Taylor Walker flags early debut for Adelaide Crows draftee Sid Draper

It’s no secret Sid Draper has been turning heads at Adelaide training this pre-season, and former skipper Taylor Walker expects to see him early, but another young gun has had a setback.

Adelaide talisman Taylor Walker says No. 4 draft pick Sid Draper is a “very good chance” of making his debut for the Crows in Round 1.

The young gun midfielder’s strong pre-season form has put him in good stead to feature in the Crows’ season opener against St Kilda at Adelaide Oval next month.

Despite being in the B’s team in match sim of late, Draper was in the A’s for the first half of the Crows’ internal trial at Port Pirie on Friday.

This came as Crows’ star Izak Rankine missed the trial because he was away with the Indigenous All Stars in Perth, but Draper impressed Adelaide senior coach Matthew Nicks who said “he has attributes I think will come through at a higher level”.

Sid Draper during the Crows' pre-season training session. Picture: Adelaide FC/Zac Standish

Walker said Draper was a “very good chance” when asked about his chances for Round 1.

“His last few weeks have been outstanding and he is going to be a great addition to our footy club,” he said on Triple M

“He is a ripper.”

Draper showed off his pace and agility at stoppages on Friday, showing he could at the least be a potential sub option for the Crows to begin the season.

The Crows take on fierce rivals Port Adelaide in a trial game at Mount Barker this Friday.

It will feature six terms as the two teams play their first matches against a rival side.

The Crows are expected to select a forward line featuring talls Riley Thilthorpe, Darcy Fogarty and Dan Curtin in addition to Walker.

This could have success against a Port backline hit by injuries to key defensive duo Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Esava Ratugolea but there are questions about whether it could be too tall at times.

“Well it has worked pretty well over the pre-season so it (a tall forward line) will be a good chance of happening,” Walker said.

“It is probably leaning that way because Curts has had an unbelievable pre-season.”

Meanwhile Adelaide remains hopeful defender Max Michalanney will be fit for round 1 despite being ruled out of the club’s pre-season matches.

Crows training at West Lakes - Max Michalanney. 9 January 2025. Picture: Dean Martin

The 20-year-old suffered a dislocated thumb in the opening quarter of the Crows’ internal trial in Port Pirie on Friday.

Scans have confirmed ligament damage, but after seeing a specialist it has been determined Michalanney won’t need surgery.

Crows high performance manager Darren Burgess said the club was relieved with the outcome.

“We anticipate he will miss two to four weeks, which means he won’t play against Port Adelaide on Friday night or Brisbane the following week, but will aim to be available for Round 1 against St Kilda,” he said.

“The nature of this injury means he will continue to train as per normal and maintain the strong fitness base he’s built over summer.”

Michalanney will miss pre-season fixtures against Port Adelaide and Brisbane Lions.

Originally published as Taylor Walker flags early debut for Adelaide Crows draftee Sid Draper