afc.com.au by the weekend.

Scott Welsh – The club’s leading goalkicker in 2005, Welsh has yet to play an AFL game this year because of injuries. Before the season started he was held back by a stress fracture in his leg which didn’t heal as well as hoped. And then, after returning with West Adelaide in the SANFL last month, he jagged a quad at training and missed another three weeks. He made a successful return in the SANFL reserves last weekend, bagging nine goals, but had a setback at training this week with his quad and will miss another game or two.

Graham Johncock – Hasn’t had a poor game yet this season. Allowed to settle down in defence, Johncock has provided great run and rebound while his reading of the play and loose balls from spillages off packs has been outstanding. He has also performed well against dangerous small forwards and his clear thinking as the side’s “kick-in” specialist is also extremely valuable. AFL games played 2006: 12. Best game played: Plenty of options here. Johncock had the ball on a string against Carlton in round nine, when he ran wild across half-back with Andrew McLeod and gorged on 29 possessions. But he was probably Adelaide’s best player in the round four win against Fremantle at Subiaco. Assistant coach Paul Hamilton says: “To me he is one of the best small defenders in the league – he’s very attacking but he’s also very good in contested situations.”

Darren Pfeiffer – A frustrating back injury has stopped Pfeiffer, Adelaide’s second pick at the 2005 national draft, from playing a game so far in 2006. But the promising Norwood junior is back on the training track and hopes to run around with the Redlegs next month.

Ivan Maric – The young ruckman’s pre-season aim was to consistently perform strongly in the SANFL with the Port Adelaide Magpies. With this mission accomplished, he forced his way into the Crows line-up for a Showdown debut in round six and then returned four weeks later when Matthew Clarke was injured. He has shown plenty of improvement in this time and now appears more at ease the higher level. And he will always remember his first goal in the AFL. His first kick went into the man on the mark but he was composed enough to retrieve the loose ball and kick a great goal from the pocket. AFL games 2006: 4. Best AFL game: Has been used on and off the bench but he stood up in difficult conditions against Brisbane in round 11 with eight possessions and 16 hit-outs. Maric says: “Working with Mick (Redden) has been able to help me understand what rucking is all about. He has taught me about use of foot work and the use of different parts of my body in the contests. He has had a huge influence.”

Chris Knights – The talented young midfielder impressed during the NAB Cup series and has since continued to learn about the game while coming off the bench into midfield roles. Has little trouble finding the footy and is working hard at developing other parts of his game. And when Knights has been sent back to his SANFL club, the Eagles, he has dominated at that level.
AFL games 2006: 9. Best AFL game: Probably his most recent effort in round 12 against St Kilda, when in about 50 minutes of game time he collected 17 possessions. Knights says: “I just enjoy being a part of it.”

Ian Perrie – Was an important cog in the team’s forward line structure before going down in round four with a serious knee injury. Has attacked his rehabilitation with typical commitment and energy and could be back playing in three or four weeks. AFL games 2006: 4. Best game: Made a great start to the season against Collingwood, booting three goals from 16 possessions and 13 marks. Assistant coach David Noble says: “Ian’s just continuing to improve. The structure really helps him because having a clear definition of what the roles are allows him to perform better.”

Andrew McLeod – Started the pre-season game in great shape and has carried that form into the premiership season. He had stints in the midfield, at half forward and defence but has played most of the past two months at half-back. Reached the 250-game milestone in round 10 and celebrated by taking mark of the week. Had a foot problem in the month before the mid-season break but it is hoped he can avoid surgery. AFL games 2006: 12. Best game: For sheer viewing enjoyment, his magnificent 34-possession line-breaking effort against Carlton in round nine would be hard to topple. Assistant coach Paul Hamilton: “The fact that teams tag him from the back line speaks very loudly of the way he plays. His attacking ability and also his unselfishness which people don’t always see is terrific … the way he goes to other players’ opponents.”

Brett Burton – Has spent more time this year across half-forward and has kicked 22 goals in nine games. Is always a threat with his mix of aerial and running strength and continues to work hard when the opposition has the ball. Missed two matches through suspension and then was forced out of the round 12 clash with St Kilda by hamstring tightness but is averaging 18 possessions and six marks per game. AFL games 2006: 9. Best game: Has had a big impact in several games but started brilliantly against Melbourne in round three, when he kicked four goals in the first quarter and finished the game with five. Assistant coach David Noble says: “His most consistent year as a forward, I would say. He’s shown a lot of control in his aerial work and he’s been a terrific crumber for us on the deck and stayed in a lot of contests.”