WITH the 2021 AFL Draft done and dusted, Rookie Me Central takes a look through each clubs’ hauls to assess the areas they bolstered and what each fresh face promises to bring to their new side. The first team under the microscope is Adelaide, which added notable flair and running power among a promising crop.

National Draft selections:

#6 Josh Rachele (Murray Bushrangers)
#36 Jake Soligo (Eastern Ranges)
#44 Zac Taylor (Calder Cannons)

Preseason Draft Selections:

#2 Luke Nankervis (Sandringham Dragons)

Rookie Draft Selections:

#4 Ben Davis (re-listed)

Adelaide came into the 2021 National Draft with a pressing need for flair and an injection of individual brilliance to its midfield and forward line. The Crows got exactly that in Josh Rachele, a mercurial small forward who knows where the goals are and loves to celebrate when he finds them. His creativity and dynamism should massively bolster the Crows’ goal threat, and with a greater tank, he has scope to translate his pace and skill to midfield. He’ll play early.

Down the line, the Crows managed to add a couple of similar players in small midfielder-forwards Jake Soligo and Zac Taylor. The former came first at pick 36, adding running power around the square and the ability to find plenty of ball. Taylor, one of the best kicks in the draft, offers the same kind of traits and is difficult to catch, with his high level smarts invaluable when entering attacking 50. He proved a real bargain at the Crows’ final selection.

Having repeatedly overlooked local talent in the latter rounds, Adelaide continued that theme at the preseason draft by snapping up another Victorian in Luke Nankervis. The Crows jumped in ahead of Essendon to nab the hard-working wingman/forward, whose athleticism and versatility both appeal. Rounding out a solid haul, Adelaide also re-listed Ben Davis via the rookie draft.

Overall, Crows fans can be happy that they addressed a key need and added a couple more ready-to-go talents whose work rate and skill will have them challenging for selection in year one. Nankervis was a great get in the preseason draft, and the Crows’ regeneration will continue at a steady rate thanks to their latest intake.