Crows talisman Taylor Walker says two draftees are in the mix for Adelaide’s Round 1 team

Last year Taylor Walker declared Max Michalanney was in line for Round 1 and he went and played 22 games. He reckons two other players could do the same next season.

Last year it was Max Michalanney, now this year it could be two other first-year players that are chances to break into Adelaide’s Round 1 side.

Just over 12-months ago Adelaide talisman Taylor Walker declared that father-son Michalanney was a “big chance” to play Round 1 for the Crows.

The 17th pick of the 2022 draft debuted against GWS and played 22 games in what was a stellar first year in the AFL system for the Norwood product.

On his weekly spot on Triple M, Walker said No. 8 pick Dan Curtin is a “big chance” to take on Gold Coast in Round 1.

“He’s a big chance yeah... (as a) half-back,” Walker said.

And when asked by Crows board member Mark Ricciuto if No. 21 pick Charlie Edwards will “get a game in Round 1”, Walker said he was a chance.

“He’d be close,” Walker said.

Crows draftee Charlie Edwards in action for the Sandringham Dragons last season during his draft year. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

A big-bodied midfielder, Edwards has spent time as a half-forward for the Crows this pre-season.

Curtin has been dealing with a jarred knee recently but the 197cm West Australian completed the Crows’ full session on Wednesday.

The third player from the Crows’ recent draft crop, defender Oscar Ryan has also gained fans at West Lakes.

“It would be up there with one of the better drafts that we have had for a period of time,” Walker said of the Crows recent haul.

Crows draftee Charlie Edwards is in the frame for Round 1 according to a former skipper. Picture: Adelaide Football Club

The Crows have their internal trial in Port Lincoln next Friday, with a number of players under an injury cloud.

Defenders Jordon Butts and Wayne Milera are recovering from hamstring injuries, Jake Soligo hurt his ankle in a contest last week, Josh Rachele is dealing with a corked thigh while Rory Sloane is looking at getting goggles as he looks to return from his second detached retina surgery.

They add to the Crows long-term injuries of Nick Murray (knee) and Harry Schoenberg (Achilles).

Walker said No.8 draftee Dan Curtin was a strong chance for Round 1. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Walker said the recent injuries were just a result of a lot of match simulation taking place at West Lakes, and said Soligo had been one of his three top trainers this pre-season.

He said Ben Keays and Riley Thilthorpe were the other two.

Murray’s injury has opened up a key defender spot in the Crows backline.

Crows youngster Jake Soligo has had a strong pre-season, and will be looking to build off his debut year. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Walker said Butts and Irishman Mark Keane were “leading the way for our keys”, while Curtin and Josh Worrell were also strongly pushing their cases.