CROWS mentor Brenton Sanderson is the luckiest coach in the AFL today.

His original three-year contract at the Adelaide Football Club is about to expire. But he already has a two-season extension allowing him to be paid as Crows coach for the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Many may now question the merit of the Adelaide board’s decision to re-contract Sanderson on the basis of a stunning start to his senior coaching career in 2012, “unlucky” run last season and self-critical review to the directors during the summer.

Had Sanderson been left auditioning for a contract extension on the basis of results this season, the chat in the mahogany room at West Lakes may have been different today.

In a fickle theatre, Sanderson has gone from hugging fans after seemingly “out-coaching” his best mate, Collingwood mentor Nathan Buckley, to watching his back after a disastrous result against Carlton on Sunday.

Such erratic results prompt questions, particularly if teams ultimately reflect their coach.

Sanderson’s work last week should be up for scrutiny.

Why did he ignore the versatile Andy Otten at selection to keep raw defender Kyle Hartigan? Why did he sub out experienced defender Ben Rutten to convert forward James Podsiadly to a defender in the last term at the MCG on Sunday? Why does he continue to struggle tactically when teams play extra defenders?

Adelaide on Monday announced the start of a refit of its football department with the appointment of an “supremo” — David Noble as the head of football. His challenge is to establish a new, effective football program at West Lakes.

He has been part of the old system - and will need to deal with the questions being asked externally.

Such as:

DOES Sanderson have assistant coaches who challenge him - or has he preferred so-called “yes” men?

DOES Sanderson need an experienced mentor after losing Dean Bailey, such as recent AFL senior coaches Michael Voss or John Worsfold? Or after three years, should Sanderson be able to stand on his own experiences?

WHY is the Adelaide reserves system failing? Take note of Adelaide key defender Daniel Talia this week saying there is no pressure emerging from SANFL ranks and some of his team-mates are surviving in the AFL when their form does not merit senior selection.

WHY does Adelaide’s form fluctuate so much?

ARE enough Crows players improving - and does the Adelaide development program need a shake-up?

WHY is the skill level - particularly with kicking, goalkicking and the long-running saga with tackling - not meeting the AFL’s elite standards?

Noble has gathered quite a task today.