AFL trade news: James Peatling chooses Adelaide amid huge interest from rival clubs

The Crows have pulled off another Giant coup this off-season, having already landed Isaac Cumming, an in-demand teammate is set to also make the move to Adelaide.

James Peatling is off to the Crows. Picture: James Worsfold/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Adelaide’s determination to be aggressive this trade period continues to pay off, enticing in-demand GWS midfielder James Peatling to want to join the club.

Peatling, 24, requested a trade to the Crows on Thursday, days after Giants teammate Isaac Cumming chose to head to West Lakes as an unrestricted free agent.

Six other clubs were reportedly interested in Peatling, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, playing 19 games.

GWS had hoped to keep the Sydney-born, 2021 mid-year rookie draft selection, but he opted for a fresh start at Adelaide.

His trade request is another off-season coup for the Crows after their 15th-placed finish this year.

James Peatling wants to be a Crow. Photo by Phil Hillyard

Along with Peatling and Cumming, they have attracted Melbourne premiership player Alex Neal-Bullen, in what is expected to be a straightforward deal for pick 25 next week.

The Cumming move was tipped to be approved on Friday, the first day of the free agency period.

Peatling was also linked with the Western Bulldogs, West Coast, Collingwood, Melbourne and St Kilda.

He is expected to sign a four-year deal with the Crows.

Peatling played four games in his debut season in 2021, then 22 in total across the next two years, before shining regularly this past campaign.

He became an important cog in the Giants’ midfield during its run to the finals, averaging 13.79 disposals, 2.68 inside 50s and 5.11 tackles.

Peatling was a shining light for the Giants in the 2024 finals. Pic: Michael Klein

Peatling kicked two goals in the Giants’ semi-final loss to Brisbane.

Standing 182cm, Peatling’s strengths include his speed, agility, marking and football IQ.

Broken Hill product Cumming knocked back Port Adelaide to join the Crows.

Cumming, 26, is a big boost to their backline, Neal-Bullen, 28, improves their small forward stocks and Peatling adds much-needed pace.

Adelaide tall forward Elliott Himmelberg is also expected to have his free agency move go through as soon as Friday as he looks to join Gold Coast.

Himmelberg has played 50 games and kicked 49 goals for the Crows since being chosen at pick 50 in the 2016 national draft.

The 26-year-old debuted in 2018 and featured in nine AFL matches this season.

Himmelberg had hoped to join his brother Harry at GWS during last year’s trade period but Adelaide kept him because its attempt to lure Harrison Petty from Melbourne fell over.

Originally published as AFL trade news: James Peatling chooses Adelaide amid huge interest from rival clubs