Adelaide trade, free agency wishlist: Will Hayward, Harry Perryman and the most likely Crows targets
Adelaide is set to be a serious player in this year’s AFL trade and free agency market. So, who could be lured to West Lakes? We take a look at the key names.
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Adelaide is set to launch a bold recruiting drive at the end of this season as it tries to fast-track its rebuild under coach Matthew Nicks.
The Crows made waves during last year’s trade period when they were linked with an audacious move for Clayton Oliver as off-field issues clouded his future at Melbourne.
Adelaide’s intent was emphasised when it was revealed the Crows put a 10-year offer to Sydney star Errol Gulden in an effort to lure him out the harbour city.
And more recently, reported interest in bringing Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield back to South Australia materialised but was brushed off as “lighthearted banter”.
However, what it demonstrated is the Crows list team is thinking outside the box in an effort to launch the club to its first AFL premiership since 1998.
As football director Mark Ricciuto told this masthead last week: “the club’s just going to do whatever they can to improve the list, whether that’s through the trade period or free agency”.
Here are six realistic targets the Crows could target this off-season and next.
Will Hayward (Sydney)
Hayward only enhanced the value of his next contract with a starring role against GWS in the Battle of the Bridge at the weekend. The Crows are right in the hunt for the South Australian product, who has also been linked with Port Adelaide. A forward who could also be used in midfield, Hayward is in no rush to decide his future.
Harrison Petty (Melbourne)
The Crows went hard at the Melbourne swingman last year and are expected to renew their interest despite Petty being contracted until the end of 2025. The Demons have used Petty as a key forward this season but he would be more likely to be used as a defender at Adelaide. Melbourne is confident of retaining Petty but Adelaide is set to test its resolve.
Harry Perryman (GWS)
Perryman is an unrestricted free agent, which is why clubs such as the Crows and Port Adelaide are so keen. That factor means Perryman could be in line for a big contract, with any suitor not needing to part with draft picks to secure him. He’s a defender who kicks the ball well but can also lock down, boasting the type of versatility clubs crave.
Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane)
Expected to stay at Brisbane, with a six-year deal on the table from the Lions. But, he is exactly the high-end talent that the Crows are after to bolster their list. McCluggage can play both inside and outside and would add another element to the Crows midfield, which has been criticised as one-paced.
Luke Davies-Uniacke (North Melbourne)
Contracted until 2025, but has had to endure a lot of losing at the Kangaroos. Supremely talented, the Crows know exactly what Davies-Uniacke can do after he delivered one of his best games with 37 disposals, 11 clearances and a goal against them in 2022. Davies-Uniacke has also been strongly linked to St Kilda and Essendon but Adelaide seems likely to be in the running.
Caleb Daniel (Western Bulldogs)
This would have seemed unlikely at the start of the year, but Daniel is well and truly on the outer at the Bulldogs. The Crows defence is building nicely, but they arguably need more weaponry off halfback. When he plays in that role, Daniel provides exactly that and while he is an All-Australian he could be available for a lot cheaper than he should be after spending much of this year in the VFL or as sub.
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