WITH season proper and trade period done and dusted, AFL fans and staff alike now turn their attention towards the draft (November 28-30). The chaos has settled on player and pick swaps, and budding prospects have completed their combines, leaving a nervous wait until they learn their fate.

In the next of our club by club previews, we take a look at Adelaide’s draft hand and offer insight into how the Crows may utilise the picks at their possession. With three mid-to-late draft picks and a father-son bid to match, it may be a quiet night for the South Australian side.

2022 FINISH: 14th

CURRENT PICKS: 46, 56, 59

FUTURE PICKS: ADE R1, ADE R2, NM R2, COL R3

ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES: Max Michalanney

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:

Adelaide’s first pick is just about locked in at this stage, with the Crows set to match a bid on father-son nominee Max Michalanney early in the second round. Ranked by some clubs around the top 20, he is unlikely to fall too far past that range and will wipe out two of the Crows’ three selections, particularly as more father-son bids roll in beforehand.

Michalanney, the son of Norwood champion Jim, is a versatile and reliable defender. Able to play tall or small at 190cm, he shuts down dangerous forwards but is also composed in possession, and has scope to turn into the type of player coaches and fans love to have on their side. He cracked all three SANFL grades in a largely successful top-age campaign.

REMAINING CROP:

With potentially only one more new addition to be made by Adelaide on night two, there are a couple of avenues which may be explored. The Crows could always look towards the best available talent, but there is also an opportunity to inject either a touch of flair or long-term talent down the order. Outside run, speed through midfield, and classy ball users are a few target areas for the Crows to hit.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– How early in the second round will a bid for Max Michalanney come?
– Will the Crows look for long-term or readymade talent with their late pick?
– What kind of value can the Crows extract with their late pick?