BOOM recruit Bryce Gibbs will help launch Adelaide's shot at Grand Final redemption.

That's the prediction of Crows fans giving their take on their side's 2018 prospects in AFL.com.au's pre-season fan survey.

Gibbs, who starred in Sunday's JLT Community Series win over Fremantle in country South Australia, was Adelaide prize catch in October's NAB AFL Trade Period, helping soften the blow of key defender Jake Lever's defection to Melbourne.

Over 96 per cent of fans expect the Crows to again secure the double chance this season. Gibbs is considered the third most pivotal player for Adelaide's fortunes, behind Matt Crouch and Rory Sloane.

Lever's loss combined with Brodie Smith's knee injury has fans worried about Adelaide's new-look backline, along with the prospect of another meek Grand Final rollover, and losing prospective free agent Sloane.

Here are the pre-season survey results, plus a selection of Crows' fans responses.

What's the Crows' weakest spot on the park?

There are questions over the back six after Brodie Smith's injury and Jake Lever's departure. However, Alex Keath and Tom Doedee have been strong in the SANFL for a long time and should fit in perfectly.
- Ralph Dibney, Port Noarlunga SA

A back-up for Sam Jacobs. We have Reilly O'Brien with only two games.
- Mark Needle, Lobethal SA

It'll be a great year if ...

... we belt Richmond in round two and win the Grand Final by playing like we actually deserve to be there.
- Hamish Jones, Albury NSW

... Tex fires, Matt Crouch continues his improvement and Tom Doedee can take Jake Lever's vacant spot.
- John Spanos, Henley Beach SA

... Sloane signs on.
- Simon Bottomley, Plympton SA

What's your dream headline in 2018?

'Sloane inks five-year deal to remain a Crow for life'
- Ally Paone, Melbourne Vic

'Crows snap 20-year premiership hoodoo'
- Chris Peterson, Clarence Park SA

What's the headline you secretly dread?

'Sloane will negotiate contract after Grand Final'
- George Kountouris, Coober Pedy SA

'Sam Jacobs goes down with suspected ACL'
- Andrew Haddy, Gold Coast Qld

'Crows choke again'
- Anthony Zwart, Hallett Cove SA

Read more

• Liked the look of: Eight eyecatchers from JLT week one

• Burning questions for the JLT Community Series