Part two:

16: Ken McGregor

McGregor injured his achilles tendon at an unfortunate time – on the eve of Adelaide’s 2007 season. Some two months later McGregor returned to football via the Eagles in the SANFL and showed no ill-effects, performing consistently at centre half-forward or centre half-back. McGregor continued to put his hand up before an injury to Ian Perrie gave him an opportunity – one that he didn’t waste, kicking three goals against the in-form Geelong. Having broken into the side, McGregor will be looking to provide Adelaide with greater flexibility with its big men - being able to play forward, back or even pinch-hit in the ruck.

17: Scott Welsh

Welsh has become a last-quarter specialist having booted no fewer than nine goals in final terms this year. The strong-marking forward leads Adelaide’s goalkicking with 29, ten clear of his nearest rival Nathan Bock. A key to the 28-year-old’s consistency has been the ability to remain injury free. Welsh has missed just one game this season and will be desperate to play the entire second-half after playing just six games in 2006.

18: Graham Johncock

The brilliant rebounding defender missed six games after badly injuring an ankle against the Bulldogs in round two. Johncock was sorely missed across halfback and was welcomed back into the side with open arms in round nine. The speedy 24-year old returned to his exceptional best against the Kangaroos last week with 25 possessions. Johncock has the capacity to go forward or in the midfield and his versatility and drive will be crucial in Adelaide’s premiership bid.

19: Darren Pfeiffer

After strong performances on the training track and in the NAB Cup during pre-season, a fractured cheekbone prevented Pfeiffer from breaking into the Adelaide side. He then returned to Norwood and was impressive before unluckily falling ill. Pfeiffer, who will return to football after the midseason break, will be hoping to perform in Norwood’s midfield and regain the attention of Adelaide’s selectors.

20: Ivan Maric

Maric was looking at 2007 as an opportunity to build on his start at AFL level however a serious hip injury wrote-off two valuable months. The young big man has returned to football and continues to improve, regaining form with the Magpies in the SANFL. Maric will be looking to continue to develop with every match in the SANFL before placing pressure on fellow youngster Jonathon Griffin for a Crows ruck position.

21: Chris Knights

An absolute ball-magnet. Knights arrived at AFL level in the opening 12 rounds averaging 24 possessions in the midfield. In and out of the side last season Knights cemented his spot with improvements in his disposal and defensive game. At just 20 years of age the hard-bodied Knights is maturing into a fine onballer and will be an asset to the Crows for many years to come.

22: Ian Perrie

Perrie has continued to play his role across half forward for the Crows. The Sarge always creates a contest allowing players at his feet to gather the ball. Perrie has kicked 15 goals this season including bags of three against Collingwood and Port Adelaide. The tough big man suffered a cracked shoulder blade in round ten and is eyeing a commanding return to centre half-forward after the break.

23: Andrew McLeod

This man needs no introduction and proved why with three successive best-on-ground performances at the start of the season. The four-time All-Australian was at his brilliant best rebounding across halfback better than any player in the comp. McLeod received AFL life membership for 300 official appearances and has never looked better. Macca will be determined to capitalise on his good form with more September action and perhaps a third Norm Smith?

24: Brett Burton

After a terrific 2006 season where he became widely recognised as a genuine star of the game, Burton joined a lengthy list of Crows under the guidance of Adelaide’s rehab staff. He managed to contribute in some early matches however a nagging knee injury saw Burton have minor surgery and focus on the second half of the season. Burton, who is a vital member of the Crows side, will be hoping to return from injury unscathed and get back to career-best form in the latter part of the season.

25: Ben Rutten

Like McLeod, Ben Rutten has made a strong case for another All-Australian selection in the first 12 rounds. Truck tackles the biggest forwards in the game week-in week-out and is rarely beaten. The big man’s scalps already this season include Freo’s Matthew Pavlich, Magpie Anthony Rocca and Barry Hall of the Swans. The no-frills full back is a central component of the mean Adelaide defence and will be determined to resume his good form against West Coast’s Quinten Lynch after the break.

26: Richard Douglas

Injuries to senior players early in the season gave Douglas great opportunity to continue his rapid development at the Crows. In his eight matches so far this season, Douglas played a variety of roles across all parts of the ground before being squeezed out of the side. A number of youngsters are battling for a place in the Adelaide side and Douglas will be hoping for a call-up soon after the midseason break.

27: Scott Stevens

The lanky utility has proved a wildcard for Neil Craig so far this season with 12 goals in 12 games. Stevens has performed not just as a forward but also in key defensive positions making this his best season-to date. The unassuming big man is averaging seven marks a game and Craig will be hoping Stevens’ flexibility will come into play in the second half of the season.

28: Bernie Vince

Vince is another of Adelaide’s exciting prospects and even though he missed part of the pre-season after having knee surgery, the youngster managed to break into the side and play six matches. Vince returned to the SANFL and continues to put his hand up for selection, regularly featuring in the Eagles’ best players and having an impact through the midfield and the forward line. Vince, who has been a regular emergency in recent weeks and continues to perform at local level, will be looking to retain his spot and impress the match committee with his ‘footy smarts’ and impeccable use of the football.

29: James Sellar

Adelaide’s first pick in the national draft has been adapting to life at an AFL club, building and preparing his body for the rigours of senior football. Sellar has had to battle injury, recently a groin strain, and has returned to football via the SANFL reserves. Sellar broke into Glenelg’s senior side, kicking three goals last weekend and will be looking to continue to develop his game in the second half of the season.

30: Luke Jericho

After sacrificing part of 2006 to have a shoulder reconstruction, Jericho was due for some luck in what will be his most important AFL season. The 22 year old toiled in the SANFL for West Adelaide before breaking into the Crows side. The athletic 22 year old has shown impressive signs, particularly against Carlton where he kicked three important goals, and provides Adelaide with run and an attacking option. The challenge for Jericho is to now continue to improve and keep his position in the side.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily the club