I GET the feeling we could be on the verge of one of the greatest stories in Australian sports history.

It’s the story of the Adelaide Crows.

Who only a year ago said goodbye to their coach Phil Walsh after he was tragically killed. Who lost their best player, Patrick Dangerfield to Geelong. Who are still recovering from heavy draft sanctions imposed after the Kurt Tippett saga.

This could be a story of triumph against the odds.

Sarah Jones hosts Thursday Night Football on FOX FOOTY. Tune in tonight to see Sydney clash with Hawthorn from 6.30pm EST.

Because I believe the Crows can win the 2016 premiership. Don Pyke’s side have rocketed to third on the ladder after their 7th victory in a row.

They’ve firmed in flag betting and with good reason.

media_camera Sarah Jones hosts Thursday Night Football on FOX FOOTY.

The run home presents opportunities to consolidate their top 4 spot …. or even snatch a home final.

Five of their remaining seven games are at Adelaide Oval where they’ve lost just once this season.

They face just two top 8 teams in Geelong and West Coast.

Pyke has a healthy list at his disposal- a crucial factor in any September success. They’ve played, and won their last two games at the MCG- surely is superb preparation if they make the Grand Final.

FOX Sports’ LAB has determined the Crows are ‘premiership ready’.

It’s a formula that fits 15 of the last 17 premiers …. teams must average more than 100 points for and less than 86 against to qualify.

While Dangerfield’s exit was handled with great class by all concerned, it left the Crows minus one of the game’s most explosive midfielders.

And it had many experts writing them off.

Pyke has been able to correct the midfield issues that plagued their first half of the season.

Since Round 9 the Crows rank best in the competition for both contested possessions and clearances.

Dangerfield’s great mate Rory Sloane has been exceptional. He averages 7.8 score involvements per game, third in the competition for a midfielder.

Then there are the glamour boys that make up the AFL’s most potent forward line.

Three feature in the top ten in the Coleman medal race.

Josh Jenkins (43), Eddie Betts (41) and Taylor Walker (35).

media_camera Sam Jacobs of the Crows celebrates a goal with Eddie Betts and Rory Laird.

Their unheralded backline, led by Daniel Talia and Rory Laird is also improving as the year goes on.

FOX Footy analyst David King believes the Crows are playing the best footy of anyone in the top 8.

“They’ve got the best attack and are one of the most consistent ball movement team in the AFL. Plus they have elite defenders both tall and small”.

There are plenty of statistical reasons why the Crows could win the flag …. but perhaps the biggest reason is intangible.

This group has amazing resilience and spirit.

The image of Taylor Walker holding the premiership cup aloft, without the man who installed him as captain beside him would be profound.

And a reminder that in sport, sometimes the moments to truly savour are born out of adversity.