‘No answers’: Suspended star’s void laid bare as contender’s 34-year finals first looms large

Eight years is an incredibly long time in football, as Adelaide fans know all too well.

In their first final since the infamous 2017 Grand Final against Richmond, the Crows looked a far cry from the side that finished the home-and-away season a game clear on top as minor premiers.

Their four-goal loss to Collingwood on Thursday night will now see them take on one of GWS or Hawthorn in a do-or-die clash — a match that could define whether this year’s meteoric rise is genuine, or merely an anomaly.

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Matthew Nicks’ side were never out of the game until the closing minutes of the clash, yet they were rarely in the contest after Collingwood took control beyond the five-minute mark of the third term.

Phases of the game left Adelaide stranded in ‘no man’s land,’ a problem clearly magnified by the absence of Izak Rankine through suspension.

The Crows produced their second-worst conversion rate on record in a final, with just 30% of inside 50s resulting in a score. They were also held scoreless from forward 50 stoppages for just the fourth time in their history.

“Their kicking inside 50 was poor tonight, but when you look at how they have scored post-bye (mid-season) … they’ve been averaging 15 points from forward 50 stoppages,” two-time North Melbourne premiership player David King told Fox Footy post-game.

“They had 11 (stoppages) tonight, for zero score — and not much forward 50 pressure either. It’s a real concern for them.

“They haven’t been a great offensive threat in the back half of the season, but they have stood up behind the ball.”

Rankine, ironically now eligible for a potential Grand Final appearance after last night’s loss, was widely considered unlucky to miss All-Australian selection this year.

The 25-year-old livewire attended 40% of Adelaide’s centre bounces this season, which allowed him to impact through the midfield while still delivering as a small forward.

In his absence, Rory Laird was thrown back on-ball — a move more reminiscent of Adelaide’s early rebuild years than a side striving for premiership legitimacy.

“They missed the magic of Izak Rankine tremendously tonight, that spark inside 50. They had no answers to throw into the middle to get a wildcard,” King added.

“They don’t want to be going back to (Rory) Laird! They want to be going to Rankine, and that’s the gap in the game.”

While the Crows matched Collingwood for inside 50s — an improvement from Round 23 — their lack of composure, perhaps as a result of their finals inexperience, was glaring.

Skipper Jordan Dawson was well held by Ned Long all night to finish with just 19 disposals; his equal third-lowest tally from 24 games this season.

His output, combined with Rankine’s absence left too much on the shoulders of Jake Soligo, Sam Berry and Laird.

“No doubt their ball movement is becoming a big concern … their clearance game got exposed a bit. They threw Rory Laird back in the midfield (so) they’ve got some concerns,” St Kilda great Leigh Montagna told Fox Footy.

“Unfortunately, they’ve just been found wanting against the best opposition in trying to score.”

Never before in their 34-year history have Adelaide exited finals in straight sets, but given the calibre of opponent heading to Adelaide Oval next Friday night, nothing is guaranteed.

“They deserve their second chance,” Montagna added.

“More often than not, the team that gets the double chance will bounce back and win at home — so they’re going to take on the winner of the Giants and Hawthorn, which is not going to be easy. We know those two teams, whoever wins is going to be in red-hot form.”

Adelaide’s opponent — coming off a six-day break — will be confirmed on Saturday afternoon when GWS and Hawthorn meet at 3:15pm AEST at ENGIE Stadium in western Sydney.