Adelaide trade targets: Comprehensive list of rival players who can improve Crows’ list
While the Crows have outlined their plans to restock their list via the draft, there are plenty of players from rival clubs who can help fast-track their rebuild. Who should be on Adelaide’s radar?
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Adelaide is expected to target the draft to arrest its rapid slide from premiership contenders to all but certain wooden spooners.
But Crows list manager Justin Reid earlier this month said this may not be the only way the only way Adelaide looks to refresh its ageing list.
“We’re always looking at ways to make the list better, whether that’s through the draft or free agency or trade,” he said.
News Corp has compiled a list of who the Crows could target from other clubs in free agency or through a trade who could compliment and speed up the Adelaide rebuild.
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JACKSON HATELY
GWS, 19, contract expires 2020
A South Australian young prospect who is yet to sign a new contract at his current club, surely the Crows and Power are asking the Gawler-raised Hately if he wants to return home.
GWS’ stacked midfield also raises the possibility that Hately could be lured back for more regular football and it is understood a call is yet to be made on his future.
A 190cm strong midfielder, Hately would improve a Crows midfield that has been consistently smashed this season.
JACK GRAHAM
Richmond, 22, contract expires 2020
Injuries will give the 2017 Premiership player a run in the reigning premiers side but if he hasn’t signed a new contract at Punt Road it would be worth the Crows while to test their luck on Graham who was a passionate Adelaide fan as a youngster.
At 22-years-old he fits the age bracket the Crows are open to recruiting from other clubs and would help their midfield if Brad Crouch departs.
CHARLIE CONSTABLE
Geelong, 21, contract expires 2021
Hasn’t played a game for the Cats since Round 9 last year, despite posting some incredible numbers in his first batch of games at AFL level.
Contracted at Geelong until 2021, the 191cm midfielder mysteriously remains on the outer for the Cats this season and could benefit from a change of scenery.
Like Hately would add something desperately required to the Crows midfield.
GEORGE HEWETT
Sydney, 24, contract expires 2020
Ben Keays emergence as a tagger means it is not a pressing need for the Crows but the former North Adelaide prospect in Hewett has some big scalps as a shutdown player for the Swans.
Hewett is highly rated by the Swans though, he finished second in the Bob Skilton Medal in 2019.
SHANNON HURN
West Coast, 32, contract expires 2020
The odd one out on this list given his age but after what Luke Hodge did at Brisbane it could be worth the Crows offering the Premiership captain a one-year deal as a player and then set him up for a coaching career.
The Barossa boy is still playing decent footy for the Eagles in 2020 but his experience would be vital for some of the developing Crows players.
MATT SCHARENBERG
Collingwood, 24, contract expires 2020
It is a risk given his history with knee injuries but could help the Crows backline with his kicking and decision making skills, while is good at matching up on taller opponents.
Clubs thought the SA product was attainable at the end of last season, and with just two games so far for the Pies in 2020 he might be willing to leave this time.
BRANDAN PARFITT
Geelong, 22, contract expires 2020
When was the last time the Crows made a splash in either free agency or at the trade table?
Taking Tim Kelly’s spot in the Geelong midfield, the Northern Territory product – via North Adelaide – is having a breakout season and it would be a big coup if the Crows could lure him from the Cats.
Out of contract at the end of 2020 Adelaide has asked about him very informally, but it is likely he will stay at Geelong
NAKIA COCKATOO
Geelong, 23, contract expires 2020
Another one the Crows have asked about, and another likely to stay at Geelong, but Cockatoo is a fascinating prospect.
Has the talent but just seems to get injured far too often.
If that body can get right then he could make a real impact at whatever club he is at.
PETER LADHAMS
Port Adelaide, 22, contract expires 2022
Power legend Kane Cornes has said Ladhams is the man to solve Adelaide’s ruck depth issues and the Crows need to make an aggressive move and table a four-year $2 million offer to secure him from their fierce rivals.
A name that has been discussed among the Crows’ list management committee, Ladhams would face a far clearer path to being the No. 1 option at West Lakes than he would at Port.
A Todd Goldstein-beat down last year aside Ladhams has impressed in his limited games in the AFL so far.
SAM WEIDEMAN
Melbourne, 23, contract expires 2021
His return to the Melbourne side has coincided with the Demons winning two on the trot so it may be significantly harder to lure him to SA.
But the 195cm key forward is what the Crows need in their forward line and if regular footy can be offered – he has played 33 times in five seasons for the Demons – then Adelaide might be in with a chance.
MITCH CROWDEN
Fremantle, 21, contract expires 2021
The 21-year-old from Mount Barker stands at just 176cm but at 84kg could be a strong and explosive player in the forward line and in the midfield.
He also has a penetrative left kick that could be a weapon at West Lakes and is renowned for his tackle pressure, something the Crows have lacked in recent years.
ISAAC CUMMING
GWS, 21, contract expires 2020
A player the Crows liked in his draft year, Cumming is another young GWS player out of contract at season’s end.
A 183cm, 72kg defender with elite disposal skills and exciting pace could the Crows use Taylor Walker to sell Adelaide to his fellow Broken Hill native?
LUKE DUNSTAN
St Kilda, 25, contract expires 2021
Did sign a new contract last year until 2021 but seems to just yoyo between the Saints senior side and reserves.
But last season the Woodville-West Torrens product showed just what he can do at AFL level when he became one of the Saints leading midfield bulls and racked up the AFL Coaches’ Association votes.
If some experience leaves the Crows midfield Dunstan could be an ideal candidate to help the Adelaide youngsters.
WILL BRODIE
Gold Coast, 21, contract expires 2022
Much hyped as a junior but the 189cm midfielder has only managed 20 games for the Suns since 2017 despite their struggles.
Remains out of the high-flying Gold Coast side after playing in Round 1, and with the midfield talent there the Crows might be able to swoop in.
JYE CALDWELL
GWS, 19, contract expires 2020
Another young Giant out of contract at seasons end but unlike Hately it is extremely difficult to see Caldwell leaving GWS.
But Caldwell is talented and damaging and if an agreement cannot be struck up then the Crows would be one of many inquiring about his services.
ORAZIO FANTASIA
Essendon, 24, contract expires 2021
Looked set to request a trade to Port Adelaide before deciding to stay at the Bombers during the trade period.
But if he wants to come back to Adelaide, and there’s some bad blood between him and the Power, then the Crows might be able to steal a march on their rivals.
Been playing defence for the Bombers this season but as a forward would be a huge coup for the Crows – who could hold the draft hand to get a deal over the line.
BEN BROWN
North Melbourne, 27, contract expires 2020
JOE DANIHER
Essendon, 26, contract expires 2020
Either to Adelaide is unlikely to happen at all but there is a good chance these two tall forwards could be on the move at the end of the season.
Brown is out of form but has kicked 60 goals for the last three seasons, while Daniher’s groin issues are a big worry but we have seen he can play when his body is right.
But the Crows’ forward line needs a spearhead and if the club wants to make a splash in free agency or in the trade period one of those two would be it.
