Adelaide list analysis: Who will survive the club’s upcoming rebuild?
Ahead of one of the biggest challenges the Adelaide Football Club will ever face, key decisions are looming on some of the club’s biggest names. What does the future hold for Gibbs, Walker and the Crouch brothers? See where every player is at.
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Bryce Gibbs will meet with Adelaide’s hierarchy in the next fortnight to decide on whether he stays and fights for his spot in the final year of his contract or negotiates a payout with his AFL career seemingly over – at least as a Crow – after 267 games.
Neither party have given an indication of their preferred position for 2021 but Adelaide’s stance may be influenced by the AFL’s decision on list size and the salary cap for next year.
Lists are expected to be reduced from 44 to between 38-40, and the Crows currently have four picks inside the top 30 at this year’s national draft and are banking on a top compensation pick if Brad Crouch walks as a free agent at season’s end.
That would mean potentially culling 8-10 players from the list and operating with a smaller cap.
Gibbs, 31, signed a four-year deal with Adelaide when he was traded from Carlton at the end of 2017, but he has played just two AFL games this season and coach Matthew Nicks last week conceded he was “not in the window of selection”.
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It’s understood the club is very pleased with the work he has done behind the scenes in helping develop its young players but would require him to improve his fitness if he plays on.
“We’ll have discussions with him over the coming weeks as we have right throughout and just get a feel for where he’s at,” Nicks said.
“Depending on what he wants to do next year, and how he wants to go about that, whether he wants to work with our younger guys and still be an important part of our team.
“I still think part of that is still playing football at the level.”
Gibbs’ manager Nigel Carmody says feedback from the Crows on the midfielder had been positive despite him only playing at AFL level in Round 1 and 9.
“All the feedback from him and those around him is he’s been exemplary in those scratch matches, having a genuine crack at it and what he’s giving the younger guys too,” Carmody said.
“He’s a contracted Crows player and that’s where everyone’s energy lies for now and we’ll deal with that in due course if it needs to be dealt with.
“There are so many balls in the air … we’re four or five weeks away from the end of the season and there is no clarity on the two biggest things that clubs need to structure their programs.”
If Gibbs is told his time at Adelaide is up he hasn’t given an indication of whether he’d be prepared to play elsewhere and move interstate after he returned to SA to be closer to his and his wife’s families.
There has been similar uncertainty surrounding the playing future of fellow Crows veteran Taylor Walker who is also contracted for next year, but Nicks last week guaranteed the former skipper would be at the club to see out the final year of the deal.
“It will be an interesting season for him next year because he wants to leave a legacy and he will, but it’s how he goes about that into next year, he’s got some amazing young players coming through under him and he’s an incredible role model so he will be a very important part of next year,” Nicks said of Walker who played his 200th game last week.
With significant cuts to club football department budgets for next year, senior players may also take on mentor or development roles – even if unofficial – in an extension of the coaching group going forward.
David Mackay, who turned 32 last month, is widely respected as a senior voice and role model at West Lakes and his recent good form is expected to net him another one-year deal.
Of Adelaide’s younger brigade, key forward Elliott Himmelberg and rookie midfielder Ben Keays are in line for new deals with Himmelberg’s management currently in talks with the club, while Myles Poholke is considered a 50/50 chance of staying.
Rory Atkins is on the outer at selection and seeking longer term security is expected to move clubs while Patrick Wilson and injury-cursed former first-round draft pick Jordan Gallucci are up against it to remain at West Lakes.
ANALYSIS OF EVERY ADELAIDE CROW
1. Chayce Jones. Age: 20 Games: 19 Status: Signed to 2023
Started the season with plenty of hype but hasn’t found as much of the footy as expected as the Crows’ midfield has been smashed most weeks. Jones was dropped this month but the No. 9 pick from 2018 who signed a long-term deal in his first season will feature heavily in Adelaide’s plans moving forward.
2. Brad Crouch. Age: 26 Games: 91 Status: Out of contract
Has been the dominant contract story at the Crows in 2019 and 2020 after flirting with other clubs at the end of last season. Has said he wants to stay at Adelaide if he can get the right contract (a “career” five-year deal) but if a rival club offers him the required cash the Crows could get a compensation pick as high as No. 2. A lot of clubs have inquired and some are seriously interested in Crouch who should return from a hamstring injury against Hawthorn. He will make a decision at the end of the season but the Crows, who need to rejuvenate their midfield, may make the call for him.
“To be honest I still don’t know what’s going to happen, I still haven’t made my decision,” Crouch said on FiveAA on Wednesday.
3. Riley Knight. Age: 25 Games: 55 Status: Out of contract
Signed a one-year contract extension at the end of 2019 after seeing what other options there may be among other clubs. Has had injury issues in 2020, and only played in one game so far this season – the Crows’ thumping by North Melbourne in which he touched the ball just three times. Not looking good.
4. Lachie Murphy. Age: 21 Games: 42 Status: Signed until 2021
Elevated off the Crows rookie list at the end of the 2019 season, Murphy has been in and out of the team due to suspension this season but has still managed 10 games and Nicks clearly likes him given he plays alongside Stengle and not either/or.
5. Matt Crouch. Age: 25 Games: 121 Status: Signed until 2021
Slow start to the season but the club is happy with his recent form and leadership in the midfield. Is signed for another year but there has been speculation he could form part of a package deal with brother Brad in a trade. Signed but nothing guaranteed at this stage.
6. Bryce Gibbs. Age: 31 Games: 267 Status: Signed to 2021
Has a contract for next year, hasn’t said he wants out, but does he want to go through another season like this when he trains every day knowing he’s probably not getting a game? The Crows may suggest an early exit if they need to slash the list but a lot hinges on decisions coming from the AFL. Meeting with the club in the next two weeks.
7. Jordan Gallucci. Age: 22 Games: 27 Status: Out of contract
The first-round draft pick from 2016 got his moon boot off this week after rupturing his achilles in June but faces an uphill battle for a new deal. Has played just 27 games in four years in between a string of injuries but remains hopeful of another crack at it.
“He’s got pace, power and speed and that’s what they seem to need. Injuries haven’t helped but he’s played to a good level when he’s had the chance,” his agent Matt Bain said.
8. Jake Kelly. Age: 25 Games: 86 Status: Signed to 2021.
Signed a two-year contract last year and was dropped once this season but has still played 11 games as an important part of Adelaide’s defence, albeit not in the form he has shown in previous seasons. No reason to show him the door.
9. Rory Sloane. Age: 30 Games: 207 Status: Signed to 2023.
Signed a five-year contract making him a Crow for life in 2018 and has given no indication he wants that to change. Captain in his own right, injuries have again hampered him this season but expect him to continue leading the rebuild next year.
10. Myles Poholke. Age: 22 Games: 15 Status: Out of contract.
Signed a two-year extension back in 2017 which extended his stay at West Lakes until at least this season, but faces a big month if he’s staying any longer. Got back in the side two weeks ago and had 13 touches against the Dogs and 14 against the Cats. Genuine 50/50 whether he gets a new deal.
11. Paul Seedsman. Age: 28 Games: 110 Status: Signed to 2021
Another year on his deal remaining, Seedsman has had an up and down 2020 having been in bed and unable to train for close to two months during the COVID-19 imposed shutdown with neck and vertebrae issues. Played six games straight for the Crows before being omitted for the Geelong clash last round.
12. Daniel Talia. Age: 28 Games: 197 Status: Signed to 2021
Signed a five-year contract in 2016 after winning the Crows’ club champion award and claiming an All-Australian spot in 2014. Externally there have been questions over whether Talia would look to go to a club in a flag window but all reports are he wants to stay, and after doing some coaching in the backline at training this year will be vital in the development of young talent.
13. Taylor Walker. Age: 30 Games: 200 Status: Signed to 2021
Says he wants to stay, the club says it wants him to stay, but does that make it a lock? A much loved figure and still highly valued for his leadership but his influence on games is restricted to moments or contests rather than for four quarters or bags of goals like when he was in his prime.
“I gave him a call (last week) and I said ‘you know we value you don’t you?’ and he said ‘yeah, but it’s what’s my role and so on’, he’s an incredibly valuable member of our team and he will be next year,” coach Matthew Nicks said.
14. David Mackay. Age: 32 Games: 227 Status: Out of contract.
Living year-to-year on short-term contracts and may well jag another for 2021 the way he’s playing. He didn’t come into the Crows’ side until Round 6 but has played the last four games and been good. Still has his pace and the club rates his leadership and the fact he is a role model and mentor for their kids.
15. Kyle Hartigan. Age: 28 Games: 109 Status: Out of contract.
Had other clubs asking about whether he might want to leave the Crows last year, and particularly after his performance against Tom Hawkins, Hartigan is again attracting some interest from Melbourne teams. Happy to stay at the Crows if they offer him the two-year deal he is seeking, Adelaide at the moment is likely to only offer him one and other clubs may come to the party.
“I think I’ve got a couple of good years of footy left in me. I’ve had a couple of injuries over the last couple of years which have held me back. Personally I still think I have a lot to give the footy club, to the young guys and help them out … but in the end we will sit down with the club at the end of the year and see what they want to do and we will go from there,” Hartigan said on Monday.
16. Luke Brown. Age: 27 Games: 163 Status: Signed to 2023
Brown timed it beautifully this year, getting ahead of the Covid shutdown by inking a new three-year deal in February which keeps him at the club until at least 2023. Hasn’t been at his best this year but who has at the Crows and is still a crucial lockdown defender.
17. Will Hamill. Age: 19 Games: 8 Status: Signed to 2022
Been a revelation for the Crows in his first proper AFL season. Didn’t get a look-in in 2019 but the club saw enough in him at SANFL level to offer a two-year contract extension. In eight games this year he’s shown pace and poise off half-back in between being concussed but looks a long-term prospect.
18. Tyson Stengle. Age: 21 Games: 12 Status: Signed to 2022
The small forward has just been rewarded with a two-year extension, keeping him at West Lakes until at least 2022. Has shown glimpses of dominating games this year but just hasn’t put four quarters together. The talent is there and the Crows will be hoping the consistency will come as well.
20. Ben Crocker. Age: 23 Games: 33 Status: Out of contract
Received an AFL lifeline when the Crows took him in the rookie draft after he was delisted by Collingwood last year. Has played seven games for the Crows but with list sizes expected to be reduced there is doubt over whether he’s done enough to secure another deal for 2021.
21. Rory Atkins. Age: 26 Games: 101 Status: Out of contract
Announced on Friday he was leaving West Lakes, effective immediately, to explore his options during this year’s free agency period. Notched up his 100th game for the Crows this year and played in their 2017 grand final side but hasn’t been in the team since Round 9.
22. Billy Frampton. Age: 23 Games: 7 Status: Signed to 2022
Signed a three-year deal when he joined Adelaide from Alberton which is looking pretty good for him right now. Frampton has only played four games and none since Round 6 while Nicks works out where he best fits. Is it in the ruck or inside 50m? Regardless he’s got a deal for the next two years so he won’t be stressing.
23. Shane McAdam. Age: 25 Games: 9 Status: Out of contract
Couldn’t crack the senior side last year while he worked on his fitness but has played nine games this season and looks better with every outing. Drafted as a mature age forward from Sturt in the SANFL, McAdam can take a hanger and kick a goal but his tackling and pressure has been a feature of his game this year. Expect a new deal any time soon.
24. Josh Worrell. Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2021
Yet to play a game since being drafted Worrell will be hoping to make his debut soon in the Adelaide rebuild. A versatile player, Worrell played key forward, key defence and on the wing in his junior years.
25. Ned McHenry. Age: 20 Games: 8 Status: Signed to 2022
Got a contract extension before he had played an AFL game, Nicks is a big fan of McHenry but he is yet to confirm his first-round pick potential. Has been out of the side for the Crows’ last two games and will be looking for more consistency in 2021. Is he a bona fide midfielder or better suited as a small forward?
26. Harry Schoenberg. Age: 19 Games: 4 Status: Signed to 2021
First year player has looked comfortable at the level even in a midfield that’s under the pump. Has played the last four games in a row and has had six contested possessions in each, using his body and strength to his advantage. Needs time to mature as a footballer but looks promising.
27. Tom Lynch. Age: 29 Games: 150 Status: Signed to 2021
Played 11 games before hurting his hamstring this season. Has been good without dominating like he has in the past but largely due to the way the team is functioning. Is signed for next year but will need a big season to be offered another deal given he will turn 30.
28. Ben Keays. Age: 23 Games: 42 Status: Out of contract
Expected to re-sign soon. May well be leading Adelaide’s best-and-fairest and if he’s not then he’d be top three. Has been a revelation after joining the Crows in last year’s rookie draft, not because he’s set the world on fire but because he’s played his role and been consistent in a midfield that hasn’t always done either.
“Obviously it’s a pretty unpredictable situation with list sizes and the cap but he’s doing well, he’s had a really good year and added something so I’d be reasonably confident he’ll be there next year. It’s been a good story in an otherwise rough year,” Keays’ manager Nigel Carmody said.
29. Rory Laird. Age: 26 Games: 156 Status: Signed to 2021
Locked away for next year which completes his most recent three-year deal. Laird has been used off half-back but shone in the midfield this year including 37 touches against Collingwood. Would have currency at the trade table if the Crows were prepared to part with him but looks too important as a regular midfielder next season.
30. Wayne Milera. Age: 22 Games: 62 Status: Signed to 2025
Hit the jackpot earlier this year when he signed a big five-year deal in February just before the COVID-19 shutdown and the contract freeze. Has only played two games in 2020 after suffering a stress fracture in his foot in June and is touch and go whether he plays again before the season is done.
31. Patrick Wilson. Age: 25 Games: 2 Status: Out of contract
No senior games this year doesn’t bode well for the big-bodied midfielder. Finished second in the SANFL’s best and fairest but has barely got a look-in at AFL level. List sizes not getting cut or a mass exodus of Crows midfielders may be the only spark of hope Wilson has of getting a new deal.
32. Darcy Fogarty. Age: 20 Games: Status: 20 Signed to 2021
Signed to 2021 but needs a big year or more importantly a big pre-season after the Crows dropped him because of fitness issues this month. Has only kicked four goals this season amid debate over whether he and Taylor Walker can play in the same forward line. Will he live up to the first-round pick potential Crows fans are hoping for?
33. Brodie Smith. Age: 28 Games: 179 Status: Signed to 2021
Had high hopes of graduating to a full-time role in the midfield this year but injuries down back meant he’s had to return to his familiar post. Had some really good games and some quiet ones like his side. In the leadership group and a great club man so expect him to sign on again sometime next year.
34. Elliott Himmelberg. Age: 22 Games: 15 Status: Out of contract
In line for a new contract providing he and the Crows can agree to terms. Has played the last four games in a row and looked more and more comfortable at the level. Is running and jumping at the footy and has good hands. New deal expected to be two years and in that time he should become a mainstay inside 50m.
“We have started talking to the club,” his manager David Trotter said this week.
35. Fischer McAsey. Age: 19 Games: 10 Status: Signed to 2021
Drafted as a key defender but has played forward and back in his 10 games in his debut season. Looks good. Not easy to come in as a draftee and play a key post in defence but McAsey has shown enough to suggest why the Crows took him with Pick 6 last year. Some patience is needed but a long-term player in the making.
36. Andrew McPherson. Age: 21 Games: 6 Status: Signed to 2021.
One of if not the most impressive of Adelaide’s debutants this season, unfortunately hurt his troublesome hamstring against the Western Bulldogs a fortnight ago but is already signed for next year and can play at the level long-term if his body allows him to.
37. Ronin O’Connor. Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2021
In the first year of a two-year deal after being drafted from Claremont. A 191cm inside midfielder, O’Connor will be an interesting young prospect for the Crows as they rebuild their engine room.
38. Lachlan Sholl. Age: 2020 Games: 4 Status: Signed to 2022
Had to wait until Round 10 to get his debut but could not have been more impressive off half-back and along the wing. Great skills and composure with his kicking, Crows fans will be very pleased he is signed to 2022.
39. Tom Doedee. Age: 23 Games: 30 Status: Signed to 2021
Showed he is a future captain in waiting when he skippered the Crows in just his 27th match. Doedee’s season was prematurely ended for the second year in a row when he suffered an injury to the hamstring that provided the graft for his ACL rebuild. As long as his body holds up he will be a key part of the Crows on the field and off it.
40. Ben Davis. Age: 23 Games: 2 Status: Signed to 2021
Hasn’t been sighted since Round 1, despite Nicks saying Crows youngsters would get chances this season. After the Western Bulldogs loss Nicks did say Davis may get an opportunity but the speedy forward is now set to miss the next two to three weeks due to a stress reaction in his foot. The injury has come at a terrible time for Davis who will need a massive year in 2021 if he’s not moved on before.
41. Jordan Butts. Age: 20 Games: 1 Status: Signed to 2021
Debuted against Geelong and is developing nicely to fill Kyle Hartigan’s spot whenever that may be. Has added some size since being drafted and signed a contract extension last year keeping him at the club until the end of 2021 at least.
42. Ayce Taylor. Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Out of contract
Was a pre-season supplementary list signing in March on the eve of the season but unlikely to still be there next year.
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43. Reilly O’Brien. Age: 25 Games: 33 Status: Signed to 2021
Locked in until 2021 when he signed a two-year deal in 2019. Was very good against Brodie Grundy and Nic Naitanui but hasn’t dominated games this season. Then again, he’s only played 33 in his career. The Crows will either wait for Kieran Strachan to develop, use Frampton more, or buy O’Brien some instant support or competition next year.
44. Lachlan Gollant. Age: 18 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2021
Outside mid who was drafted with Pick No. 48 last year, not sighted this season but still one year to run on his current deal. Played in the trial game last week and looked OK.
45. Kieran Strachan. Age: 24 Games: 1 Status: Out of contract
Made his debut against North Melbourne when he had four touches this year. Is seen as a long-term ruck prospect but at 24 how long do the Crows wait? Signed a one-year rookie contract last year so will be sweating on a new deal.
Originally published as Adelaide list analysis: Who will survive the club’s upcoming rebuild?