Staying or going? The latest intel and verdict on every Adelaide player ahead of 2026
Will Taylor Walker play on? Are other Crows still in danger of being delisted? Simeon Thomas-Wilson has his say on every player from West Lakes.
Adelaide have already announced their first lot of delistings after their 2025 season came to an end.
But who else could leave the club?
Simeon Thomas-Wilson has his say.
1. CHAYCE JONES
Age: 25 Games: 97 (5 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Verdict: Staying
Played the least amount of games at AFL level this year - five - that he has played since he was drafted by the Crows. Very much a depth player at West Lakes now.
2. BEN KEAYS
Age: 28 Games: 161 (25 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
Verdict: Staying
Once again a heart and soul player for the Crows. Shared the best and fairest with Dawson last year, should again poll well.
3. SAM BERRY
Age: 23 Games: 76 (19 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Verdict: Staying
Found his way into the midfield after Crouch’s injury. Tough as and can get his hands on the footy at stoppages but needs to have more impact.
4. LACHIE MURPHY
Age: 26 Games: 120 (5 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Verdict: Going
The popular small forward was told on Tuesday that he would be delisted. Only played five games this year.
5. MATT CROUCH
Age: 30 Games: 164 (6 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Verdict: Going
Started the season in strong form but was forced into retirement after his body failed him and had more hip and groin issues.
6. DAN CURTIN
Age: 20 Games: 32 (25 in 2025) Contract ends: 2029
Verdict: Staying
Signed a new deal to remain at the Crows and spurn any interest from Western Australia to cap what has been a breakout season for the former No. 8 pick. Will he get more midfield time in 2026?
7. RILEY THILTHORPE
Age: 23 Games: 78 (24 in 2025) Contract ends: 2028
Verdict: Staying
We had the ascent to stardom that the Crows thought was coming last year before his pre-season injury with the key forward being named as an All-Australian. Do we see a new deal coming soon to reflect his status as one of the best in the game?
8. JOSH RACHELE
Age: 22 Games: 70 (14 in 2025) Contract ends: 2029
Verdict: Staying
Had a very good year before he suffered a knee injury in July and didn’t play again until the semi-final. There is a lot of hope at West Lakes that 2026 will be a year of significant improvement for Rachele as a small forward that goes through the midfield.
9. NICK MURRAY
Age: 24 Games: 67 (12 in 2025) Contract ends: 2028
Verdict: Staying
Again battled with injuries but when he was fit was in the Crows’ best defence.
10. LUKE PEDLAR
Age: 23 Games: 39 (9 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Verdict: Staying
Another to be in and out of the side because of injuries and form but was the Crows’ best forward in the qualifying final loss against Collingwood. Next year looms as a massive one for him.
11. CHARLIE EDWARDS
Age: 20 Games: 0 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Verdict: Staying
Yet to play an AFL game for the Crows. But has had a good year in the SANFL after being moved to defence.
12. JORDAN DAWSON
Age: 28 Games: 156 (25 in 2025) Contract ends: 2029
Verdict: Staying
While the Crows’ skipper was down in the finals after being hit by illness and battling a foot issue it was another All-Australian season and he will go close in the Brownlow. Will be an early priority for the Crows next year.
13. TAYLOR WALKER
Age: 35 Games: 301 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Verdict: Watch this space
The big watch at the Crows. Walker had his exit interview on Tuesday and said he still didn’t have a timeline as to when he would make a decision on whether he would play on in 2026.
14. JAKE SOLIGO
Age: 22 Games: 85 (25 in 2025) Contract ends: 2029
Verdict: Staying
Continued to establish himself as a key part of the Crows midfield. Had a down finals series but figures to be a big part of the Crows going forward.
15. BRAYDEN COOK
Age: 23 Games: 30 (3 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Verdict: Staying
Only three games at AFL level this year but has shown enough at state league level to keep the Crows intrigued. Will be hoping to find a spot in the side next year though.
16. MAX MICHALANNEY
Age: 21 Games: 66 (21 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Verdict: Staying
Another one that will be a priority for the Crows next year in terms of re-signings. Don’t be surprised if Michalanney is added to the leadership group.
17. TYLER WELSH
Age: 19 Games: 0 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Verdict: Staying
Kicked 10 goals from 13 games at SANFL level this year. Does need to make some aerobic gains to get in the mix for AFL action.
19. ZAC TAYLOR
Age: 22 Games: 26 (17 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Verdict: Staying
Will sign a new contract soon after breaking into the side as a forward in the back-end of the season.
20. MITCH HINGE
Age: 27 Games: 89 (24 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Verdict: Staying
Subbed out twice in the finals but continues to be a key player for the Crows in defence.
21. CHRIS BURGESS
Age: 29 Games: 44 (1 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Verdict: Watch this space
His future at West Lakes is very much in the air after one AFL game this year. But did kick 56 goals at SANFL level this year and does have some clubs interested in him for back-up.
22. OSCAR RYAN
Age: 20 Games: 0 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Verdict: Staying
Looked in pre-season like he would make his debut this year but the Crows defence has been solid. Another one that faces a crucial year next year.
23. IZAK RANKINE
Age: 25 Games: 105 (22 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
Verdict: Staying
His four-game suspension for a homophobic slur that ruled him out of finals will be the “what if” for the Crows from this year. Will be fascinating to watch how he bounces back from this.
24. JOSH WORRELL
Age: 24 Games: 55 (25 in 2025) Contract ends: 2033
Verdict: Staying
Had an incredible year in the Crows’ backline, and could be feeling that he was stiff to not make the All-Australian team. Was rewarded for this with a huge new contract as the Crows moved quickly to lock him in long term.
25. JAMES PEATLING
Age: 25 Games: 68 (23 in 2025) Contract ends: 2028
Verdict: Staying
Arrived from GWS and has carved out a role as forward/midfielder who can also do a tagging job. The Crows will be hoping he has more upside.
26. HARRY SCHOENBERG
Age: 24 Games: 62 (1 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Verdict: Watch this space
Has been too good for the SANFL but just the one game for the Crows at AFL level this year, and that was as the sub. Could be in trouble.
27. LUKE NANKERVIS
Age: 22 Games: 31 (7 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
Verdict: Staying
Didn’t play as much as he would have wanted to with the Crows’ depth improving. But he is still highly rated at West Lakes.
28. ALEX NEAL-BULLEN
Age: 29 Games: 201 (25 in 2025) Contract ends: 2028
Verdict: Staying
Became part of the leadership group soon after he arrived at West Lakes. Neal-Bullen has been as good as advertised for the Crows this year with his half-forward role crucial.
29. RORY LAIRD
Age: 31 Games: 269 (22 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Verdict: Staying
Has done a good job to reinvent himself after returning to the backline. Has had a good year in defence.
30. WAYNE MILERA
Age: 28 Games: 123 (24 in 2025) Contract ends: 2028
Verdict: Staying
After again being hit by injury in 2024, Milera just missed the one game for the Crows this year and was rewarded with a new deal in the process.
31. BILLY DOWLING
Age: 21 Games: 10 (1 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Verdict: Staying
Just the one game for Dowling at AFL level this year but he was outstanding in the SANFL. Will be looking to break into the side next year.
32. DARCY FOGARTY
Age: 25 Games: 126 (24 in 2025) Contract ends: 2031
Verdict: Staying
Kicked 41 goals for the second straight year as he grows in importance to the Crows’ forward line. Thilthorpe is the man so can Fogarty be the right Robin to his Batman?
33. BRODIE SMITH
Age: 33 273 (11 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Verdict: Watch this space
Does the Crows veteran go on for another year? It did seem slim at the start of the year but Smith did find himself in the side for the second half of the year.
34. SID DRAPER
Age: 19 Games: 10 (10 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
Verdict: Staying
The development of the No. 4 pick will be key to the Crows getting a midfield that can compete with the best in the league. Can he do a Curtin in 2026?
35. JAMES BORLASE
Age: 23 Games: 16 (2 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Verdict: Staying
A back-up key defender who does a solid job at AFL level when called upon.
36. KARL GALLAGHER
Age: 23 Games: 0 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Verdict: Going
The Irishman joined as a Category B rookie in 2024 but hasn’t done enough to get a deal past this year.
38. LACHIE SHOLL
Age: 25 Games: 79 (5 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Verdict: Watch this space
Out of the side for much of this year, does the wingman look elsewhere for senior opportunities?
39. TOBY MURRAY
Age: 21 Games: 0 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
Verdict: Staying
Yet to make his debut but the Crows are pleased as to how the forward/ruck is developing in the SANFL.
40. HUGH BOND
Age: 20 Games: 12 (5 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Verdict: Staying
Will get a new deal soon. Has again impressed when called upon at AFL level with his ability to lock a small forward down
41. JORDON BUTTS
Age: 25 Games: 85 (10 in 2025) Contract ends: 2026
Verdict: Watch this space
North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs are keen on the key defender, who could not break his way back into the side after injury. The Crows want to keep him though and have indicated they will offer him a new contract soon.
42. LACHLAN MCANDREW
Age: 25 Games: 2 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2027
Verdict: Staying
Got a spot on the list after an impressive pre-season as originally a train-on player for the Crows’ SANFL side. Signed a new deal earlier this year.
43. REILLY O’BRIEN
Age: 30 Games: 146 (25 in 2025) Contract ends: 2028
Verdict: Staying
After a protracted negotiation, O’Brien finally got the three-year deal he wanted. But his performances in the finals would have done nothing to his critics about his status as the Crows’ No. 1 ruckman.
44. ISAAC CUMMING
Age: 27 Games: 105 (24 in 2025) Contract ends: 2030
Verdict: Staying
The ex-GWS Giant had a solid enough year on the wing and importantly played 24 games for the Crows after suffering soft tissue issues in his last year at the Giants. But had a quiet finals series and is still contracted for a while at West Lakes.
45. KIERAN STRACHAN
Age: 29 Games: 7 (0 in 2025) Contract ends: 2025
Verdict: Going
Was put on the inactive list in February to allow the Crows to sign McAndrew. Did return to SANFL action after Adelaide got a permit from the league. But his AFL days at West Lakes are done
48. MARK KEANE
Age: 25 Games: 56 (25 in 2025) Contract ends: 2028
Verdict: Staying
Had a mare against Hawthorn in the semi-final but has had a massive year in defence for the Crows. Can be guilty of a mistake and will have to tidy this up.
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