Adelaide had another decent campaign that saw them dramatically losing in the semi-finals of the play-offs on penalties, after winning the FFA Cup in December thanks to 2 goals from Goodwin in the final vs. Sydney FC.
Reds made solid start in what was final year in charge for the much-loved coach Marco Kurtz, but then in December the weeks around the cup final saw Adelaide winning just 1 in 5 in the league. Come January the Reds were even out of the top 6.
Main striker Diawara spent pretty much the entire campaign until the play-offs injured and with Dane Ilso slapped with a doping ban in mid-March, Blackwood and Stamatelopoulos constantly away on international duty and winter signing Thomassen never scoring during his short spell in Australia the main issues all campaign were in attack.
Halloran showed versatility, he started 10 games as false nine, Boland and Isaias were very reliable in the heart of the midfield and down the left wing Adelaide had Goodwin, who was by far the most aggressive and influential player during the campaign.
Top 4 finish was secured in the final 5 rounds when Adelaide achieved 4 wins and a draw, which then gave the Reds home advantage in the Elimination Final vs. Melbourne City that was dramatically won. Then came the gutsy away display vs. Glory, with Adelaide going out only after 16-penalty shootout.
Many unknowns need answering after Kurz’s departure, with many players expected to follow him out too.
