Scott Thompson, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane and Sam Jacobs have received nationwide recognition for playing starring roles in Adelaide’s dramatic rise this season.
But another Crows quartet is quietly going about its business, hitting impressive form and playing vital roles within the team’s structure.
After interrupted starts to the season, Jason Porplyzia, Bernie Vince, Richard Douglas and Matt Wright have emerged as key contributors over the past two months.
Porplyzia, who took time to build form after missing all of 2011 with a shoulder injury, has stepped up in the recent absence of key forwards Taylor Walker and Kurt Tippett.
The resurgent goalkicker has been the most-used target in Adelaide’s attacking 50m in the past five rounds. He leads the Club’s goalkicking during this time, having slotted 12.4 (75 per cent efficiency) and assisted in another five scores.
Strong overhead for his size, Porplyzia is ranked equal-first at West Lakes in contested marks (eight) since round 14 and has been productive around the stoppages, collecting 52 contested possessions (ranked third) and 16 clearances (ranked sixth at the Club) in the five-week block.
Second in the Crows’ goalkicking in this period is 2009 Club Champion, Bernie Vince.
Vince, who missed four games through injury and suspension earlier in the season, has returned to some of his best form. He sits equal-third at Adelaide in total disposals (122) since round 14, and also fourth in contested possessions (51) and inside 50ms (20).
Former rookie Matt Wright, who was left out of the team in the opening three rounds of the season, has also emerged as a vital cog in the Crows side.
Wright started his AFL career as a small forward, but has spent more time in the midfield in 2012 including run-with roles on Richmond and Port Adelaide stars Trent Cotchin and Travis Boak. He’s averaged 22 possessions since round 10 (compared to 14 last season), collecting a career-best 32 against Greater Western Sydney at Skoda Stadium.
His influence on the team is reflected in his statistics. In the last two months, Wright’s ranked No.1 at Adelaide in uncontested marks (38), second in tackles (35) and fourth in total disposals (174), clearances (31) and score assists (10). He’s also kicked seven goals.
Douglas’ rise in form has mirrored Wright’s. Since his first full game back from a hamstring injury against Fremantle prior to the bye, Douglas has rediscovered some of his best-and-fairest winning form of 2010. He’s averaged 20 possessions - just shy of his season average (21.4) in 2010.
He’s ranked top-10 in the AFL for score assists (14) in the past nine rounds, and has kicked seven goals. The long-kicking midfielder is second in inside 50ms at Adelaide in the same period; third in clearances (35) and fourth in contested possessions (78).
