Forgotten Crow on the borderline

ADELAIDE has conceded forgotten forward Chris Knights could be the first player it loses through free agency at season's end.

Chris Knights

ADELAIDE has conceded forgotten forward Chris Knights could be the first player it loses through free agency at season's end.

Knights, who is yet to appear at AFL level this season, is classified as an unrestricted free agent who can switch clubs even if the Crows match their rival's offer.

And while Crows coach Brenton Sanderson has declared the long-kicking left-footer as "really close" to selection, the 25-year-old Victorian could be of more value across the border.

"The pressure is on everyone as you've got to perform to get in the side," Crows operations manager Phil Harper said.

"I dare say if you are out of the side for long enough, you've got to consider your options as well - a little bit like (former Crow) Ivan Maric did last year.

"There's pressure on for spots and that's what happens when you've got virtually every player on your list available for selection - someone has to miss out and some of those guys are going to be upset.

"All they can do, though, is keep putting performances on the board in the SANFL and try to force their way back in when the opportunity arises."

Former first-choice Crows Brad Symes, Andy Otten and Richard Tambling have also been pushing their claims for a recall but Knights is the only one with the freedom to move without needing to be traded.

"It's the AFL business in general," Harper said.

"The bottom line is people are trying to protect their careers and if they are struggling to get a game, well, they will consider what alternatives they've got.

"But we would hope we can keep most of those guys (including Knights) but the key part is they have to be playing well to push their way back into the team.

"At the moment they are holding their end of the bargain up because they are playing well now. All they need is a spot to open up for them."

Knight's opportunity could come in the Crows' next match against St Kilda at AAMI Stadium on Friday week, with Bernie Vince to miss out through suspension.

"He's really close," Sanderson said of Knights, who tallied 27 disposals and two goals in the SANFL on Saturday. "It's been really difficult because he's played with the Eagles, who at different times have had the bye, then he got suspended so he missed a week and then we had the SANFL state game.

"So he's been a little bit of a victim of circumstances at times. It's frustrating for him because we know he can play and he's certainly a valuable player in this squad. When he gets his opportunity I'm sure he's going to play really well."