AFL Draft 2024: Adelaide Crows weigh up bold trade to land Victorian star Jagga Smith

Adelaide has long been linked with South Australian Sid Draper with its first pick in next week’s draft – but the Crows might be about to move up the order and overlook the homegrown talent.

Adelaide may look to make a bold move up the order to snare a Victorian midfielder considered the most bankable prospect in the draft.

The Crows have discussed a trade with North Melbourne to climb from pick 4 to 2 and rival clubs believe Adelaide has its sights on Jagga Smith.

Smith, a prolific ball winner who captained Vic Metro at the under-18 national championships, was arguably the best-performed draft hopeful this past season.

Recruiters describe the 18-year-old as a can’t miss prospect and future AFL captain.

Rival clubs think Adelaide wants to jump Carlton in the draft order because the Crows are concerned the Blues will take Smith at pick 3.

Jagga Smith in action for Victoria Metro earlier this year. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos

The Kangaroos are believed to be seeking pick 4 and a future second-round selection to get the deal done.

North Melbourne is understood to have knocked back the Crows’ offer of pick 4 and two future third-round selections for No. 2.

Smith would add a different dynamic to the Crows’ midfield with his speed and agility.

The Oakleigh Chargers on-baller averaged 33.3 disposals, 7.9 clearances and 154 ranking points from 12 games in the Coates Talent League this year.

Adelaide traded its future second-round pick to secure GWS midfielder James Peatling last month, but could secure another 2025 second-rounder on draft night.

Richmond is still expected to take GWV Rebels midfielder/forward Sam Lalor at No.1.

North Melbourne has been linked to midfielder Finn O’Sullivan in recent days if it holds on to pick 2, despite long being favoured to select exciting 193cm utility Alix Tauru.

If Adelaide was to beat Carlton to Smith, the Blues could nab dynamic South Adelaide midfielder Sid Draper.

South Adelaide Sid Draper. Picture Corey Sutton/SANFL

The Blues are firming as the landing spot for South Australia’s top prospect after coach Michael Voss and list manager Nick Austin flew to Adelaide this week to interview him.

Draper’s explosiveness is viewed as a great fit in a Carlton midfield featuring dual Brownlow Medallist Patrick Cripps and fellow star Sam Walsh.

The Blues are expected to take either Draper or Oakleigh Chargers midfielder Finn O’Sullivan.

If North Melbourne overlooks Tauru, he is not expected to get past Melbourne at No. 5, given the Demons are big fans of the Gippsland Power high flyer.

Richmond looks almost certain to select big-bodied midfielder Josh Smillie with pick 6, while Brisbane Lions father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft is also expected to receive a bid within the first six selections.

Port Adelaide, which does not enter the draft until pick 13, has been linked with tall forwards Jobe Shanahan, Jack Whitlock and Jonty Faull, along with classy midfielder Murphy Reid.

The Power also holds selections 29, 36 and 50.

Adelaide’s next picks are 64 and 78, where it is considered a chance to select father-son forward Tyler Welsh.

Originally published as AFL Draft 2024: Adelaide Crows weigh up bold trade to land Victorian star Jagga Smith