Adelaide Crows in the hunt for a top Croweater in AFL draft as wheeling and dealing poised to hit paydirt

ADELAIDE’S wheeling and dealing during last year’s trade period could leave it armed with a war chest to secure a teenage Croweater described as a once-in-a-generation player.

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ADELAIDE’S wheeling and dealing during last year’s trade period could leave it armed with a war chest to secure a teenage Croweater described as a once-in-a-generation player.

Woodville-West Torrens 17-year-old Jack Lukosius is in contention to this year be the first South Australian selected at pick one at the AFL national draft since Glenelg’s Bryce Gibbs went to Carlton in 2006.

And while grand finalist Adelaide, which has a 4-2 record after six rounds, won’t finish bottom, it is so stacked with high draft picks - currently three in the top 20 - it could be in a position to trade for a top selection that could net it key forward Lukosius, West Adelaide excitement machine Izak Rankine or North Adelaide’s athletic Connor Rozee.

Eagles player and possible AFL draft pick Jack Lukosius at Grange Jetty. Picture: AAP/Mike Burton

The Crows last year gained prime draft picks in deals that saw them sign Gibbs from the Blues and trade key defender Jake Lever to Melbourne and speedy forward Charlie Cameron to Brisbane.

They currently own the rights to their first pick, Melbourne’s first selection and Carlton’s second-round pick.

On current standings, Adelaide’s pick comes in at No. 14, the Demons’ at seven and the Blues’ at 19.

If restricted free agent Rory Sloane bolts for a Victorian club, the Crows’ draft hand will improve even further with the club certain to pick up either a high compensatory pick or key selections from a rival.

This year’s draft is considered to be one of the strongest ever and includes a host of ace South Australians.

Apart from Lukosius, Rankine and Rozee, Central District’s Jackson Hately, Norwood’s Luke Valente and Sturt’s Hugo Munn also are in the AFL Academy squad.

Lukosius, who made a stunning league debut when he kicked four goals against premier Sturt in last year’s preliminary final, is the first SA name on most recruiters’ lips.

Eagles teammate and former Port Adelaide utility Paul Stewart says he is a once-in-a-generation player who could change the direction of an AFL club.

“He’s all he’s hyped up to be and more,’’ Stewart said.

“He’s one of the best players I’ve seen come through the system. His potential is scary.’’

Jack Lukosius takes a big mark over Jasper Pittard and Jimmy Toumpas. Picture: Sarah Reed

Eagles premiership coach Michael Godden, who has been at the helm since 2010, said the 195cm Lukosius is the best young player he has coached.

He put him ahead of All-Australian Crow Brodie Smith and Port Adelaide flying machine Jared Polec, who he coached at the Eagles, and 2008 Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney and 2012 All-Australian Beau Waters, who he oversaw when he was reserves coach at West Adelaide.

“Jack’s as high as you could possibly rate a teenager,’’ Godden said.

“For a lad of his age to be able to play league football in the position he is (key forward), take eight-to-10 marks a game and kick goals, it’s very rare.

“He has some real tricks up his sleeve and when making a comparison people around our footy club point to (Matthew) Pavlich.

“I wasn’t at the Eagles when (six-times Fremantle club champion) Pavlich was around but he was obviously a pretty dominant player at the same age as well.

“From what I can see it’s a fair comparison to make.’’

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