Adelaide Crows list analysis: Every player’s contract status and likely future
There are some big questions left unanswered on the Crows’ list. Who will be shipped off, and which players may not get another deal?
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Who is going to be pushed out at West Lakes to facilitate Izak Rankine’s move back to Adelaide, and will Matt Crouch be a Crow next year.
They are just two of the big calls the Crows have to make regarding their list as they seek to continue their rebuild and contend for finals.
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Rankine is set to become a Crow after telling Gold Coast that he wants to return home to Adelaide, so that means one player is in danger.
AFL rules mean that two more list changes have to be made by the Crows, but a good crop of SA kids in the draft could see more players depart West Lakes.
So who is safe and who is in trouble?
1. Chayce Jones. Age: 22 | Games: 58 | Contract status: Signed to 2023
Still hasn’t hit the heights many Crows fans thought he would when he was drafted in the top 10 in 2018. But the Tasmanian has found a place in the Crows’ best 22 with his 19 games played in 2022 the most he has played for Adelaide.
2. Ben Keays. Age: 25 | Games: 90 | Status: Signed to 2024
Continues to be one of the great success stories in the AFL right now after he was cut by Brisbane at the end of 2019. Is now a member of the Crows leadership group and captained the club on multiple occasions this season. Started the year on fire in the midfield but amid questions of whether he is damaging enough by foot, he played a half-forward role to end the season.
3. Fischer McAsey. Age: 21 | Games: 10 | Status: Signed to 2023
Unsighted at AFL level since his first season in 2020, the lack of development from the No.6 draft pick in 2019 is one of the biggest questions when you look at the Crows list. After being drafted as a defender, the Crows have tried to turn him into a key forward in the SANFL this season. He’s kicked three goals on two occasions but has only cracked the 10-disposal mark four times from 17 games in the state league. He still has a year to go on his contract, but is a move home what McAsey needs? Carlton list boss Nick Austin has been spotted scouting Fischer McAsey’s recent SANFL matches.
4. Lachlan Murphy. Age: 23 | Games: 76 | Status: Signed to 2023
Overcame spinal cord surgery in the off-season to play 17 games this season. His inclusion in the side ahead of some of the younger Crows small forwards raises the ire of fans at times, but Murphy does provide Adelaide with plenty of pressure in the position.
5. Matt Crouch. Age: 27 | Games: 136 | Status: Signed to 2023
An All-Australian and club champion in 2017, Crouch was dropped three times this year by the Crows. Nicks says he still wants Crouch around at the club, but all signs are pointing to an exit this off-season as the prolific midfielder looks to revitalise his AFL career.
6. Jackson Hately. Age: 21 | Games: 27 | Status: Signed to 2023
Was able to get a decent run of games in the Crows team this year after just three appearances in his first season after coming across from GWS. Interestingly, has been deployed on a wing by the Crows at times despite standing at 191cm and able to provide some height in the midfield that Adelaide doesn’t have. Was a casualty of the Crows’ horror loss to Hawthorn, which was his last game of the season.
7. Riley Thilthorpe. Age: 20 | Games: 25 | Status: Signed to 2025
Surprisingly out of the side for nine weeks after being dropped in round 1 but Thilthorpe is showing why the Crows took him with the second pick of the 2020 draft. He is forming a good partnership with Darcy Fogarty in the Crows forward line but it will be interesting to see how much ruckwork he does for Nicks’ side.
8. Josh Rachele. Age: 19 | Games: 13 | Status: Signed to 2025
Started the season on fire, showing he could be the excitement machine the Crows have lacked since Eddie Betts. But did fall away a little bit towards the midway point of the campaign, and had some hip issues which ended his season early. The Crows have already signed him to a new deal, and he will build on his fan favourite status in Adelaide next year.
9. Rory Sloane. Age: 32 | Games: 233 | Status: Signed to 2023
The Crows captain’s horror run with injuries continued when he tore his ACL against Richmond in round 5. Has said he is determined to come back stronger than ever for what could potentially be a final season in the AFL.
10. Luke Pedlar. Age: 20 | Games: 5 | Status: Signed to 2024
Only two games this season for the No.11 draft pick as he again battled injuries. The development of the tough as nails tackling machine has raised eyebrows. But the Crows were impressed by how he played in the final SANFL home-and-away game as a pressure forward. It looms as a big year for Pedlar in 2023.
11. Paul Seedsman. Age: 30 | Games: 132 | Status: Signed to 2023
Is set to remain on the Crows list next year after sitting out 2022 following a concussion in December and lingering symptoms that forced him out for the season. But there is a lot of uncertainty around whether the former Collingwood wingman will actually play again.
12. Jordan Dawson. Age: 25 | Games: 86 | Status: Signed to 2026
Has already become one of the Crows’ best players after his trade from Sydney. Will go close to winning the Crows’ Club Champion award. Nicks would love to have two or three of him, so impressive he has been in his first season at West Lakes.
13. Taylor Walker. Age: 32 | Games: 237 | Status: Signed to 2023
Signed a one-year deal after there was speculation an interstate club was willing to offer him two years. Expect Walker to live on one-year contracts until he or the Crows decide time is up for the former captain and club record goalkicker.
14. Jake Soligo. Age: 19 | Games: 16 | Status: Signed to 2025
Was a pre-season bolter when he debuted in round 1 but the No.36 selection was the pick of the Crows’ 2021 draftees. Soligo has impressed with his composure and how tidy he is in possession, and the Crows are amazed that he didn’t receive a Rising Star nomination.
15. Brayden Cook. Age: 20 | Games: 11 | Status: Signed to 2024
The former South Adelaide junior has plenty of talent but is still considered to be quite raw by the Crows. Has been used on the wing but hopes are high for a Tom Lynch-like connector role in the future.
16. Luke Brown. Age: 29 | Games: 189 | Status: Signed to 2023
Brown’s run as a mainstay in the Crows defence came to an end this year. A lingering knee injury ended his season early but the defender was dropped to the SANFL for three games in the middle of the year and was not sighted at AFL level post-round 11. His experience will still be big for the Crows next year but after that his role is starting to look a bit cloudy.
17. Will Hamill. Age: 21 | Games: 38 | Status: Signed to 2024
Suffered his sixth concussion in his short time in the AFL this year, ending his season early. Hamill has said he isn’t all that concerned at his concussion history, but it should be an increasing worry for the Crows.
19. Zac Taylor. Age: 19 | Games: 0 | Status: Signed to 2023
Showed some strong form at SANFL level in the second half of the season. Taylor will be pushing for an AFL debut in 2023.
20. Mitchell Hinge. Age: 24 | Games: 21 | Status: Signed to 2024
The former Brisbane Lion signed a new deal recently to keep him at West Lakes for at least two more years. His versatility helped him carve out spots as either a half-back or a wingman for the Crows this season.
21. Sam Berry. Age: 20 | Games: 35 | Status: Signed to 2024
Has impressed as a hard-tackling midfielder with an increased role on the ball this season. There are still questions about if the Crows midfield is too short but Berry’s commitment and toughness can’t be queried.
22. Billy Frampton. Age: 25 | Games: 24 | Status: Out of contract
Looked to have finally found at spot at AFL level when he played six games in a row for the Crows following a transformation into a key defender. He impressed particularly against Richmond and the Western Bulldogs but was then dropped to the SANFL and didn’t crack the AFL team again. Is out of contract and Collingwood is understood to show in interest in making the former Port Adelaide ruck/forward a three-club player.
23. Shane McAdam. Age: 27 | Games: 24 | Status: Signed to 2023
Made some great strides in 2022 with a new-found consistency in his game. The mature-age recruit is 27 but is an important player for the Crows forward line and should get a new contract next year.
24. Josh Worrell. Age: 21 | Games: 5 | Status: Signed to 2023
Played the last four games of the season and impressed in a variety of roles. Expect him to make a spot his own in defence next season.
25. Ned McHenry. Age: 22 | Games: 49 | Status: Signed to 2024
The Crows love his pressure as a small forward but will need him to influence games more. He says he still thinks he can be a midfielder eventually, but does Nicks agree?
26. Harry Schoenberg. Age: 21 | Games: 46 | Status: Signed to 2023
Hasn’t kicked on as many thought he would following a strong finish to 2021. Spent some time in the SANFL but did play the last nine AFL games. Next season looks to be a big one for the young midfielder.
27. Luke Nankervis. Age: 19 | Games: 0 | Status: Signed to 2023
Didn’t manage to make his AFL debut in 2022 despite some senior players believing he could be a chance after his pre-season. Nankervis is still quite raw, but did show some glimpses in the SANFL.
28. Nick Murray. Age: 21 | Games: 29 | Status: Signed to 2023
Had an impressive 2022, proving he can be more than just a battling squad player. Still can be a bit raw and make mistakes but his composure has improved this year and he is extremely athletic. Was thrown into the ruck at times, which could be something the Crows look to build on.
29. Rory Laird. Age: 28 | Games: 202 | Status: Signed to 2026
Continues to shine as a full-time midfielder, earning a spot in the All-Australian squad. There were some questions about whether he is damaging enough with the ball, but Laird is Adelaide’s best midfielder by some way right now.
30. Wayne Milera. Age: 24 | Games: 74 | Status: Signed to 2025
Finally got back playing after nearly two years out with injuries. Was rusty at times in his return to AFL action but also showed some glimpses of why he got a five-year deal in 2020. Surely will be better in 2023 with another pre-season under his belt.
31. James Rowe. Age: 22 | Games: 36 | Status: Out of contract
Is unsigned, which doesn’t bode well for his future at the Crows. Hasn’t really put a foot wrong, so would be stiff to not get a new contract but the Crows need to make three list changes. Has been linked with the Western Bulldogs.
32. Darcy Fogarty. Age: 22 | Games: 58 | Status: Signed to 2023
After years of debate around if he would ever realise his talent, Fogarty looks like he has finally arrived at AFL level. He kicked 31 goals from round 11 onwards and is starting to become a vital forward for the Crows. It has him perfectly set up for a big contract next year. Brisbane has shown interest but don’t expect the Crows to let him go now.
33. Brodie Smith. Age: 30 | Games: 225 | Status: Signed to 2024
Continues to play an important role for the Crows in defence and as a leader, captaining the team on multiple occasions in Rory Sloane’s absence. Will likely be a Crow for life.
34. Elliott Himmelberg. Age: 24 | Games: 38 | Status: Signed to 2024
Signed a new two-year contract to the surprise of many given that Adelaide appears to be quite well stocked for key forwards. But the man Nicks is calling ‘Dragon’ did impress for the Crows at time this year.
35. James Borlase. Age: 20 | Games: 0 | Status: Out of contract
Hasn’t played a game for the Crows and yet to sign a new contract, but Borlase has enough physical tools for the Crows to continue to view him as a project to keep developing.
36. Andrew McPherson. Age: 23 | Games: 28 | Status: Signed to 2023
Highly rated at the Crows but his injury troubles resurfaced this year, with McPherson only playing the one game this season. Adelaide will be hoping he can have a bit more luck in 2023.
37. Patrick Parnell. Age: 20 | Games: 11 | Status: Signed to 2024
The mid-season draftee from the 2021 season found a spot in the Crows side in 2022. He might be short in stature but the Crows love his kicking ability and speed off half-back.
38. Lachlan Sholl. Age: 22 | Games: 38 | Status: Signed to 2024
Only played 11 games this season after being one of the brightest Crows talents in the two previous seasons. Carlton is interested in the young wingman and may look to take advantage of his lack of AFL action this year.
39. Tom Doedee. Age: 25 | Games: 71 | Status: Signed to 2023
Had a couple of minor injuries but was able to play 20 games for the Crows this season. Still considered to be the next captain of the club. Expect a big deal for him next year.
40. Ben Davis. Age: 25 | Games: 11 | Status: Out of contract
Three games as an unused medical sub pad out Davis’ stats a bit this season. Has been better since he has been turned into a dashing defender. Was probably a bit lucky to get a contract last year, his luck could be up soon.
41. Jordon Butts. Age: 22 | Games: 42 | Status: Signed to 2023
Continues to be the Crows No.1 key defender. Softly spoken, Butts is starting to take more of a leadership role in the Crows defence. The question is who is going to be his No.2.
42. Tariek Newchurch. Age: 20 | Games: 0 | Status: Out of contract
Crows fans wanted him in the side but the coaching staff resisted with a view that he would get exposed defensively at AFL level. Is out of contract at the moment but don’t be surprised if he signs a rookie deal to remain at West Lakes.
43. Reilly O’Brien. Age: 27 | Games: 77 | Status: Signed to 2025
Was dropped this year but responded well and consolidated his spot as the Crows No. 1 ruckman. Is also part of their leadership group, which shows how highly rated he is at West Lakes.
44. Lachlan Gollant. Age: 20 | Games: 8 | Status: Signed to 2024
Signed a new two-year deal after some promising form this season, including a four-goal effort in the Showdown. Is fighting it out with Himmelberg to be the next cab off the rank when it comes to the Crows key forward line-up.
45. Kieran Strachan. Age: 26 | Games: 5 | Status: Signed to 2023
Signed a deal with the Crows last year after he impressed in the absence of O’Brien to end the season, prompting some interest from some other clubs. Was able to get two games this year but has again been the back-up ruckman for the Crows, and is probably one of the best in the league.
46. Brett Turner. Age: 26 | Games: 0 | Status: Out of contract
Selected by the Crows in the mid-season draft but didn’t crack the senior side. Normally the mid-season draftees get a contract extension at the end of their first season but don’t be surprised if Turner departs West Lakes.
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Originally published as Adelaide Crows list analysis: Every player’s contract status and likely future
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