Adelaide Crows vow to strengthen list after finals disappointment

Adelaide Crows vow to strengthen list after finals disappointment

Adelaide Crows vow to strengthen list after finals disappointment

Adelaide Crows Chairman John Olsen has made it clear that while 2025 was a season to be proud of, it was also a season that highlighted just how much more growth is still needed. The Crows finished the minor round on top of the ladder with an impressive 18–5 record, but their campaign was cut short in the semi-finals with a tough loss to Hawthorn. That defeat, Olsen admitted, showed there’s still work to be done if the Crows are to go further in September.

Speaking on Monday, Olsen explained that the finals exit will be used as motivation rather than a setback. He said the club is determined to keep refining its list through smart and targeted recruiting. The goal, he emphasized, is to continue improving on the strong foundation that has been built over the last few years. He described the approach as aggressive but measured, with specific positions identified that will need strengthening before the next season.

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While disappointment lingers after falling short, Olsen also urged members and supporters to take pride in what was achieved this year. He reminded everyone that this was Adelaide’s first finals campaign since 2017, and if anyone had been told at the start of the season that the club would finish as minor premiers, they would have gladly accepted it. The progress, he stressed, is undeniable, and it shows the club is on the right trajectory. Still, finals football made it clear that another step forward is required.

Looking ahead, the focus has already shifted to the 2026 season. Olsen assured fans that list management will remain at the forefront, with recruitment strategies designed to fill gaps and raise standards even higher. He pointed out that in recent years, Adelaide has built a reputation for being deliberate and determined with recruitment, and that same attitude will continue to guide decisions going forward.

Beyond football, Olsen also reflected on the recent passing of Max Basheer AM, a man who played a pivotal role in the formation of the Adelaide Football Club. He described Basheer as a giant of South Australian football—someone whose determination and resilience helped shape the game in the state. Olsen called him a man of integrity and unwavering commitment, and acknowledged the enormous debt of gratitude football in South Australia owes him.

So, while the season may have ended in disappointment, the story of Adelaide’s 2025 campaign is far from negative. It was a reminder of how far the team has come, proof that they can challenge at the top, and a clear sign that the club is ready to build even stronger. Fans can expect the off-season to be used wisely, with every effort made to ensure that the next time Adelaide reaches the finals, they’re ready to go all the way.

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