WITH the 2021 trade period done and dusted, it is now time for clubs and fans alike to turn their attention to the draft. Between now and draft day (November 24/25), clubs will have the opportunity to exchange picks until the final order is formed a couple of days out. While the chaos ensues, Rookie Me Central takes a look at how each club may approach the upcoming intake with the hand they formed at the close of trade period.

Next under the microscope are the Adelaide Crows, who have another top five pick and plenty of local talent to consider.

CURRENT PICKS: 4, 33, 75, 80

2022 PICKS: ADE Round 1, ADE Round 2, ADE Round 3

ELIGIBLE ACADEMY/FATHER-SON PICKS:

Isaiah Dudley* (NGA), Blayne O’Loughlin* (NGA)

* – denotes club elected against nomination

LIST NEEDS:

+ Midfield points of difference
+ Small forward

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:
(Pick 4)

While the status of pick four reads well for Adelaide, it is just about certain to slide down two spots after bids on father-son prospects Nick Daicos (Collingwood) and Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs). South Australian sensation Jason Horne-Francis will inevitably go off the board, and the next-best midfielders available arguably do not provide the points of difference Adelaide desire.

With a blend of speed, agility and size, smooth-moving Sandringham Dragons product Finn Callaghan would suit the Crows’ needs perfectly. Only problem is, he is unlikely to be available and moving up the order will be difficult. Local talent Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is a skinnier, outside-leaning option with similar traits and enormous class, but might not have the centre bounce nous Adelaide is looking for.

That may see the Crows look to another list need, namely a goalkicking small forward. While targeting someone like Izak Rankine down the line could be in the works, Adelaide has the opportunity to bring in a player with similar flair, game-winning ability, and goalkicking nous in Josh Rachele. He also has scope to play midfield, offering an injection of pace Adelaide is looking for around the ball.

REMAINING CROP:

The Crows will likely take a couple of picks at the draft, with the potential to take three and manufacture a bigger hand via the trade table. As it stands, pick 33 looms as a selection with great value, and Adelaide could nab a surprise slider near the end of the second round.

Much has already been said about the evenness of this year’s crop around that range, and it is set to be ultra competitive as clubs jostle to secure their desired targets. In Adelaide’s case, its second-rounder could scratch the itch for local talent and cover the list need overlooked with pick four.

While speed and height are priorities in midfield, South Adelaide’s Matthew Roberts may be too hard to pass up. His work rate and versatility will appeal, and he was once touted as a genuine first round talent. Other South Aussies in the mix include Hugh Jackson and Cooper Murley, who provide a that zip and running capacity on the attack.

Elsewhere, Dandenong Stingrays teammates Judson Clarke and Connor Macdonald fit a similar mould but will be highly sought-after, while Kai Lohmann is a player who brings plenty of excitement and has upside aplenty with his athletic attributes. The Crows could also look at Paul Curtis as a genuine small forward, while Lewis Rayson and Sam Banks are running defenders in the mix.

KEY QUESTIONS:

> Will Callaghan be there at pick 4?
> Can the Crows move even further up the order?
> Are the Crows about to miss out on promising local talent?