The Adelaide Crows have summoned sports boffins, including a psychologist, to review all aspects of the AFL club.
Jonah Oliver, the lead sports psychologist with the Australian Institute of Sport, will join sports scientist Tim Gabbett on a four-member external panel to review the Crows’ operations.
Adelaide chairman Rob Chapman says Oliver and Gabbett, who have both worked with Olympic athletes among others, have been tasked with identifying deficiencies at the Crows.
The panel, formed after Adelaide missed the finals for consecutive years, will be finalised with the naming of two more members.
Chapman says they will analyse on-field performance, including coaching and leadership, as well as examine the club’s general environment, high performance program and list management.
“Recent results have fallen short of our own expectations and those of our passionate and loyal members and supporters, who like us are very frustrated and disappointed,” Chapman said in a statement on Monday.
“We must identify any deficiencies, challenge ourselves and focus on improvement with a view to delivering consistent performances and sustained success.
“Having a number of experts with specific skill-sets and expertise, as well as intimate knowledge of the modern game and high performance environments, will ensure there is meaningful feedback that can support positive change.”
The external review would complement a separate in-house review of Adelaide’s failed season.
Oliver has worked with Olympians, AFL club Essendon, A-League club Brisbane and elite golfers and tennis players in the past.
Gabbett has worked with Australia’s Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams, Cricket Australia and NRL club Melbourne Storm among others.