Though Steven May’s jab at Collingwood has drawn criticism, he wasn’t the only person to make fun of the premiers over the weekend.
Speaking to teammates before the grand final to inform them that the Crows were superior to Collingwood and Brisbane, Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson disclosed what he had messaged them on Saturday night after winning the club’s best and fairest.
“I was watching the grand final in Port Douglas when a couple boys really got to me. I sent a message on WhatsApp saying that we were better than the two teams in the granny and that we should have won.
“Tex (Taylor Walker) sent back a laughing emoji, so I know he laughed at it. Thank you, Tex. It was nice to hear from the former skipper.
“The thing is, I think all the players here know how good we can be,” Dawson went on. We missed several opportunities to play better in a few games, especially considering our road record.
All of us are youthful, industrious, and eager to improve. We’re expanding quickly, especially as a group, and I can’t wait for next year.
“I simply want to resume training and get back into it. Next year, I’m excited to see where we can go.
Dawson’s debut year as skipper saw Adelaide almost miss out on a finals berth.
In their home and away encounters with Collingwood this season, the Crows have come within one and two points, respectively, of the club.
In contrast, Matthew Nicks’ team split their two games against Brisbane this season, defeating the Lions at home by 17 points and losing at the Gabba by six points.
Although Adelaide hasn’t been in the finals since 2017, they have progressively advanced under Nicks, who has led the team since 2020.
The Crows are poised for another hectic trade period following a successful recruitment binge over the last two off-seasons that saw them acquire Dawson and Izak Ranline.
While Shane McAdam and Elliott Himmelberg are eager to travel to Melbourne and GWS, respectively, Tom Doedee is scheduled to depart for Brisbane as a free agent.
But the Gold Coast’s Chris Burgess is expected to join the Crows, and they were also among the teams after Mabior Chol, who asked to be traded to Hawthorn.
