List analysis: State of play for Adelaide’s out of contract players

He’s currently out of favour at the West Lakes. Would this key forward interest another AFL club? Find out who else could depart.

James Rowe is among the Crows without contracts for next season. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It is the time of year football clubs are making tough list-management decisions.

Who is safe and who will be getting a little bit nervous about their future at Adelaide?

The Crows entered the season with the bulk of their list under contract and have since locked away several more players, including former captain Taylor Walker this week.

That leaves very few without deals for 2023 and means there is a squeeze for list spots.

We have analysed the names and looked at which of them are likely to remain at the rebuilding club.

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Which Crows will

Plenty can change over the next few months, depending on what happens during the remainder of the season, as well as off-season ins and outs.

Midfielder Matt Crouch and wingman Lachlan Sholl are two contracted Crows who loom as candidates to be traded, having already been linked with moves.

Adelaide may also choose to re-draft a player or two as rookies as they make compulsory cuts.

Here is the state of play for the Crows without contracts for next year:

James Borlase

Age: 20

AFL games: 0

Status: In limbo

The Crows have yet to guarantee a new deal for the key defender. They can keep him as a category B rookie and he has been solid in the SANFL, but he may not have done enough to remain at West Lakes for a third season.

James Borlase (with the ball) is yet to make his AFL debut. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Ben Davis

Age: 25

AFL games: 7

Status: In trouble

Surprisingly re-signed last year, Davis is almost certainly in his swan song at the club. He is in his sixth season on the list and has been in some of his best SANFL form in 2022, playing at half-back, but he has only featured once in the AFL – last week as an unused medical substitute.

Ben Davis playing Glenelg earlier this month. Picture: SANFL/David Mariuz

Billy Frampton

Age: 25

AFL games: 24

Status: In trouble

Signed a three-year deal when he crossed from rivals Port Adelaide at the end of 2019 but it would be a surprise if he was given an extension. Recruited as a forward, Frampton has impressed in the state-league as a defender and even received six AFL coaches association in the thrilling away win over the Western Bulldogs in round 6. But he has not played AFL since a poor showing against Carlton in round 8 and looks to be on the way out.

Billy Frampton has not played at AFL level since round 8. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Elliott Himmelberg

Age: 24

AFL games: 36

Status: Potential trade bait

Adelaide is understood to have discussed Himmelberg as being a required player. But at his age and size, would the key forward interest another AFL club? Like Davis, he is in his sixth season on the Crows’ list. The Queenslander has had strong games, such as his clutch Showdown display this year, but has been unable to string together a long run of consistent performances.

Elliott Himmelberg marks against Carlton this year. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Mitch Hinge

Age: 24

AFL games: 15

Status: Should be fine

Hinge is likely to receive a new deal, although probably has to wait until season’s end. Injuries have held the utility back since joining Adelaide at the end of 2020, restricting him to one games last year and 11 this season. Hope of a contract extension in the next month looks like being pushed back but the ex-Brisbane Lion is versatile and one of few neat-kicking Crows so it will be perplexing if they axe him.

Mitch Hinge has battled injuries in his two seasons at Adelaide. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Tariek Newchurch

Age: 20

AFL games: 0

Status: Should be fine

Newchurch is all but certain to earn a third season as a Crows category B rookie. He boasts a quality Adelaide lacks – speed – and is having a promising SANFL season, kicking 19 goals from 13 goals.

Tariek Newchurch has impressed in the SANFL this year. Picture: Kelly Barnes

James Rowe

Age: 22

AFL games: 33

Status: In limbo

No guarantees of staying and will have to wait to learn his fate based on other list movements, particularly if the Crows add another small forward. Rowe has been an AFL regular in his two seasons, playing all bar five games, and is one of Adelaide’s few skilful goalsneaks so he will be unlucky if he is cut.

James Rowe has been an AFL regular during his two seasons at the Crows. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Mid-season recruit Brett Turner. Picture Dean Martin

Brett Turner

Age: 25

AFL games: 0

Status: In limbo

The next few months will determine Turner’s fate. It would shock though if Adelaide delisted the midfielder, given it recruited him as a mature-ager mid-season while he was injured, leaving him just a couple of months to prove himself on field. Adelaide was understood to have told his SANFL club, Glenelg, it would be a two-season commitment, but as of this week there were no guarantees. His explosiveness provides something a little different.

Originally published as List analysis: State of play for Adelaide’s out of contract players