""It is exciting for many reasons other than having a poor season last year but we have put a lot of work into making sure our playing list is heading in the right direction,"" Kevin Sheedy explained.
""Of course seeing the return of Matthew Lloyd and getting a player like Mal Michael makes this season look very promising. I know people talk about book ends but they could be the two best book ends in the AFL this year and nobody probably understands that just yet.""
As some of Adelaide’s best struggle with injury concerns, the Bombers couldn’t have come across the Crows at a better time, however Sheedy is not writing the them off just yet.
""With Adelaide just missing out on getting into the Grand Final in 2006, they will be very keen to want to get off to a very good season start.
""I don’t think any team will start this season with their number one perfect side because the attrition rate and the NAB cup and all of those sorts of things and unfortunate incidents on training tracks. That being said we are probably going over there with almost a full side and we will be looking for a win.
""They have lost four or five very good players out of their team so that is a talent issue that one but their disposal skills are very good, they link up pretty well, they push back and flood toward just to inside 50 metres
""They are not an overly defensive type football team, they are more of an attacking type football team and as soon as an Adelaide bloke gets anywhere near the back half 50 then you just see players like McLeod just run it out so that is going to be pretty challenging for us.""
Despite speculation that Round 1 may see one or more of the new draftees make their debut for the red and black, Sheedy is holding his cards close to his chest, and is not giving anything away.
""We don’t want to be taking too young a side up to Adelaide otherwise you would be probably asking for a bit of trouble.
""I’m not sure yet if anyone will make their debut, we will have to pull out the list and have a look over it before we finalise it tomorrow.
""I’m not saying Alwyn Davey won’t but he could. He played quite well, he may get a game, we are not sure yet.
""We just want to go over there to play our best footy and perform well.""
